James was reminded again of the little shop on Eaton Square with all manner of curiosities that had piqued his interest, but he had been there to buy a proper pirate’s outfit and he was rather pleased with his purchase. He had almost bought a red belted frock coat with gold trim, but he resisted trying it on because he knew if he saw himself in it he would buy the thing, and he knew the moment he saw the coat it was something fit for a captain. Maybe one day when he had worked his way up in the ranks and become a captain he would return for it, but for the meantime, he told himself he was pleased with his outfit. He was proud of it, really—that is, he was until all the pirates in the Crusty Toad looked at him as if he was an interloper, or some sort of impostor. Never mind, he thought. Perhaps they were simply jealous he had outfitted himself so well.

James took a seat in a dark corner, laying his small sack of belongings beside him on the wooden bench, and pulled out a book to read from his sack. He hesitated before putting it down, seeing, even in the dim candlelight, that the wooden table was greasy. He took out his handkerchief and put it on the table so the grime wouldn’t sully his beloved book. Just as he opened his book, an older woman with long wild gray hair approached him. She was wearing a blue dress cinched tightly with a green bodice that was heavily soiled and stained for lack of wearing an apron.

“What can I get you, guv’nah?” her voice croaked, and James wondered if this was the establishment’s namesake, because to James she looked and sounded like a crusty toad.

“What do you recommend?” he asked, causing the old woman’s croaky laugh to fill the room.

“You are a precious one, aren’t you, dear? Are you sure you’re in the right place?” she asked, appearing rather amused, and glancing back at the pirates across the room who were laughing and looking in James’s direction.

“I am quite sure,” he said with a saucy smirk, hoping the pirates heard him.

“The likes of these men don’t appreciate being mocked, especially by those who believe themselves to be their betters,” she said, leaning in rather too close and making James uncomfortable. He tried to back away from her, almost toppling off the bench, which made the wild-haired woman and the pirates laugh again. The sound of their raspy and rough laughs sent a chill through him, but he straightened up and spoke with authority.