James would have forgotten entirely about Miss Angelica—like all the other ladies David had introduced him to lately—had he not met her again the next day in a rather…surprising situation.
He'd taken two other officers with him to visit the Spanish captain at his office the next morning and exchange naval procedures. The captain proudly showed them around the docks, introducing him to several more Spaniards and visiting the offices.
"And this is Miss Teach!" he insisted in a proud, very thick accent, gesturing to the woman polishing a pistol. "You met her last night I believe, no?"
"Yes….I did." James answered rather slowly, wondering if it was a common thing to have women working among the officers. It certainly wasn't allowed back in Port Royal, and as far as he knew Spain held the same rule.
"Miss Teach, Admiral Norrington from England is here to—how do you say?—learn the ropes!"
She glanced up, the same suspicion in her eyes as she regarded James and his officer.
"You remember him?"
"Yes." She got up and placed away the pistol, coming over to stand beside the captain. "You were the one who didn't want to dance."
James was unsure if that was supposed to be amusing or not, luckily he didn't get a chance to comment because the eager Spanish captain had decided to get Angelica show him the maps.
"Miss Teach, she is…very good with maps!" he led them both into a separate room assigned specifically for the subject.
James took up the opportunity to enquire about her. "It is a common practice to hire women in the Spanish Navy?"
Angelica shook her head, pulling out several large rolled up parchments and spreading them out. "Just me."
James raised his brows some, silently questioning if that was such a good idea or not. "And why is that, if I may be so bold?"
She didn't seem to like him prying, but she answered all the same. "Because, like Captain Anders said, I am good with maps."
And she was, in fact she had charted quite a few islands that James didn't know about. He assigned his officer to take notes, knowing Weatherby would be very pleased. Though quietly, he wondered how she even knew about all this. It seemed like she had done more traveling then he himself had.
When it came time to leave, James had to compliment her. "I have to agree with Captain Anders—you are very skilled."
"Thank you." She did not smile, but accepted his comment, turning around to go back to work before he even left.
"Ah, you agree no?" The Captain grinned, flashing his white teeth.
"Indeed." James wished he would stop giving those half smiles—but it was practice now.
"I think we learn somethings from you as well. Maybe we meet again tomorrow?"
James hesitated, knowing his men would really prefer to rest...but Angelica spoke from the back of the room. "I think you should agree this time."
They shook hands on it and James left, keen to do some charting himself.
Angelica didn't like the British naval officers around-she didn't trust them. Not just because she was branded and they'd drag her away, but because she was worried for her people. They were exchanging so much information to men they didn't even know! Men that were, a few weeks ago, their enemies. And half of the women in the town were swooning over them, too to top it off.
Well, not her. She wouldn't fall for their flirting, the Spanish men were bad enough already. She only went to the banquets and parties because she was required.
She went home after her days work, unlocking the door to the tiny house she rented and changing into something more comfortable. Her bedroom window had a view of the docks, and she watched the lanterns from the British ship get lit as the night closed in. The Admiral was in his cabin by the looks of it. He was a very odd man…so different from anyone else. Tall, broad…fascinating green eyes that seemed devoid of life. Yet she had no doubt that he could be unmerciful if he wished.
"I wish they'd leave." She murmured to herself, closing the curtains.
But no, she had to meet them again the next day.