Author's Note: It has been brought to my attention by a reviewer that I am spelling Nagel's name wrong. I'd just like to state here and now that I am not. I happened at first to prefer the book spelling to the movie one. Rather than changing it in every story, I think I'll just stick with Nagel. You might also notice that I spell Faster Doodle in the manner of the book as well. It's just a preference thing. I'm not trying to be a jerk, I just wanted to make sure everyone's on the same page. I haven't read many of the books, but I made sure I read Far Side of the World.

A soft rapping at the door woke Paca. She ignored it, but it only came again and again. "It's Joe. Please, Paca, I don't have much time."

She thought a moment, and then said in a bored tone, "Fine. Come in."

Joe slipped inside with a lantern in hand and closed the door. He didn't seem to want to look her in the eye. "Look," he began, setting the lantern down on the table, "I'm sorry I poured water on you. It was only in fun—honest."

"A real gentleman would take off his hat," she said coldly, as if she hadn't heard a word he had said. "Like Tom," she added pointedly.

"Lieutenant Pullings?" He finally met her gaze. "You fancy 'im, don't you? That's what this is—I knew there was something going on." He was angry. "Fine. You're much better suited for each other—a wealthy man'll suit you just fine, won't 'e?"

"Joe, stop it," she said, frustrated when he continued to rant and rave. "I do not love Tom, but he has been kind to me, which is more than I can say for you." He looked down guiltily. "I told him not to punish you."

"Thank you." He smiled sheepishly. "So…what now?"

She smiled and her eyes lit up. "I have an idea." She rushed to the door and called out, "Don Killick!" Within half an hour they had delivered to them a wonderful meal. Joe hadn't eaten so well in his entire life.

"Do you have a sweetheart?" Paca asked, pouring another glass of wine.

"Not yet," he replied, smiling, clearly drunk. "I had one back 'ome, but when I signed up for this…Well, she understood I might sooner die than get back to England." He put down the glass and moved closer to her. "Did I tell you how beautiful you are yet?"

"No, you did not," she said slowly.

"I've never seen a woman as lovely as you." He kissed her, and then backed away, waiting for her response.

She closed her eyes and said softly, "Bésame, Joe."

"Eh?"

"Kiss me!" Their second kiss was more passionate and they only broke apart so Joe could tear off his shirt. "Do you think we should be doing this?" she asked between kisses, as they both tried to remove her bodice.

"Why not?" He kissed her now-bare shoulder.

"Lieutenant Pullings," she replied.

He stopped and leant in close to her face. "Lieutenant who?" Their lips met once again, this time with more fervor than before.

Suddenly her eyes widened and she pulled away, seeing something he did not. "What?" he questioned just before he was pulled away from her by the waist of his pants. His shirt lay strewn on the floor with many of Paca's clothing.

"Lady Santiago!" Tom exclaimed. She grabbed her shirt, attempting to cover herself; they had managed to get all the way down to her corset. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Just a bit of fun, sir," Joe answered, not sure how to respond.

Tom pointed a menacing finger at his. "You're in enough trouble already, Nagel, now, keep quiet!"

"Lieutenant Pullings, try to understand—" Paca pleaded.

"No, no, I understand," he said heatedly. "I understand we picked up a harlot, and not a lady. The captain will hear of this. You can be sure of that." He slammed the door shut.

Paca looked to Joe desperately. "I don't understand. What did we do wrong?"

Joe put his shirt back on. "I'm not supposed to even go near ye, Paca, let alone make love to you," he said worriedly. He sat down, biting his nails. "I'll be flogged," he said at length.

She shook her head. "Flogged? What does this mean?"

"Whipped," he said. "They tie you up and hit you with a whip made of rope. It stings like hell." He forced a weak smile, and then looked concerned again. "You'd better go before the captain comes."

She nodded quickly and slipped out of the room.