The Noon sun left no shadows, save those underfoot, and the Admiral made his way to the Blue Dog. It was not a tavern frequented by the Navy – or more recently the Company, more of a middling place for tradesmen and the like. James was already missing Theo, who had sailed away with the tide to gather recognizance, and he felt incredibly awkward going to the tavern alone.

The morning left him haunted with the image of a pale, round face with brown eyes that sparkled like topaz and full lips that could either whisper threats or secrets. Where had he seen her before? There was something at play and James did not know the rules of the game. These subtle machinations were not at all his style; he preferred cannons roaring broadsides.

The Blue Dog might have been a few degrees cooler on the inside, but the stuffiness of the air made it difficult to distinguish. It seemed that even the motes friscolating in the humid air were sodden and sluggish. Norrington approached the bar and wondered if he should eat anything or merely pacify himself with something to drink. A dish of black coffee was his choice and he welcomed the bitter taste that bolstered his mind.

The Admiral's gaze swept the room, looking for a moonfaced woman among the growing crowd and finding none. Although he was offered a table he did not sit. Instead he gave the slightest innuendo that he was costive and the potboy dropped the matter entirely. James stood and kept his eyes on the door and waited. Ordered a second dish of coffee and waited. Finished his second dish of coffee and waited.

Norrington briefly considered ordering a third dish of coffee, until he realized that he would wait in vain no matter how slowly he sipped at his dish. James could stay no longer and was about to leave before he thought of leaving a message should she arrive after he departed. Then he remembered that he did not even know her name. It would be impolitic to say to the barkeep that he would rather keep the lady's name out of it.

He should leave a message, in the event the woman was waylaid, so she knew he had not jilted her. The Admiral said to the barkeep succinctly, "Should a lady come looking for me, please tell her Admiral Norrington had a prior engagement," and walked out. James felt more awkward leaving than when he came in and found himself with an urgent need to piss and to gather his thoughts.