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I can't imagine where else I'd be. Suppose I can spare a hand, even two. For a price.

Will he, now? All the better. I always enjoy the good doctor's company.

Is the price something other than free food and brilliant company? I could struggle.

And yeah, well. You haven't had the chance to enjoy too much of it so far. And it's Christmas, so. Anyway, he'll be in my room.

Not a bad price. I could be persuaded.

Well, I dare say I've enjoyed what I've had. [ just give him a couple minutes to process. ] But of course he will. I can't think of another place he would be.

That's an easy deal, from a pirate.

Right. So, just letting you know. Try not to leave your pants on the floor. Jem's brother's probably dropping by, too.

You might say I'm in a charitable mood. It's Christmas, after all.

Where am I meant to leave them, then?

As long as it's not a puritanical one.

You have got a room of your own. It's that one on the left of the corridor, gathering dust.

Christ, no. Banish the thought.

Oh, that's right. [ as if he'd forgotten. ] I'll be reacquainting myself with it on Christmas Eve, as I guess.

I guess. Or Friday.

Friday, then. How long will he be staying?

Just Christmas Eve, I think. We're staying at the farm Christmas. You and me could do something for boxing day, if you can see straight by then.

But Friday I thought I'd sleep at yours.

[ he's about to ask when boxing day is, since that'll determine whether or not he will, in fact, be able to see straight by then, but. ]

What, in my room?

Why, have you got somewhere else?

Nay, just the one.

Is this because you're wishing to keep your bedclothes clean for when the doctor arrives?

It wasn't.

Though I should probably wash them, I suppose...

I shouldn't doubt it. Can't imagine as he'd appreciate them being already dirty.

You haven't complained.

Anyway, just thought I'd see what the view's like across the hall.

Where I'm from, the bedclothes are always dirty.

But the view's nice, I suppose. Might even be worth seeing for yourself. And more, the bedclothes have scarce been used, so they're like to be cleaner than yours.

Yeah well, look who's rubbing off on them. Probably literally, I hear it's lonely out at sea.

I think you've forgotten the whole sailing bit, though. You're more of a farmhand than a pirate, now.

Aye, that's because there be far more to do on land than sea around here. I've sailed the waters a dozen times or so and explored as far as I dare go.

Unless, of course, you wish me to sail so far that I disappear again.

Isn't there always more to do on land?

And no. Not today, anyway. You could take me out again, though.

Whence I come from, the opposite was true. On land, the common man were a prisoner, but at sea, he could be free to do as he pleased.

Besides, the Frasers pay handsomely, in coin and in meals.

[ there's a few seconds' delay. ]

Are you wanting to go out again?

Yeah, until he gets caught and hung for it, from what you've told me.

We could do.

If you think you can keep us occupied.

There's truth in that. Better to die by the noose than live under the yoke, I say.

Oh, never fear, I'll keep you occupied. Sailing's no easy work. [ kidding... mostly. ]