Jade accepted the grapes and ate them slowly, savoring every bite. She knew that what he said about Iron Face was true.<br/>“I can paint and I can sing. I am educated. I was the hostess in my father’s house as he often entertained dignitaries. As I said, I can read and I can keep account books. I don’t know what else to tell you. I am a woman of refinement. I do not cook or bake. My sewing skills are almost nonexistent except for embroidery. I can run a household and oversee ordering food to feed a plantation. I have basic healing skills.”<br/><br/>She looked down, examing her fingernails, afraid to look at the pirate. Jade heard the scuffing of footsteps, she glanced up to see a man coming in carrying a silver platter. He bowed low and handed him  a letter.<br/><br/>“Should I wait for an answer, El Senor?”.<br/><br/>A slave ran in and threw herself at the pirate’s feet.<br/><br/>“Mercy, El Senor. Have mercy. My son is a good boy and serves you faithfully. Madam Beatrice says he stole bread from the kitchen. He never has stolen. I swear.”<br/><br/>Jade gaped at the woman and began to tremble.