[he doesn't know what the silence means and almost immediately backtracks, almost immediately says it's a stupid idea. But then he remembers and reminds himself that Ed is just a soft underneath it all- and he might not be comfortable true, but he might not be comfortable yet or might never be. But Stede wants the offer to be there for him]

Mary can be quite surprising. And it wouldn't just be Blackbeard I'd be introducing them to. Though they'll want to see that too. Especially Alma. She's got fire in her. Louis is a bit more timid, but he's a good boy with lots of growing to do.

[gosh he hasn't thought of them like this in a while now. His darlings. And why not have it both? Why can't he be a pirate and a father and a gentleman? Why not have it all if he can?]

Anyway, the offer is there if you want it. In the meantime I think I could curl up in bed with a good book and a dry sherry and the handsomest man on the boat, if he's available.