“I suppose not.”
“Come and pick a bone with us?”
Coppinger laughed a short snort through his nostrils.
“I have a bone to pick with you already.”
“Never! no, never!”
“You have forced yourself on Miss Trevisa to act as her agent and valuer in the matter of dilapidations.”
“Not forced, Captain. She asked me to give her friendly counsel. We are old acquaintances.”
“I will not waste words. Give me her letter. She no longer requires your advice and counsel. I am going to act for her.”
“You, Cap’n! Lor’ bless me! You don’t mean to say so!”
“Yes. I will protect her against being pillaged. She is my housekeeper.”