Of course Lottie had to make this about 'men' again. Bill folded his arms and leaned against the wall. Fine! She could sort herself out! He wouldn't attempt to comfort her anymore!

With his anger fed by Lottie's word, he gravely watched Joe come up the stairs. He cast a look of disapproval over Joe's shoulder at Miss Carrington. "Stay out of it, lass!" he called down the stairs. Her way of speaking and meddling irritated him to the point that he was tempted to push her out the door and tell her to stay there. She had no place here. She never could have one, and Joe was a bloody fool if he thought differently.

"That the best you can do?" He spat the words at Joe. "Ye bloody dimwit!"