Bloody hell. Why couldn't people leave him alone!? He had shown kindness and great patience to Alice and she persistently spat it back in his face - that was what was going on! But he didn't know how to defend himself against Mr. Meijer. That weasel. Oh he wished that he'd launched at the man that day he had found him in his home with Alice. "I don't know! I didn't hit her! I never have!" he shouted back, quite red in the face.

But here was this Amazon already in his face. He turned to her. "Miss," he tried as calmly as he could. "I am unaware of saying anything that insulted ye or yer crew, whereas you continue to be aggressive, insulting and belligerent. Now will ye please leave me and me wife be?"

He looked over her shoulder. "Alice, ye know I never struck ye and I will not," he addressed his wife. "But get off that boat. Go to yer father's home. Ye've caused enough of a scene!"