The woman swung on him. ‘If it was important, he wouldn’t be asking you now, would he? Needs something lifted or carried, more like! That’s all you’re good for, Joseph D’Amato, as a beast of burden, and you’re not much good at that!’

She turned to Colby, suddenly smiling. ‘But, where are my manners? How you do, Captain Alvin?’

‘Adrian, ma’am,’ said Colby politely. ‘Very well. And you.’

‘Much the same, Alvin, busy with my work and running the home, and Joseph’s no help, not one bit.’

‘We keep telling him he should do a little more to help you out,’ said Colby, somehow managing to keep a straight face. Joe shot a look at him, part anguish and part threat.

‘Oh, he won’t! Lazy as his father, he is!’

‘But Ma—’

‘You be quiet, now! You know, Alvin, he just doesn’t help. One small thing I asked him to do, and the first thing he said was no.’

‘And what was that, ma’am?

The woman looked angry again. ‘Well, I just heard that that commander of yours has been sending my work out for modifications! My work! That lout!’

‘That’s dreadful,’ said Colby, frowning. ‘I don’t wonder you’re angry.’

‘Oh, I am! He might be my best customer—’

‘Ma, he’s your only customer.’

‘Hold your tongue, Joseph! And don’t contradict your mother in front of guests! I’m telling you, Alvin, I won’t stand for it!’

‘I agree, ma’am.’

‘So I went down to that lout’s tent and I brought back that last piece he took from me! Whistle for it, he can!’

‘Very understandable.’

‘Isn’t it? But Joseph refused to tell him he can’t have it back!’

‘Perhaps because the commander might not understand.’

‘Well, he’d better, because he’s not getting it!’

‘Maybe you should just give it to someone else, ma’am. Just to let him know.’

The woman beamed. ‘That’s exactly what I’ve planned! I’m so glad you came along, Alvin.’ She turned, directing a look of withering scorn at Joe, who was trying his best via facial gestures to let Colby know he should exit this line of conversation. ‘What you making faces for? The wind will change and it’ll get stuck like that and it’ll be a good thing! At least your father was a handsome man! And, unlike you, he understood art!’

‘Ma, Pa hated your art. He used to trip over it on purpose to break it.’

The woman glared at him. ‘Another word and I’ll throw you out! How dare you tell lies of my dear, departed husband! The best man who ever lived he was. Wonder who’ll say that of you, Joseph D’Amato? Nobody!’

She turned back to Colby. ‘So you can take it with you, Alvin,’ she said, her voice suddenly soft and sweet again.