“Violence?” said Arthur. “In what manner?”
“More than once he has hit me and pushed me around.”
“Why did you not tell me these things.”
Why indeed, she thought. “I suppose I thought it was all part of the plan, to rough me up a little in order to make me more amenable.”
“Upon my word, it was not,” Arthur protested. “I shall dismiss him immediately.”
“On the other hand,” Eleanor said, “I have grown quite fond of his wife Susan. I should not wish her to suffer because of her husband’s conduct.”
Arthur thought for a moment. “Perhaps I can find some work for Stoker elsewhere on the estate, outside, so that he would never enter the house, and you would never see him.”
“That might work,” Eleanor said.
“Is that it?” Arthur aid hopefully. “No more conditions?”
“Just one more thing,” she s
