Violet’s brows rose. She knew King was not the sort of man who apologized easily.
“But something has to be done about him.”
“You’re not the one to do it. With the sale of your coat, you can consider your debt to me cleared. You are free to go to Scotland or the countryside or wherever you desire. In fact, I think it would be wise if you left Seven Dials first thing in the morning.”
“You want me to go?”
“I don’t want your death on my conscience.”
“I’m not leaving until I deal with Ferryman.”
“He is not your problem to deal with.” She stood. “Rest and recover. I’ll pack your things, and you can be away first thing in the morning.”
“Violet—”
“No arguments.” She picked up the basin of red-tinged water and walked out, closing the door to her closet behind her. In the flat, she dumped out the water and rinsed the linens, hanging them on the clothesline to dry. Then she started downstairs, taking a moment to close the door to the flat and lean on it to slow her heart.
She didn’t want King to leave. A couple of days ago, she couldn’t wait to see the back of him. Now he seemed part of the Silver Unicorn—as much a part of it as Peggy or Joshua.
But he had to go. Not only because he had incurred the wrath of Ferryman but because the way he made her feel was unwelcome. It had been a long time since she’d felt any attraction to a man, and she’d never felt the sort of attraction she felt to King. She didn’t know what was wrong with her. The man caused more trouble than he was worth. He’d destroyed her tavern, upended her world, and now caused more strife with Ferryman. The sooner he was gone, the better.
But oh, how she would miss those stolen kisses and the way he made her feel when he pulled her into his arms. During those moments she forgot she was a poor taverness with rough hands and unwashed hair living in the armpit of Seven Dials, and instead felt like the most desirable woman in the country.
“Vi! Vi!” It was Joshua’s voice, and Violet shook her head and scampered down the steps.
“I’m coming. What is it?” She swung through the door to the back room and saw Peggy, Georgie, and Joshua standing around the bar. Cloth-wrapped pies were on top of the bars, and Georgie hadn’t waited to start eating his.
“It’s Archie,” Joshua said, unwrapping a pie and handing it to her.
Violet took the pie, but her stomach fluttered, and she suddenly had no appetite. “What happened?”
“He’s awake!”
“What?”
“It’s true. After I sold the coat, I stopped in to see Mrs. Archie. The physician King procured was just leaving, and Mrs. Archie was crying. I thought the worst, but then I heard Archie’s voice. I went inside, and he was sitting up with the two little girls by his side on the bed.”
Violet set the pie on the bar. “He’s awake?”
“Thank the Lord,” Peggy said, smiling.
“The physician said he should rest a few more days, but he should make a full recovery. He said he had a—Oh, I forgot the word he used. But whatever it is, he’s getting better.”
“I’ll go see him.”
Joshua grasped her wrist. “The physician said he needs quiet and rest. No visitors for a few days.”
“Oh, I see.” She lifted the pie again, but now she was too excited to eat. “Georgie, will you take this pie to King? He must be starving. Just leave it by the bed if he’s sleeping.”
“Sure, Vi.” Georgie scampered away, and Violet asked Joshua how much he’d sold the coat for, collected the money, and counted out what she owed to Ferryman.
“He wants me to deliver the payment to him personally,” she said, then told Joshua what had happened after they visited Mrs. Greene.
“You can’t go by yourself,” he said. “I’ll go too. I can stay back and out of sight.”
Violet narrowed her eyes. “Just as long as you don’t go looking for Lizzie.”
“I won’t. King promised he’d help her.”
