However, Annie wasn't upset because she had someone she liked.
If possible, they should let that heartless man find a job working for Mr. Hastings.
She didn't expect the guy to be ambitious; all she wanted was for him not to spend all day drinking and causing trouble with the hoodlums at the docks.
Annie wiped the tables absentmindedly, lost in thought.
Suddenly, the wind chimes hanging at the tavern's door jingled.
Annie put away the rag, looked up, and exclaimed with surprise, "Mr. Hastings?"
Arthur glanced at the local thugs in the tavern whom he knew all too well, removed his hat, and said, "Good evening, miss. Is your uncle here? I've reserved a private room with him."
"My uncle is in the kitchen. He said it's your first visit this year, and he wants to treat you well, to shake off the bad luck you brought back from Liverpool."
"No need to be so polite," Arthur joked. "I'm not demanding. Just as long as Mr. Martin doesn't put anything extra in my food."
