It took genuine control of her face not to burst out laughing, let alone not to smile, as Ava continued her protestations which, of course, only made Viola's desire to push the two together stronger.
"Really?" she asked, "aghast." "That's such a shame! He's done such good work for the manor in the past. I'd hate not to employ him over a silly misunderstanding about paint." She tapped her chin. "But he worked so well when you were watching him. Perhaps your... encouragement is all he needs?"