Viola almost called something petulant like if I please after him, but decided to hold her tongue because it would only lend credence to his ridiculous idea that she was being childish. So distracted was she by thinking about Linden that she almost didn't notice Ava until she finally spoke.
"Yes," she said apologetically. "But I'll handle him." She seemed rather confident in this -- that she could handle him, like it would be so easy. "You've done precisely the right thing, darling. Please don't worry." She knew full well that telling Ava not to worry was much like telling snow not to fall, but it was the best she could do for now. "From now on, if he gives you any trouble, send him straight to me."