“Cole and I have run our family’s affairs for seven years, Judith.”

“Your modest upbringing left you unused to these demands,” Judith said, looking straight into my face without blinking.

“It would be best for everyone if you took a long vacation by yourself at the estate in North Carolina after November twentieth.”

“Maisie’s nursery school term goes through December,” I said.

Judith leaned back against the silk pillows, her face unchanged.

“Maisie will stay here in Oak Ridge with Cole and the household staff.”