“She didn’t have a fever when I unbuckled her from her car seat this morning, Margaret,” I said, stepping forward.

“Well, her daily routine has been completely thrown off,” Margaret said.

She reached out and straightened the brass umbrella stand beside the coat rack.

“She looked remarkably tired and untidy after a whole week in your care.”

Grant set Sophie’s small canvas overnight bag on the bottom stair.

“Let’s not turn a simple drop-off into a long argument, Emily.”

“I’m not arguing,” I said.

“I’m unbuttoning my daughter’s sweater so she can breathe.”