Chloe occupied the chair to her right, wearing a silk blouse I recognized as Mariana’s.

Mariana was not seated at all.

She stood near the swinging kitchen door carrying a tray of pastries.

“You can leave those there,” Evelyn told her.

“The family can manage.”

Aunt Lydia frowned.

“Mariana, aren’t you joining us?”

“Not today,” my mother replied for her.