He opened his mouth to protest, but she held up a hand, silencing him instantly. “I understand that you have your mother and sister here,” she acknowledged, “but that does not justify treating your wife as if her health and well-being are of no importance.”

She turned back to her daughter, brushing a gentle hand across her forehead. “You rest, my dear. I will take care of everything,” she promised, her voice softening as she spoke to her. Then she rose to her full height and faced her son-in-law once again.