The baby woke with a start and began to cry at the loud noise presented outside the door. Iris scooped her up and began to rock her. She was still dressed in her every day clothing, though she had just been contemplating changing into her nightgown, so she was decent when she opened the door and peered out. She saw Tobias standing there, heard him panting.

Emma gave a few whines as she opened the door further, but the babe had calmed down. "Mr. Appleton? Are you quite alright?"