Tobias smiled and nodded, but the smile covered a grimace and did not reach his eyes. Her words concerned him a little. Mrs. Carpenter loving his daughter was a good thing, as she had to care for her, and Alice didn't seem to give a damn about her own child. But once Emma was weaned, Mrs. Carpenter would have to go, and Tobias worried that there might be trouble.

He downed the rest of his drink and set the glass down. "Let me hold her for a bit..." he said.