Nat went quiet.  He had made his point strongly and loudly.  She glanced toward Mrs. Appleton at the comment about not going near the baby.  That was not normal.  Something was wrong with the other woman.  She had seen some women not spend time with their babies, some of the boys have taken care of their little sisters until they were taken away.  Though those women were usually earning their money on the street with various men.  She didn't think this lady was like that.  After all, they were married.

She squeezed Mrs. Appleton's hand tighter in response to the woman holding her hand.  She would support the woman as much as she could.  Though she could see that the man had the upper hand in this situation.  He was a man, after all, the husband, and landowner.