"Mom, why did you say that?" Barbara tugged at her mother's sleeve.

Melanie brushed her hand away. "Don't get involved, Barbara. This is a matter between me and the man who doesn't know himself. His job is only to manage the house and take care of the children. How dare he want to get close to you? What does he really have?"

Philip took a deep breath. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Sorry, Madam. What's wrong with my job? Why do you mention it like a lowly job?"

While Barbara was ...