(Author's POV)
Rosalind's eyes went wide. She stared at Phineas for one frozen second, then scrambled behind Victoria, pressing her face into the older woman's side.
William cleared his throat. "Phineas, she's just a child. Don't frighten her."
"She starts primary school next year." Phineas straightened up, his voice unhurried. "That's old enough to know how to speak to people. If she can't manage basic manners at home, she's going to be a problem for every teacher she ever has."
Jasper's expression shifted. He knew Rosalind had started it. He had no ground to stand on.
"Rosalind." His voice came out low and firm. "Apologize to Uncle Phineas."
Rosalind didn't move from behind Victoria. Her lower lip pushed out.
"Rosalind." Harder this time.
She dragged herself forward, chin tucked,
