The main feature of being a child of a scientist like Elizabeth is experiencing low safety standards, allowing her child, Madeline (Mad), to explore everything freely.
Elizabeth is very permissive with Mad, who is into everything, including dangerous items.
Six-Thirty, the family dog, is vigilant, protecting Mad from harm and preventing accidents.
Harriet, likely a helper or nanny, is concerned about Mad's safety and Elizabeth's parenting style but notices an unusual mutual learning relationship between Mad and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is dedicated to hands-on, exploratory learning for Mad, reading her advanced literature like Darwin's "On the Origin of Species."
Dr. Mason, who appreciates Six-Thirty and the struggles of being a working mother, unexpectedly visits Elizabeth to check in on her and Mad.
Mason helps with household chores like folding diapers and washing dishes and brings up his earlier proposition about Elizabeth rowing again.
Elizabeth grapples with grief over her husband’s death, feeling lost in her unexpected role as a single mother.
Dr. Mason encourages Elizabeth to rejoin the rowing team, emphasizing the benefits and suggesting she ask Harriet to watch Mad during practice.
Despite her initial reservations, Elizabeth is persuaded to consider rowing again thanks to Harriet's offer to watch Mad in the early mornings.
After arriving at the boathouse for a tryout, Elizabeth faces a cold reception from the rowers and silent tension from the coach, but Dr. Mason seems optimistic.
Despite the awkwardness at the boathouse, Elizabeth enjoys rowing again, and Dr. Mason offers philosophical reflections on how rowing, like parenting, involves looking backwards, not forwards.