They had been walking for about twenty minutes when things grew into a companionable silence. She'd told him a few more things about her, but it soon became apparent that she wasn't feeling well again and she looked like she was about to fall asleep just walking. It took them another twenty minutes or so for them to round the corner to the street that led to Tristan's home.

When they were in front of the door, she turned to him, clasping her hands in front of her, basket handle tucked into her elbow. "Thank you for everything today, Mr. Blacke," she gave a slight smile.