Tristan held up both his hands now, trying to calm the maid down - or perhaps himself. "Alright.... Alright. Look..." He didn't know what he wanted to say. He didn't understand the change of attitude, his own heart was still racing, he was sure he was still trembling, and he needed to think and process all that had just happened. And probably cry.

He put his hands to his temples and closed his eyes. "I overreacted too. Let's just drop it alright?" It was dangerous to leave her here. Perhaps she was so upset she'd faint again. Or perhaps she'd run off and tell someone. But he couldn't stay here in her company right now.

"'scuse me," he suddenly muttered. He passed her quickly and moved up the stairs two steps at a time, ignored Douglas' man, entered his study and closed the door behind him. Resting his back against the door, he put his hands over his face and inhaled deeply.