He frowned as he listened. He took her wrist and placed his fingers over the vein to compare and look for any irregularities. After half a minute or so, he placed his hand on het forehead. A mild fever at least. High enough to explain the temporary insanity? No.

“Allow me,” he said, and he placed the stethoscope on her belly to listen for the baby’s heartbeat. At least the child seemed alright. The mother was another matter. “Answer me honestly, Pippa. How long have you been feeling unwell?”

He would need someone else to take over Pippa’s work but he couldn’t afford it. He should probably have been nicer to his sister.