Tristan was in his study, writing a letter, when he heard the door and heard his sister putting things away in the larder. By the time Penelope came up the stairs, Tristan was om the landing, waiting for her. "Penelope. Pippa is asleep," he said quietly. "Come into the drawing room for a moment, I have something important to discuss."

Provided, she followed, he held the door for her and then closed it behind them. He did not sit down but started off right away: "I'm sorry we quarreled. We shall talk about it later, but for now, we must attend to more urgent matters and be united. Pippa is sicker than I thought, not just in body, but mind. She needs to go to a hospital, but I will not be able to arrange it until tomorrow. I have an urgent errand to run, and I shan't be long. If I give you instructions, do you feel confident to look after her? Hopefully she will not wake up before I'm back."