Tristan's eyebrows shot up in astonishment when 'Lord Gordon' was mentioned. The earl had promised to have his man make some inquiries regarding Pippa's legal situation and connections in the States, but then urgent business had called him away, and Tristan had not managed to get in touch with him. It pleased him to hear that Lord Gordon had not forgotten his promise and that the inquiries had been fruitful.

There was no longer any doubt in his mind that Miss Zimmermann was speaking the truth. If there would have been, those would have been swept away by the photo that was now produced. He took it carefully and studied the two figures. He felt a pang of heartbreak for Pippa when he observed how different she looked, how happy, how young, how healthy and well dressed in the latest fashion for a young lady of good birth and fortune, how adoring of her friend. Here were two happy young school girls without a care in the world, except perhaps for those hurdles which the young mind and heart would throw up for oneself. How he wished Pippa could have stayed in that sheltered world. He wished it for both these girls.

He handed the picture back to her. "I understand. I don't think you'll need to wait long. Pippa clearly loves you, if this photograph is anything to judge by, and you her. You'll do her much good. I only wish to introduce this chance in circumstances carefully. I'll write to you as soon as I've spoken to her tomorrow."