Tristan closed the cupboard he had just opened. It was tempting to argue with her unfair portrayal of the matter, but he held his tongue. The most important thing was that she left, he reasoned. He could reconcile with her later. If it would be long before she'd speak to him again, he could live with that. But he'd never forgive himself if she came to harm. Anyway, he had to focus on Pippa.

But it was almost a full hour before he knocked on the attic door. "Are you awake, Pippa?" he asked quietly.