Tristan quietly watched her work. The machine like quality of it disturbed him more than if she had been disorganised. Once that machine-like state would end... He resolved not to leave the house until Douglas' man arrived, and he was grateful for his friend's generosity. It was clear that Pippa was not herself and he dreaded to think what might happen if she was left alone.

He'd just have to find a moment to rush to his study and put his books and papers away. He couldn't have Pippa, or worse, Douglas' man, walk in and find the material by accident. He'd quickly stuff them in the locked cupboard and organize them later.

He turned his attention back to Pippa. She was working on crumpets now without orders, like she was lost in her own world. At least the work seemed to keep her calm for now. She should be alright between now and two minutes. "I'll be back in a moment," he announced. He hurried up the stairs as fast as he could without running, entered the study, opened the locked cupboard and swept up a pile of books and papers.