Pippa was at the market in her "proper" attire. She had on layers, kid gloves on her hands, her winter shawl, and a pretty hat sat jauntily on her head. She wore green and it brought the pink out in her face. Her hair was in place, she looked every inch the hieress. The people who she regularly purchased food fot Tristan all looked shocked at her winter gown. She had a housekeeper with her that served as a chaprrone even though she was already "ruined."

While they waited for John to arrive, she and the housekeeper haggled with tenders, a young man paid to put the wares into wagons. She was setting up her household. It felt odd being dressed in finery when everyone had only ever seen her in frocks.

"I would like ingredients for the pantry. I also wish to invite Doctor Wells for supper soon, please acquire a joint of beef, the ingredients for profiteroles, fresh vegetables and mushrooms, and a good vintage of burgundy specifically for him. Please fetch them with everything we already have listed." She handed the list for the supper ingredients to Mrs. Whitman.

The young man found them again and took more things to pile into a wagon. One might consider it frivelous to spend so much, but she was getting furniture for an empty house, food, etc.

John had put his best uniform on. He was reporting to his regimental headquarters that morning. He still couldn't get used to the new rank on his arm. William St Claire had kept his word. A posting abroad for two months. Imperial garrison duty. No front line combat due to Injuries sustained in India. But that wasnt the best part. The part that surprised John the most is when a parcel arrived addressed to him with a different rank than before. For this last posting. John was Company Sargeant Major. A senior NCO.

This was the deal. John would serve overseas for 2 months and avoid a jail sentence that had loomed over him since his teenage years. Now 2 months. John was a free man and free to move on with Pippa.

With his papers in hand he walked towards there prearranged meeting in the marketplace. His buttons glistened in the daylight. His back was straight. His head was up. His uniform crisp and once again he walked with military bearing. John had his pride restored

John found a bench and took a seat. He watched the people walk past as he waited for Pippa

She approached, her eyes meeting his. She was lovely, but her eyes were still sad. She moved to sit. Pippa turned to speak. "Are you well, John?" Her head tilted.

John smiled and looked at pippa. "Aswell as ill ever be with bullet holes in me that will never fully heal. But we shall get there. How are you fairing?"

"I am healthy enough. Overhelmed. I am unsure I belong in these clothes anymore. I feel like I stick out." She gave a sigh. "Do you need a doctor?"

Detective Inspector Kate Blacke followed her suspect at a distance, slipping from wall, to alley, to wagon, to stay out of sight, should the malefactor look back. She had a nose for secrets and nothing to do that day.

Crouched behind some crates, she took out a pencil and notebook. Suspect at market place; bench, she scribbled. Aha! She had him! It was out of character! She knew the suspect wasn't one to just sit around doing nothing. Suspicious indeed. He was here to meet someone!

Then she dropped her pencil and wrinkled her nose. No... That wasn't how it was supposed to go. Not John too! She balled her fist.

Who was she?

John smiled "they suit you. Im the one who feels out if place next to you. People will wonder why you have a military protection detail" he shook his head "i will be ok. A few more months and my army life will be finished. I can push through till then. One more posting and im done"

"I felt the baby move a few days ago. I'm frightened... I... was packing to move into my own home and it's all happening fast." She looked down at her hands. "Are you sure that this is what you want?" She asked, lifting her eyes back up.

John tilted his head towards pippa "of course. I wouldnt have said it otherwise."

She couldn't believe her eyes! She looked like a lady, a proper lady! Dressed the way she imagined Pearl had dressed, before her other idiotic brother decided their family didn't have enough problems already. Kate narrowed her eyes and studied the lady. She looked about Ruth's age. Was she from one of the local well-to-do families?

God, not another Carrington, please! That nasty reporter would never leave them alone!

Hang on...

Was she PREGNANT?!