Of course she opened the door immediately. (When had Pippa ever followed instructions?) He turned his face away, knowing it was pointless. When there was no reaction, he turned back to look at her. She looked distressed but not in shock. That was something at least. She was dressed like a woman of her birth for a change and he realized for the first time that she was beautiful. Beautiful and sad. He spotted the trunk, just as she began to explain.

Good. This was good.

It was better this way. She’d be saver.

He was glad.

Her safety was all that mattered. Perhaps her words would have hit deeper, if he didn’t feel so anxious. As it was, he just listened. At least she didn’t press him on the injuries. It was all be easier than he had thought.

This was good.

“May I come in?” he asked in a somewhat raspy voice. He entered and sat down in a chair, slow, and with an involuntary grunt. “My own stupidity. Took a shortcut when I shouldn’t have and got mugged,” he told her what he had told John. “Looks worse than it is. I just didn’t want to frighten you in your state. Should have known by now that you’re made of tougher stuff.” He tried to force a smile at her, but all he managed was a wince and a grimace.

“You’ll be alright, Pippa. The Zimmermans are good people, and we’re not saying goodbye forever, are we? It’s just a new chapter. A happier one.” And after a laboured exhale he added: “After dealing with my grouchiness, everything else in your life will be a breeze.”