She looked at him for a long moment if silence, then she nodded. Her gaze fixated on no true point and she said, "Then how fo we proceed in these muddy waters?" She gave a slight smile. It was, perhaps, the first genuine smile, but it was brief. She was clearly frightened. "I have access to my funds, my friends and their father helped me. The man who killed my family is dead. I didn't have to run away from America... but I am glad I did. It feels nice to have purpose, being a maid fulfilled that even as short as it was. My mother would roll over in her grave knowing I am happy seeing callouses on my fingers. My whole family being dead has been the hardest thing I've ever been through and yet I'm more worried about the baby and how they will live. I have to go to Boston eventually to look at the looms and work conditions, but it won't be until the child is old enough to handle a trip to and from America. I also want to have a factory built near here but I don't want to aspire too much, I'm afraid it will be snatched away again. All that to say, I am overwhelmed and trying to figure out which problem to solve first."

John nodded "we both have matters to attend to first. You need to visit America and im being sent overseas for two months with a company of men from whitby on imperial garrison duty. Its my last posting before I leave the army" he slipped his fingers into his "what ever comes our way. We will get through it together" he smiled "never be ashamed of honest work. Sometimes its good to remember those who work under your banner and give you a different kind of respect. Perhaps once I leave the army I can move on to my own plan for my future career"

"What is your dream, John?" she asked, squeezing his hand back.

John looked at pippa "i left school as a disgrace to my family and went to the army. They taught me a trade. I learned how to be a tailor. My dream is to open my own tailors shop. I put alot of my money away when I was in India. Spent a little when I was home but not much. Ive got the money to set myself up in business when I come home"

"It seems we have textile in common. Perhaps this is why I ended up here. I think maybe I should have someone go in my stead, not you obviously but perhaps my friend's father can do it and I can invest in your aspirations. You'll technically be rich soon. I am happy to help, not just because you want to help me. The house is still a bit empty... but maybe it will fill with laughter someday. I miss laughter." She put her other hand on her belly, her expression fascinated. She kept feeling movement.

John smiled "very true. I left with school with nothing. I wanted to escape this place. My father finally came around to my career choice. Ive learned more about the man my father is these past few weeks than im all the years combined. Now all im thinking about is coming back and settling with you and your child" he looked at her "and im willing to adopt the baby you carry aswell"

Stupid, stupid John! He'd be killed by a rolling pin before any African bullets could do the trick. Kate picked up her pen and stored it in the pocket of her dress, along with her notebook.

Kate was many things, but shy wasn't one of them. She rose to her full height and marched over to the lovebird. "Jo-ohn!" she said, stopping right in front of her brother. She smiled, but there was anger in her eyes. Her hands were on her hips. "Fancy seeing you here. But then, you seem to have been all over town lately."

Wrong account

John recognised the voice in an instant......Kate. he turned his head towards her. "Ive got alot of lost time to make up for Kate. After all I have spent a portion of my life in India and now im getting ready for one last overseas posting before leaving the army. Plenty people to see before I leave"

Kate huffed and lifted her chin. "You'll spent your next portion six feet underground when Ma hears what you've been up to!" she snapped, her voice shrill.