Pippa raised her brows in surprise. Her cheeks went red and she wondered who read her journal. She was not angry though, she was relieved that they knew because they would probably have had to let her go before it was right. She said, "I never wanted your money in the first place. You took me in and gave me something to do besides cry. That means a lot and I am happy to make sure you could eat. It would mean s lot to me if you could accept it."

Tobi squeezed her hand and said, "You have always been kind, I can't say I am surprised. Dr. Wells, you probably should just let her win this argument, she is and always has been a good person. Her father and mother would be proud of her for learning to work when most of us who are lucky enough to live a pampered life would probably scoff at the very idea."

Mister Zimmerman gave him a slight nod, knowing he would most likely end up with the gift regardless of his feelings because Pippa was a grateful individual. He was sad that she was now in a delicate situation brought by a chain of events. He looked to Pippa, then to Dr. Wells, Is she healthy with her pregnancy? I would prefer if she was left untouched but I know her to be quite sensible when she is of sound mind and do not fault her for her giving into weaknesses. She was clearly taken advantage of. The only thing that would help end some of any gossip is finding a man who would claim the baby. I don't think that should be too hard. If nobody in England will do it, I know one boy in particular to have very strong feelings for her."

Pippa blinked and said, "Who said that?"

"My son's friend, Henry Baker."

Pippa blinked again, then she schooled her expression to not look grossed out. He was an oaf and she disliked him. She gave a look toward Tris that he would be familiar with most likely from her. Panic filled her gaze but she politely said nothing.

Tobi looked to Tristan, tactfully changing the subject just because the grip on her hand was tight. "How do you feel, darling friend?"

Tristan turned his eyes back on Pippa, not sure how to respond. He was vaguely aware that he had just admitted that he was struggling financially, and Pippa only confirmed it with her ‘make sure you could eat’. Under different circumstances, he might have argued with her about whether it had been quite so drastic. But the damage was done and he knew there were more pressing issues. He also knew he owed Pippa a debt of gratitude. And so he swallowed pride and principle, nodded, and answered quietly: “Thank you, Pippa.”

He wished for a change of topic and got it almost immediately, but when Mr. Zimmermann spoke, he was not pleased. He opened his mouth to speak. Saw Pippa’s face. Closed his mouth to a hard line. Stomach churned. Anger brewed

“As Miss Danes’ doctor, I must insist that she is not distressed with this kind of conversation for at least a few weeks,” he said, his voice suddenly authoritative. Likely as fuck that he’d let them marry her off to the first garden gnome that would have her. He had promised to let her make her own choices and not to stop her from marrying a man to claim the child, but her eyes told him all he needed to know. He'd use his full powers as a doctor and alienist if that was what it took to protect her. “She is still recovering from a recent illness and has had a lot to process in a short time. I fear that if her nerves are shaken any more, it will seriously damage her health. Miss Danes needs rest above all things. Mr. Zimmermann, might I offer you some scotch while we give the young ladies a chance to catch up in private?”

"As much as I would like to take you up on fortification," he started with his Bostonian and Yiddish mix of accents. "Tobi and I will call again soon, but I have to make necessary arrangements as her solicitor now and I wish for us to get settled close by in a home for a time. I won't push her, you are right tbat time is needed and I only want the best for her. I am also getting rid of that woman who commitex slander with rumor, above and beyond, Pippa deserves safety. I will defend you, it is clear to me you are safety for her. Pippa has always been truthful and kind, I trust her and am grateful she has been a good friend to my daughter as her father was for me." Then he said to Toby, genuinely sorry, "We have to make good things happen and mountains to move for ypur dearest friend, darling. We will have time to see her each day if you wish."

Tobi hugged Pippa tightly and then pulled back to clutch her hands. "Please rest..." she urged and then obediantly moved to stand with her father. "Please let us know if we can do anything at any time..."

Pippa, once her friend was turned, she shot him a grateful look, and then schooled herself for the sake of her friend.

Tristan felt his body relax somewhat when Mr. Zimmermann agreed not to press the matter. He got up along with his guests, but was surprised to find that they didn't intend to bring Pippa. He was even more surprised at the unexpected relief he felt. It was in that moment that he realized how terribly he dreaded the empty home Pippa would leave behind. He swallowed. "I'll show you out," he said quietly.

He followed them out and downstairs, his mind heavy with sudden introspection. He had vaguely registered that the woman who had insulted him was to be fired. He hadn't truly held it against her and felt the vague duty to appeal. After all, she had merely believed the wrong thing. If it had been true, her words would have been more than fair. But he was too overwhelmed with the prospect of the inevitable to argue on this peripheral matter. The Zimmermanns probably knew best. "If you need anything while settling in town, let me know." He offered them their coats and hat.

Pippa was also relieved not to go just yet. While the pair said their adieu's, the older Zimmerman saying, "Please let us know if we need to find a place for Miss Danes sooner, I hope she recovers enough for the next move. We will call on you in a few days."

She was very tired as she waited for Tris to return to the room, her hand moving to touch her belly and murmur, "I promise I will fix this soon."

"I'm more than happy to let her stay here where I can monitor her closely, sir," he assured them professionally, his personal motivation kept to himself. "We just need to do everything we can to keep the story from breaking before she is well." He had forgotten about the bloody papers for a while, but now the anxiety hit him once more. And it wasn't only Pippa's wellbeing he feared for. "Forgive me, it is not my place to advice you on your staff, Mr. Zimmermann. Only, the woman you wish to let go, she may do less harm in your service than jobless and embittered."

"She has been a bit too..." He was trying to find words, but it was his daughter that went on to say, "She has not just been unkind with her gossip. This morning, I awoke to her bringing a meal I could not eat due to the ham and she got angry at me for not simply pushing it to the side, said it was wasteful. She must have forgotten we are Jewish. Papa did not like the way she spoke to him about similar. It would be better for somebody who doesn't... try to force others to break rules."

Her father nodded. "Her treatment of you was enough to fire her but she is not fit to be my daughter's chaperone. I also made it clear to my son back in London that she must not be a gossip. I understand servants talk, but there are just some things my daughter did not need to be subjected to and that is gossip about everyone whilst acting as if her... Excrament smells of flowers and sunshine. We all make mistakes, Doctor Wells. To act as if we don't is very lofty." He offered his arm to hus daughter. "I am sorry to have to cut this visit short but I have a young lady upstairs who deserves to live again and there is much to do for that."

And then they were in the cab that he paid to cart them around town.

Pippa eventually had made her way to him just as the others left. She sighed softly. "I am sorry I caused so much trouble." Her brow puckered. There was much more clarity in her eyes than the last few weeks. She lowered her head toward her chest and looked pretty upset over the conversation as a whole. Hell, she looked older than her young age at the moment, her face drawn with stress.

Tristan had never really felt English until that moment. What was going on? Why were they telling him all of this? He hardly knew these... Oh God, did he just actually use that metaphor? Tristan felt his face burn from secondary embarrassment, but his expression was fixed into one of polite interest. Tristan's voice did not even betray relief when Mr. Zimmermann excused himself and he answered: "Of course".

Only when they were gone, did his face drop and he muttered to himself: "Americans..." He closed the door, turned round and started. "Pippa!" Now it was embarrassment over his own conduct that made him feel hot. "Don't say that. Things are going to be well now." He walked over and offered his arm for support. "But you should be resting." Had she heard him?