When she began to speak, he thought it was the result of all that Pippa had gone through in such short succession. It was only natural that she should latch on to this one person who offered her hope and attach to her every affectionate feeling she was capable of, especially while her mind was probably still somewhat feeble. He had seen the same process in patients who had believed themselves in love with him, solely for offering them a kind word in their distress. He did not think much of it.

But as she continued and confessed that she had wanted to tell him before, he understood that this was more than a temporary fancy. He was surprised but not shocked. Most of all, he was terrified.

"Pippa, that letter was a misunderstanding, please stop bringing it up," he said quickly as he suddenly felt hot underneath his tie. Soon the young lady would be under public scrutiny, as would he by association. And Pippa's mental state was still delicate. What if she blabbed? The cruel newspaper headlines and images presented themselves to his mind's eye as vividly as half a year ago. "You can't just go around implying things like that. But if you feel that way, then you cannot marry Mr. Blacke."