"I fancy you, a lot" I admitted "but if, and once again I might be making assumptions I have no right to make, there is to be any sort of a relationsh...p between us I swear that it will be at your pace and at your discretion."Pippa was still gazing at me, I couldn't tell if she was glad sorry, angry or pleased, but as she hadn't yet told me to sod off I kept going, albeit haltingly, and sweating like a pig with embarrassment and apprehension. I told her all about Miriam, how some times our. The fact that she had accommodation would mean the council putting her well down the waiting list and she was sure that they would call his bluff if Tim tried to put pressure on them. She also knew full well, as did Betty, that Tim was still not prepared to move on to a new relationship. She would have to do the same as Betty and just wait but she thought, hoped rather, that actually living with Tim might give her the advantage although she shrank from the thought of actually competing with. When I arrived at Claire's I rang the bell, with some trepidation. Would she like me dressed as Emily? She shrieked with pleasure as she saw me, throwing her arms around me and kissing me. When we were inside she burst into tears. I couldn't imagine what was the matter until she sobbed, "Oh, Emily, you are absolutely wonderful!" I saw the pleasure she got from my beauty, my lovely clothes and my ability to wear them."But why cry, Claire?" I can't help it," she sobbed, "It's just that I'm so. Hello, Mathew. Under the circumstances why don't you call me Elizabeth. I feel I should be thanking you for taking in my irresponsible son. And, Mathew, your hospitality is going to be further strained when you find out that I couldn't get a room at the local lodging place. I am forced to ask for lodging here."Matt glanced around the very small room that was made even smaller by the tiny bathroom and adjacent nook used for minimal cooking. "All things considered, ah, Elizabeth, you and Adam can.