Shimmer—that's her name, by the way—Shimmer had no idea this was personal to begin with. She simply noticed that the two of you had odd souls.

[ Shimmer probably doesn't need anybody to defend her but here comes Strange, defending her and their gossip anyway. Yes, it is a personal matter for Childermass and Steven. But what was the chance that any of the caravan members would realize it is a personal matter to begin with? ]

We talked about Portland, however, so she should understand why the subject is sensitive.