It is over 24 hours since Miriam really returned; since the nocker within her, slumbering, awoke. Zara hasn't been able to pull herself away from the Freehold. Ratchet bundled her into Hirim's office-alcove when she slept (or more accurately, passed out) and made sure she took a few mouthfuls of food once in a while.
Zara watches Hirim and Miriam leave the Count's offices, finally. At a distance and from the shadows, she sees them walk together, each subbornly refusing to need assistance from the other, towards some spare sleeping quarters. Miriam goes within, hardly acknowledging the older nocker, who doesn't pause but turns again and limps towards the Upholstery offices. He doesn't make it. Ratchet steps out, and guides him towards the door and their own home.
Another time passes; hours. Eventually Miriam leaves her room, apparently in search of food. She finds it in the Freehold kitchens, and if observed, is seen to take it to a bench on one of the sprawling underground lawn/gardens to eat.