def _expectation(p, obj1, feat1, obj2, feat2, nghp=None):
    """
    Nota Bene: if only one object is passed, obj1 is
    associated with x_n, whereas obj2 with x_{n+1}

    """
    if obj2 is None:
        gaussian = Gaussian(p.mu[:-1], p.cov[0, :-1])
        return expectation(gaussian, (obj1, feat1), nghp=nghp)
    elif obj1 is None:
        gaussian = Gaussian(p.mu[1:], p.cov[0, 1:])
        return expectation(gaussian, (obj2, feat2), nghp=nghp)
    else:
        return expectation(p, (obj1, feat1), (obj2, feat2), nghp=nghp)