The Sapphire Child (The Raj Hotel #2) - Janet MacLeod Trotter Page 0,15
Andy,’ he said, ‘and you’ll know how to handle Lydia. She can be difficult at times, but she was always fond of you and I’m sure she’ll give you a good time. And Mrs Templeton is a kindly soul; Lydia’s mother will make you feel at home. I’m sorry Mr Templeton has passed away – I always got on with Lydia’s father. But I don’t want to force you to go, Stella, if you don’t want to. I know Esmie will miss you terribly.’
‘I love being here, Mr Lomax,’ Stella replied, ‘but I’ve always dreamt of visiting Britain. If my father agrees – and you can spare me here – then I’d really like to go. Thank you!’
They went outside to break the news to Andrew, who was throwing a ball with Frisky on the hotel lawn. He gaped at his father as the news sank in. Stella had expected him to whoop for joy, but he just stood staring at them.
‘You’re letting me go to Ebbsmouth?’
‘Yes,’ Tom said. ‘It is what you want, isn’t it?’
Andrew looked at Stella. ‘Are you coming too?’
Stella grinned. ‘Someone has to keep an eye on you,’ she teased.
He gave a faltering smile. ‘Great. Yes. Of course I want to go.’
‘That’s settled then,’ said Tom.
Over the next few days, messages came and went between Gulmarg and the Duboises in Rawalpindi.
Charlie wrote, ‘Mrs Dubois and I are most grateful for the opportunity that you are offering our daughter out of the bountifulness of your heart. We do, however, have a concern that she is not yet a fully fledged grown-up – although she becomes of age in August – and so would wish for her to be chaperoned on the voyage to the homeland. Perhaps it could be ascertained if a missionary lady or someone of good repute could be prevailed upon to keep a motherly eye on Stella. We know our daughter is of very good character, but we hear tales of romances at sea and would not want her to be the subject of unwanted attention.’
Stella coloured with embarrassment when she was told by Esmie of her father’s worries over her reputation.
‘I’m perfectly capable of fending off any advances from bored young men,’ she said in amusement.
‘I’m sure you are.’ Esmie laughed. ‘But I think it’s best if we do as your father asks. There are usually one or two older women who advertise as chaperones on these journeys. We can look at the ads in the newspapers.’
Passports were quickly applied for, and Tom asked the superintendent of police to sign a declaration that Andrew was his son, and to vouch for Stella as a ‘fit and proper person’ to receive a British Indian passport. They would pick up the documents in Lahore on their way to Bombay.
As the time grew nearer, Stella could hardly contain her excitement, but Andrew seemed strangely subdued. He would take himself off on long walks across the high margs with Frisky at his heels. One afternoon, she waylaid him on his return.
‘Penny for your thoughts,’ she said casually, while greeting Frisky with enthusiastic patting.
Andrew shrugged.
‘I can tell something’s bothering you,’ Stella persisted. ‘Are you worried about the long journey? Going so far away?’
Andrew shook his head.
‘Are you still dwelling on what Gotley said?’
‘Not really.’
‘What, then? Are you having second thoughts about wanting to go to Scotland?’
When he didn’t answer, Stella steered him towards a garden bench and sat down next to him.
‘It’s not too late to call it all off,’ she said gently.
He gave her a wry look. ‘But you’re looking forward to it so much.’
‘That doesn’t matter. This trip is for you. I’m sure your parents would be delighted if you didn’t go. They’re going to miss you terribly.’
Andrew eyed her, his look forlorn. ‘Meemee maybe – but I think Dad wants me to go. He’s been so cross with me over this Gotley business and he won’t answer my questions about why he left the army. They both treat me like I’m still a kid, but I’m not.’
Stella was silent, sensing he had more on his mind. He gnawed at his thumbnail. ‘Part of me wants to go to Scotland and part of me . . .’
‘Are you worried about meeting your mother?’ Stella asked. She saw from the troubled look in his blue eyes that she was right. She touched his shoulder. ‘It’s bound to be a bit nerve-wracking at first but she might be feeling a little anxious too, don’t you think?’