The Sapphire Child (The Raj Hotel #2) - Janet MacLeod Trotter Page 0,98
about me to you?’
‘Of course we talk about you. That’s practically all your mother can talk about. She’s convinced you’ll be seduced back into life in India by your dad and his scheming wife who usurped her.’
‘She shouldn’t have bothered you with all that. And it’s not true. I didn’t choose to go to India – I’m being sent because I can speak Urdu. I’d much rather be fighting the fascists in Europe than chasing around after rebellious tribesmen in the North West Frontier, which is what I’m likely to end up doing.’
Felicity slipped her arms around his waist. ‘I’m glad to hear that I win over India. Come on, I’m getting cold. Let’s try out this summerhouse.’
Afterwards, Andrew felt a wave of contentment lying with Felicity in his arms. He found her desire for him flattering and enjoyed her outspoken chatter. Felicity was pretty, his mother approved of her and he could imagine a future in Ebbsmouth in which they were together.
She was lying with her hand on his chest. He took hold of it and kissed it.
‘Flis-Tish,’ he said. ‘Will you marry me?’
She leaned up and looked at him enquiringly. ‘Marry you? Are you getting the jitters about going away? You don’t have to ask me just because we’re lovers.’
He reddened. ‘I’m not getting the jitters, as you call them. I’ve come to really care about you and think we’d be happy together. Don’t you?’
She eyed him. ‘I’m pretty potty about you, that’s true. But I’m not sure you feel the same way. Don’t just ask out of politeness because you’re about to go away.’
Andrew smothered his discomfort that what she said might be true. Yet, he could see a happy life with her beckoning to him beyond the uncertainty and horrors of this war. He clung to it.
‘It’s nothing to do with politeness,’ he insisted. ‘I want to marry you and be with you.’
She smiled and reached up to kiss his cheek. ‘Then I accept.’
‘You do?’
‘Yes!’
‘That’s wonderful!’ He kissed her on the lips.
She drew back a fraction. ‘On the understanding that we both feel the same way when you come home.’
Not for the first time it struck Andrew that Felicity was far more insightful than he was.
‘Not very romantic of you,’ Andrew said wryly. ‘But I’d never hold you to an engagement if you change your mind.’
‘It wasn’t me I was thinking of,’ she said. ‘Now we’ve got the formalities over, how about a final consummation of our agreement?’ Grinning, she began kissing him again.
Early the next morning, on the day of his departure, Andrew went to say goodbye to his grandmother. In a moment of lucidity, she sat up in bed and said, ‘I know it will be difficult for you going back to India but don’t be too hard on your father. He did all he could to try and make your mother happy – but you and I know what a challenge that can be at times.’
‘I don’t really blame Dad for what happened,’ Andrew admitted. ‘I know it was more Esmie’s fault.’
‘Esmie?’ Minnie sounded surprised. ‘Esmie was a lovely girl. She married that missionary doctor – what was his name? Harold something.’
‘Guthrie,’ Andrew prompted. ‘Dr Guthrie.’
‘So very sad when he died.’ Minnie shook her head. ‘His mother never really recovered. Poor Agnes.’
‘But then Esmie muscled Mamma out of the way and went after Dad.’ Andrew felt familiar indignation on his mother’s behalf.
Minnie looked confused. ‘No, no, that’s not right . . .’
‘What do you mean, Grandmamma?’
She looked at him as if he could provide the answer. She gave up with a shrug. ‘I can’t remember what it was I wanted to say. I’m sorry.’
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. ‘Don’t be. It doesn’t matter. Just remember that I love you and want you to be here when I get back from India.’
‘Sweet boy,’ Minnie said, with a fond smile. As he stood up to go, she added, ‘You will try and make her happy, won’t you?’
‘Who, Grandmamma? Do you mean Felicity?’
‘No, Lydia, of course.’
Andrew stepped back. His grandmother was mistaking him for his father again. He was about to tell her that he wasn’t Tom, when he stopped. It only confused and upset her to be told she was mistaken. He felt a pang of sadness that her mental faculties were diminishing and yet she bore it with good humour. Perhaps she liked dwelling in a past that was inhabited by his grandfather Jumbo and filled with memories of happier times.