“India, you haven’t answered my question.”
India sighed. “Nothing’s wrong, Udaya. I’m just concerned for you and Kavi.”
Udaya smiled, her features softening. “Kavi will not allow anything to happen to either of us.”
India’s chest tightened. Udaya’s unwavering faith in Kavi was a testament to their devotion to one another. Would she ever experience such a bond with a life mate?
“Why do you do this,Beti?” Udaya asked softly. “Why go back to a life that hurts you so much? I can see the fear in your eyes.”
India closed her eyes and allowed her hands to slide from Udaya’s. She shuffled over to the bed and sat down on the edge. She hated lying to Udaya, but neither could she tell her the truth. Udaya or Kavi neither one would ever allow her to go alone in search of her father, and given recent events, she could not allow them to accompany her.
Udaya and Kavi never questioned. They followed where India went and gave of their love unconditionally. And India was throwing that loyalty back in their face. Just as she was twisting the knife in the viscount’s back.
“It is something I must do,” she whispered. “I cannot explain beyond that.”
It was a lame explanation even to her own ears. She glanced up at Udaya to gauge her reaction. Udaya gazed steadily at her, her eyes speaking of unwavering support. It was then that India made her decision.
She would break away from her traveling party as soon as they reached San Sebastian. She wouldn’t lead the viscount on a wild chase to Madrid only to double back and head north into the mountains. Udaya and Kavi would be safe with the viscount. They would all be furious with her, but they would remain alive and unharmed.
She would leave a note assuring them of her safety and urging them to return to England. If she were fortunate, she and her father would return at a later date. Together.
A knock sounded at her door, and Kavi’s deep voice filtered through the heavy oak. “Mem-sahib, are your trunks ready to be taken down?”
Grateful for the interruption, she hastened to open the door for Kavi. She smiled at him, motioned toward her trunks and slipped into the hallway. With a deep breath, she descended the stairs and went in search of Ridge.
She found him in the sitting room with his brother. They rose as she entered.
“I’ve summoned the carriage and hired a hack as well so that all our trunks can be taken to the ship. Robby, Udaya and Kavi will return in my carriage and depart immediately for Brighton. If I am correct, attention will be focused on the ship bound for America, and my carriage should go unnoticed.”
India nodded her head though her insides were twisted into knots.
“Is everything well with you?” he asked in a quieter voice.
Again she nodded. The lump in her throat grew bigger as fear collided full force with guilt. She twisted her hands in front of her and glanced at Robby.
He lounged in an armchair, his appearance disheveled, a bored expression on his face. As if sensing her perusal, he looked up and offered a grin. He was like Ridge, and he wasn’t. The resemblance was strong, but their demeanors were quite different. Robby had an air of irreverence, a devil may care attitude where Ridge was the epitome of seriousness.
She looked turned her attention to Ridge who was regarding her in silence.
“I thought you would be more excited,” he said.
“I am.” Her voice faltered and came out in a breathy rush. “I’m nervous.”
Ridge smiled reassuringly. “As am I. But I am savoring this moment. It is a proud one. We are embarking on an historical quest, and should we be successful, it will perhaps be the greatest find in modern history.”
His words fell like a brick on her already swollen conscience.
“Ho, Ridge,” Robby said as he struggled out of his chair. “You make me damn proud to be along, and I don’t even know what it is we’re looking for exactly.”
He grinned crookedly and slapped Ridge on the back.
Ridge smiled at his brother. “The sun should do you good at any rate. Far healthier than those dark gaming hells you like to frequent.”
India frowned as Robby paled a bit. If it was possible for him to grow paler that is. Something flickered in his eyes. Was it pain? She was well acquainted with secrets and lies. She had certainly held and told enough of them in the past week. And what she saw in Ridge’s brother’s eyes bothered her. He, too, was keeping secrets.
“My lord, your carriages await,” the butler announced from the door.
Her heart started then pounded aggressively in her chest. This was it. They were about to embark on their journey to Spain, and for her, it marked the point of no turning back.
