She grinned with pleasure. He was wearing a traditional Rajput outfit, a darkangharkior coat, deeply cut out in the front, in black, red and white and, fresh from the bath, his hair was still damp. She went to him and stroked his cheek. ‘You look pretty impressive yourself.’
There was a knock at the door and Jay went to open it.
Indi took a few steps inside. ‘I’ve just tidied up the roses,’ she said. Indi had been responsible for arranging the flowers and organizing the canapés for the opening party, and was now dressed in a red silk dress in the European style. ‘Are you ready? I think I heard the first car pull up.’
As Eliza glanced at Jay she felt a rush of nerves. What if people didn’t come? What if nobody liked her work? What if all they came for was to gawp at the Prince’s English bride?
‘I’ll go down,’ Jay said. ‘Better if you make an entrance once the place has filled up.’
She nodded wordlessly and he came across to kiss her forehead. ‘It will be fine. I promise. Haven’t we sent out invitations to half the world?’ He turned. ‘Come on, Indi, let’s go down.’
Jay was right. Invitations had been sent to photographic studios in Delhi, Jaipore and Udaipore. TheTimes of Indiahad been invited, as well as theHindustan Timesand theStatesman, along with all the nobles of Jay’s acquaintance and businessmen too. Eliza had also insisted on inviting the locals to view the photographs and join the opening party. Even Dev would be there, now that it was clear that Clifford would not be arresting him.
On her own in the bedroom she shared with Jay, Eliza glanced in the full-length mirror. Though her skin glowed with health and her eyes sparkled, she couldn’t calm the butterflies in her stomach, but at least she could hear that more vehicles were arriving now. After half an hour of pacing the room, Eliza glanced up when Kiri appeared at the door to give her the message from Jay that it was time. She took a few deep breaths.
‘Madam?’ Kiri said. ‘You are ready?’
Eliza nodded and swallowed her nerves, then, walking like an Indian queen, she made her way to the top of the grand staircase that led to the hall. She stood gazing at her feet for a few moments, feeling hot, her heart pounding. When she felt brave enough to glance down at the gathered crowd she was astonished to see that the hall was full of smiling people with upturned faces and all eyes were on her. As she took her first steps, a loud cheer broke out. She blinked back the tears and felt as if her heart might burst, as the cheering carried on until she reached the bottom, where Jay stood waiting.
‘Let me introduce you to Giles Wallbank,’ he said, as she went up to him.
‘How do you do,’ a smiling blond man said, and held out his hand. ‘I must say these photographs are really quite extraordinary. We’d love to publish a selection in thePhotographic Times.Would that suit?’
She gave him a broad smile. ‘Nothing would give me greater pleasure.’
‘We’ll talk later, and I’ll have a contract drawn up as soon as possible. Now I must leave you to enjoy your success.’
After the man had wandered off, Jay held out a hand to her and then whispered. ‘Look at the reaction,’ he said, and indicated the people nodding their heads as they gazed at the photos and the queue waiting to talk to her.
Eliza would never forget this day as long as she might live. She had come to India uncertain about herself and nervous of her abilities as a photographer. She had come not really knowing who she was. All that had changed. She did not know what might lie ahead, but for now there was nothing more that could make her life more perfect – apart from one thing. And that was the safe arrival of their child. She looked into Jay’s eyes, the reflection of her soul, and she had to blink even harder than before.
‘You did it, my love,’ he said. ‘You really did it. And I couldn’t be prouder.’
