‘You’re a very handsome woman. I know it’s not that long since you lost your husband but –’
She interrupted. ‘I’m sorry, Clifford, I’m just not ready.’
He must have seen the look in her eyes, because he reached out and held her gently by the shoulders. ‘I would never rush you. Just give yourself a chance to get to know me. That’s all I ask.’
‘Of course.’
‘Is it because I’m older than you? Is that it? Because men can continue to father children and I’m not yet fifty and –’
Prompted by the need to curtail this, she interrupted. ‘Clifford, I like you very much …’ She paused, thinking of his white ankle and the red hairs, but then became aware of a look of sadness in his eyes.
‘Wouldn’t that be a good start? Liking, I mean?’ he said.
Eliza didn’t want to hurt or offend him but, for a moment or two, could not speak.
‘Well, I wanted to declare myself. It would be kind if you’d consider what I’ve said. I can give you a beautiful home and I am an honourable man, not like …’ He paused.
‘Not like?’
‘Never mind. It doesn’t matter. Just think about what I’ve said. I am absolutely genuine in my intent.’
‘As I said, I am very flattered.’
‘Please take into account that there are not so many British to choose from over here. Have you thought about afterwards? What you’ll do when the project is completed?’
‘Not yet.’
‘Maybe you should. In any case, I hope I can convince you that I have your best interests at heart.’
As he walked away, Eliza went to where there was a square pool that had been surrounded by candles. Small three-sided muslin tents circled the pool with the open side facing the water, each one just large enough for two people. She went over to the furthest one and sank into one of its thick silk cushions. There was a loud explosion and suddenly fireworks lit up the sky. At first Eliza tensed at the sound, but then she watched the spectacle and when it was over, close to tears for the second time that night, this time with no real understanding why, she gazed at the reflections of the candlelight dancing on the water and felt overcome by loneliness.
On the other side of the pool she saw that Jay was walking alone and seemingly deep in thought. He glanced across and caught her eye and she felt again the same connection that she’d felt just before they’d gone down the stairs to thedurbarhall together. Now he walked around the pool towards her and, when he reached her, he smiled and asked if she was all right out there on her own. She nodded and he seemed to hesitate before bowing and walking away.
7
For a week or so everything seemed to go smoothly, and Eliza quickly dismissed the tears she had shed on the night of thedurbaras fanciful. This was not the time to allow any kind of emotion to get in her way. This was a time to work. So far the staff allowed her free access to most of the castle, including the kitchens and store room, and even the women of thezenanawere friendly. In fact, when she discovered Anish still kept concubines, Eliza found herself gravitating towards the women, many of whom were old and had been there since his father’s time. Some of the women told stories of being brought as babies to be taken in by the castle. Many had never left the castle since. But they laughed and sewed and sang and, when she was with them, Eliza experienced a kind of camaraderie that was entirely new to her.
It bore no relation to the time she’d spent in a minor girls’ boarding school, courtesy of a man her mother had called an ‘uncle’. His name was James Langton and Eliza knew that he was not any kind of relation at all, though she and her mother were given a small lodge on his estate and all Anna had to do in return was check up on his staff whenever he went away.
Up until now the ease with which other people appeared to be rooted so securely in their world had escaped Eliza. But now, even if the women of thezenanamight gossip about her when she wasn’t there, Eliza didn’t mind. She found them fun to be with. The girls at the boarding school had not been fun and she hadn’t trusted any of them. But she only heard the women of thezenanabeing spiteful after one of those days when Priya had joined them, and Eliza could tell the women didn’t trust their Maharani.
Just as Eliza was taking a photograph of one of the younger concubines, Indira entered the room carrying a bag and speaking in English so that none of the other women could understand.
‘You want to see something?’ she said, with a wide grin on her face, and, looking pleased with herself, she pulled up a chair and threw herself down.
‘Depends.’
‘A kind of funeral.’
As the words sank in, Eliza frowned. She’d had more than enough of funerals.
‘You’ll like it. I promise.’
Eliza hesitated. She hadn’t seen much of Indi since the night of the ball, when the girl had so clearly revealed her jealousy.
‘Kiri is coming.’
‘Really? The handmaid?’
