She stood very still. ‘I do understand that. Really.’
He looked at her with sadness in his eyes. ‘Do you? I hate having to go to people like Clifford Salter, cap in hand. I know the British are already devolving power, but it isn’t enough. We want to see a day when we Indians rule our own free nation.’
‘It will happen, Jay, because it must. Even I see that now.’
He stroked her cheek with the palm of his hand. ‘I’m glad you understand. I used to attend the Chamber of Princes, hoping to make a difference, even took a leading role for a while at the meetings in Delhi. Since 1920 we’ve been represented by the Chamber.’
‘So why did you pull out?’
‘Disillusionment mostly. There is no equality between us and the British. Whatever we do, we’re banned from publicizing our meetings and threatened without impunity. The hands of the Chamber of Princes are tied.’
He had only invited her to stay for just a few days and she didn’t want to outstay her welcome, so a little later, just as the light was fading and the sky was still pink, she asked if perhaps it was time she left.
He looked at her as if surprised. ‘You want to go?’
She glanced away, then shook her head, the words sticking in her throat.
‘Stay. I have something else to tell you. You’ve seen the men coming and going?’
‘Of course.’
‘I have borrowed money from the merchant classes and I have extended the project.’
She laughed. ‘And I thought you were looking for ways to cut costs.’
‘I was at first, but I am spurred on by Bikaner. He undertook to build nine irrigation projects, plus railway lines and hospitals. I will employ as many of the local people as I can. Some of these new men will start tomorrow by carrying on the digging. Some will work on building the walls and will then dig irrigation channels out to the villages.’
Eliza responded to his unfailing enthusiasm with such a feeling of hope, she feared her heart might burst.
‘Of course Bikaner built the Ganga canal. It carries water from the Punjab. We’re too far from the Punjab for that, but there is that small river not far from my land. We just need the permission to dam it.’
‘Have you fine-tuned the details with the investor Clifford told me about?’
‘Indeed. I believe we will create fifty new villages within five years, and that the work they will do will not only pay back the loan but also provide a steady income.’
Eliza was pleased, though she hadn’t confided in Jay about the string that came oh so neatly attached. ‘Well,’ she said instead, ‘less than four months before the rains come.’
‘Yes.’
‘I wonder how Indi is?’
‘She’s gone back to her village now.’
Eliza was surprised. ‘For good?’
‘No. Her grandmother is very ill. Indi has gone to care for her. The Thakur will watch out for her and she will always have a place at the castle.’
‘But as what? To fall prey to a man like Chatur? She needs her own life, a husband, a family.’
‘You are a fine one to talk of family.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You did leave your mother on her own. You said so yourself.’
‘I couldn’t help her. I tried. If I’d have stayed, my own life would have been wrecked too. She’s an alcoholic.’
He stared at his feet for a moment and then glanced at her. ‘Here we believe that it is the duty of the children to look after the parents.’
