Page 157 of The Secrets of the Tea Garden

James’s eyes shone with sudden emotion. ‘Does it?’

‘Yes.’ Adela smiled. ‘Mother was very grateful for you taking an interest in my brother after Dad died.’

‘He’s a fine boy,’ said James, ‘and a credit to your mother – to both your parents.’ He looked at her with glistening eyes. ‘How is Clarrie? I’ve written to her but heard nothing back since her brief message telling me about Manzur becoming a teacher. Maybe she thinks she shouldn’t ...’

Adela said gently, ‘She’s well. In her most recent letter, she said she and Sophie were looking forward to Libby joining them.’

‘Good,’ said James, his voice sounding hoarse. ‘I can’t wait to hear all Libby’s news. I hope she’ll be home in time for our September visit to StAbbs to stay with Johnny and Helena.’

‘Yes,’ said Adela, ‘it’ll be good to see her before ...’ She stopped herself.

‘Before what?’ asked James.

Adela exchanged looks with Sam. She hadn’t meant to let slip their plans; they had agreed not to say anything until everything was certain.They hadn’t wanted to distract James and Tilly from their decisions about their own future, though both were pressing ahead regardless with renting the places they wanted most: James at Willowburn and Tilly in Jesmond. Adela worried about them both – James most of all – but didn’t feel she should intervene. She was hardly in a position to pontificate on marriage, given that she had almost ruined her own. She hoped that Tilly and James would work things out in their own time, like she and Sam had.

James was looking at her in alarm. ‘Tell me what you were going to say. Are you thinking of moving out? I wouldn’t blame you.’

‘Not just moving out, Cousin James,’ said Adela, ‘but moving away.’

He looked at them in confusion. ‘Where to?’

Sam spoke up, seeing Adela’s reticence. ‘We’re planning to go back to India – Belgooree to start with – then we’ll see what happens.’

‘When?’ James gasped. Adela could hardly bear the shattered look on his face.

‘It all depends when my cousin Jane Brewis – or Latimer as she is now – can take on the café.’

‘You’re giving up Herbert’s?’

‘Yes,’ said Adela, ‘I never wanted to run it long-term. Jane’s keen to come back to Newcastle and her husband supports her. Jane’s father is due to retire and isn’t in the best of health – and she’s worried about her mother sinking back into depression now that Joan and Bonnie have gone to live at Willowburn. My Aunt Olive doted on Bonnie.’

James nodded. ‘She’s an engaging child. I see her at the stables with her new step-father – she’s a chatterbox just like Libby used to be.’

‘I’m glad the girl is taking well to her new life in the country,’ said Adela. ‘We all miss Bonnie at the café – even if we don’t miss Joan quite as much.’ She threw Sam a droll look. ‘Still, I really hope she’s happy at Willowburn.’

‘She seems to be,’ said James. ‘Joan is already good friends with Martha Gibson – they take their children on picnics together – and the Gibson boy is teaching Joan to play croquet.’

‘Joan will love that,’ said Adela with a roll of her eyes. ‘Hobnobbing with the gentry.’

‘Adela,’ said Sam, wagging his finger, ‘don’t be unkind. I bet Joan is lively company for MrsGibson.’

‘Yes, she will be,’ Adela conceded.

‘But why go now?’ asked James, still struggling to take in their shock news. ‘I thought you were building up a good photography business, Sam?’

‘I can do the same in India,’ Sam answered. ‘But I’m hoping Adela’s mother is going to teach me about tea production so I can be of use at Belgooree.’

James flinched. ‘You’re going to work with Clarrie at Belgooree?’

Sam smiled. ‘Well, I’m hoping to.’

‘I’ve written to Mother,’ said Adela, ‘and expect to hear back soon. I know she will say yes. She’ll be glad of Sam’s help.’

‘I envy you, Sam,’ James blurted out. Adela gave him a surprised look. He swallowed hard. ‘I mean I envy you being young enough to start out on a career in the tea gardens. It can be a wonderful life.’

Adela felt a wave of pity. ‘Please don’t tell the others yet until things are finalised. I hadn’t meant to say anything this soon.’

James let out a shuddering sigh. ‘Of course I won’t. But Tilly is going to be so upset. She is tremendously fond of you Adela – of both of you.’

‘She’ll have Libby coming home soon,’ said Adela, ‘so that will be something for her to look forward to.’

James shook his head. ‘Well, I’m not going to be the one who tells Tilly,’ he said. ‘You’ll have to do that.’

Suddenly Tilly was standing in the open doorway, in the middle of pinning on her hat. She must have been in the hallway and heard her name mentioned. Her round face was creased in concern.

‘Tells me what?’ she asked.