Page 54 of The Secrets of the Tea Garden

She saw his indecision. He was on the point of saying something when George arrived at her side.

‘There you are, bonny lass.’ He grinned. ‘My turn for a dance, eh?’

Libby was choked with disappointment as Ghulam nodded and withdrew without another word. In frustration, she watched him walk off across the lawn, his shoulders broad under the black kurta. He didn’t look back.

George led her swiftly into a fox-trot. ‘He’s a strange one to invite,’ said George. ‘Caused a bit of a stir among the burra memsahibs in the drawing room. Did you know that Khan went to prison for terrorism?’

‘Yes,’ said Libby, ‘a long time ago when he was a youth.’

‘They say he’s a communist too,’ said George. ‘God help us if his kind take over Calcutta after Independence. They’ll ruin the economy. Still, his sister, the lady doctor, is a good sort. Old friend of Adela’s apparently. I suppose you had to invite him along to chaperone her.’

‘I invited them both because I like them both,’ said Libby in irritation.

George gave her an astonished look. ‘You’ve met him before?’

‘Yes, twice. I’ve been to their flat and he’s taken me out to lunch.’

George was shocked. ‘I really don’t think that’s a good idea. Your uncle and aunt won’t want you getting mixed up with his sort at all. Promise me you won’t see him again, lass?’

Libby stopped dancing. ‘Don’t tell me who I can and can’t see!’

‘I care about you and I don’t want to see you being led astray by the wrong kind.’

‘At least he’s not married,’ Libby said bluntly.

‘I’m nearly divorced,’ George said defensively. ‘And I would never take advantage of you.’

‘So what were you doing kissing me at the picnic?’

‘I may have had a bit too much to drink,’ he admitted. ‘But you were looking so kissable. I thought you wanted to.’

‘I did,’ said Libby. ‘I’ve wanted you to kiss me since I was fifteen.’

‘Really?’

‘But I no longer feel the same about you, George. Not since I was told you’re carrying on with a married woman in Dacca.’

He caught her hand to stop her walking off. ‘Who told you that?’

‘It doesn’t matter who.’ She gave him a fierce look. ‘I know I don’t mean anything to you so let go of me, George.’

‘Lass, I do care about you,’ he insisted. ‘There’s no woman in Dacca – no one special at least.’

‘It doesn’t matter,’ said Libby. ‘What I felt for you was just a girlish crush. I didn’t realise it until tonight.’

George looked bemused. ‘I had no idea you ever felt like that.’

‘No, George, because you don’t really think about how other people feel, do you? Just as long as you’re having fun.’

She pulled away from him.

‘Don’t say you’re in love with that communist?’ George said in disbelief. When Libby didn’t answer, George warned, ‘Don’t be a fool, Libby. He’s too old for you – and he’ll only use you for what he can get out of the British.’

Libby rounded on him. ‘He doesn’t want a single thing out of us British,’ she said angrily, ‘except for us to get out of India. And as for his age – I like older men – or hadn’t you noticed?’

She turned from him but he kept pace with her back across the lawn.

‘Sorry, Libby,’ George said contritely, ‘I won’t interfere. It’s up to you how you live your life. Say you’ll forgive me for upsetting you.’