Page 99 of The Secrets of the Tea Garden

Libby felt a sudden pang for the dark-eyed woman. ‘What was Cousin Wesley’s favourite tea?’

Clarrie gave a wistful smile. ‘The autumn plucking when the leaves are more mature and the tea full-bodied. Wesley said it tasted of the monsoon. And he loved that time of year when things grew less hectic in the gardens and there was more time for riding and hunting. We’d take Adela off camping.’

‘Both of you did?’ Libby asked.

‘Yes,’ said Clarrie. ‘Wesley always insisted on that. We first met when he was out in camp – up the hill from here. That was always our favourite spot—’ She broke off, her eyes filling with tears.

Libby said, ‘Adela was a lucky girl. Mother wouldn’t have gone camping with me and Dad even if you’d promised her tea with the Viceroy.’

‘No, she never did like the outdoor life,’ agreed Clarrie. ‘Dear Tilly.’

Libby eyed her. ‘What should I do about Dad?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘He can’t stay here forever,’ said Libby, ‘but he’s showing no signs of wanting to go home – either to Cheviot View or Newcastle.’

Clarrie gave her a considering look. ‘Let’s talk about this away from the factory,’ she said.

Libby’s insides tensed as Clarrie led the way out of the building and into the heat. The sky was low and oppressive. The restless sound of insects crackled around them as they walked back towards the bungalow. Clarrie spoke as she walked.

‘You think I’m keeping your father here out of selfish reasons?’

Libby flushed. ‘I didn’t say that.’

‘You don’t have to,’ said Clarrie. ‘I know you find it difficult that your father and I ... that we’ve grown close as friends. But I can assure you that is all we are – just friends. He helped me when Wesley was killed – in practical ways with the business. Sometimes I sent him away because he fussed too much but I could see it was only because he missed your mother and was lonely. We both gave each other companionship. And I was grateful that he was kind to Harry and arranged forManzur to tutor him. It made such a difference to my boy – brought him out of his misery over losing his father. Manzur was so kind and good fun.’

‘I’m glad about that,’ said Libby. She felt embarrassed at Clarrie’s sudden confiding in her and didn’t know what to say.

Clarrie led Libby towards the garden at the back of the bungalow, an area beyond the tennis court shaded by large oaks.

‘But if you think I’m standing in the way of your father going back to your mother,’ said Clarrie, ‘then you are wrong. I have been encouraging James to go and see Tilly since the War ended.’

‘Then why hasn’t he?’ Libby asked, baffled.

‘I think it frightens him,’ said Clarrie. ‘Not that he’d ever admit it.’

‘Frightened of what?’

‘That Tilly might reject him. I suspect it’s a matter of pride for James. She chose to stay with her children in England rather than come back out to be with him. He thinks she should make the first conciliatory move.’

‘But that’s ridiculous,’ cried Libby. ‘He’s punishing Mother for staying with us during the War?’

‘I suppose he is in a way,’ Clarrie said. ‘But don’t be hard on him for that. He pleaded with Tilly to come back out to India with you all in the early years of the War. We didn’t know then that it would become so dangerous here in Assam. He wanted to keep you all safe and it drove him to distraction that he was powerless to look after you.’

Libby looked at her in astonishment. ‘He wanted us all to come back out?’

‘Of course,’ Clarrie said. ‘He was angry with Tilly for staying in Britain where there was imminent danger of invasion. Other tea planters arranged for their wives and families to join them but Tilly wouldn’t. I suppose she didn’t want to risk the dangerous sea voyage with you all.’

‘I didn’t know that,’ said Libby. It distressed her to think that they could have all returned as a family to Assam years ago. Silently shewondered if it was just the excuse her mother needed to not have to re-join James in India.

‘The point is,’ said Clarrie, ‘that James missed your mother terribly – and coming to Belgooree was a distraction. For a short while he could take his mind off the worry about you all and fuss over me and Harry.’

Libby couldn’t help a twist of jealousy that it was Clarrie and Harry who had had her father’s attention all those years. She looked at Clarrie.

‘You underestimate your importance to Dad. It may have started as a distraction but I can see the way he looks at you. He cares for you and he’s come to rely on you too much.’ Libby forced herself to go on before she lost her nerve. ‘I don’t blame you that my father has grown fond of you, Cousin Clarrie, but if he’s ever to see my mother again then you have to persuade him to leave here.’

Clarrie’s dark eyes filled with sadness. She stood very still, considering Libby’s words. ‘Yes, you’re right,’ she said softly. ‘Your father is worn out by India. Perhaps the time is right for him to leave. I’ll do what I can to make him see he must go back to Tilly. Perhaps she can revive his spirits.’

Clarrie turned. ‘Let me show you something.’

She walked a little way off to an area of the garden deep in the trees where roses and jasmine were growing over a trellis. Libby followed. With a start, Libby realised Clarrie was standing by a gravestone. Wesley’s name and dates were engraved on it. It was almost the ninth anniversary of his death.

Clarrie looked at Libby. ‘This is the only man I have ever loved with all my heart. Even in death. My love for Wesley goes beyond the grave.’ She gave a sorrowful smile. ‘So you have no need to worry about me falling for your father.’

Libby’s throat tightened. She was ashamed of the resentment she had felt towards this brave, big-hearted woman, and hoped she hadn’t offended her by speaking her mind. But as they stood gazing at Wesley’s final resting place, Libby couldn’t help wondering if her father would find it so easy to give up Clarrie and go back to Tilly.