Paris was a great wonder to Amala, and Paulina made a fine guide since she knew the city well. Miles and Ivy generally accompanied them on their outings, and even though they were there as paid servants, Paulina always treated them with a kindness and respect that reminded Amala of Oliver and Viola. Miles and Ivy had obviously been to all of these places before in their many prior travels with Paulina, but they took in the sights with some of the same wonder that Amala felt. And it was always nice—if not wise—to have a man in their company who was strong and capable enough to see that the women were all kept safe.

They toured museums and attended operas and ballets and went shopping for frivolous things. At first Amala insisted she didn’t need pretty, new clothes or anything else, but Paulina’s delight in the simple act of shopping and in providing such niceties for Amala gradually won Amala over and she began to understand why Paulina so thoroughly enjoyed the vast variety of shops in Paris.

They also experienced the pastries and confectionaries of Paris with equal delight. Amala had never eaten such wonders, and every time she tasted something new and declared her pleasure, Paulina behaved as if she’d never been happier, like a child who had just received exactly what she wanted for Christmas. A great unexpected treat in Paris came when Paulina took Amala to dine at an Indian restaurant, which was run and owned by a family who had traveled from India many years ago. The patriarch of this family and his wife personally greeted Paulina as if they were old friends, and they were thrilled to meet Amala and wanted to introduce her to their every child and grandchild, a family so large Amala couldn’t keep track. But they were all working together to cook the food, serve the customers, and keep the establishment in pristine cleanliness and order. Amala loved eating the food of her country and she indulged in the good memories that were brought to mind by her aroused taste buds. The spices and sauces were so unique compared to anything she’d eaten in England, where the food was rather bland.

While Amala had her eyes closed, slowly savoring the food in her mouth and inhaling the fragrances in the air, she heard Paulina say, “Did your parents never take you to an Indian restaurant in London?”

“They never took me to London,” Amala said, and Paulina gasped. “But before you get upset with them”—Amala opened her eyes—“you need to know that they offered. I believe I was afraid of such a large city. Memories of the crowded cities in India had become frightening to me after what had happened. I told them they were welcome to go to London and I would be well cared for by the staff, but they refused to go without me.” Amala took another bite of her food, chewed, and swallowed. “That is one of many reasons I think my being away will be beneficial to Kat. She deserves a season in London; I believe I restrained her social life in many ways, even though I never tried to.”