“Oh, of course,” Viola said with exuberance. “Tonight’s gala was in his honor; he’s just returned home after many years away, has he not?”

“That’s right,” Oliver said. “He’s lived in India for years.”

Amala’s heart quickened as her mind made the connection. Howard Roderick, the lifelong friend of Henry Beckenridge. They had traveled to India together.

“We had a jolly good time talking of India,” Oliver continued, “and so I invited him to tea, thinking we could go at it a great deal longer. I hope you don’t mind, my dear.”

“Oh, not at all!” Viola said. “It sounds delightful!”

“And I was thinking,” Oliver said, and Amala realized he was looking at her, “that you might enjoy such a conversation, as well—to hear more about your homeland. I wonder sometimes if we shouldn’t talk about it more. I’m not even certain what you remember.”

Rather than try to discuss her memories or encourage any discussion on the topic itself, Amala simply said, “Tea with Mr. Roderick sounds lovely.”

Amala felt a secret wish that it might be tea with Mr. Beckenridge instead—who had also just returned from India—but she immediately knew it was likely better if she never saw Henry again. She had no sooner thought it when Oliver said, “Oh, and he’s bringing a friend; been friends forever, he tells me. They traveled there and back together. Did some kind of work for the viceroy, I believe.”

“Oh, that would be Henry Beckenridge,” Viola said, and Amala’s heart quickened at the very mention of his name. “I’ve known his mother . . . well . . . since I first came here as a bride, I suppose. Although she’s not one whose company I’ve ever enjoyed much. Cranky, I’d call her.”

“And what of his father?” Kat asked.

“Oh, he died very young, when Henry was still a child, from what I recall.”

“I believe that’s right,” Oliver interjected. “Which means that Henry owns the whole of the Beckenridge estate, which is no small birthright by any account.”

“Then why do you suppose he went to India?” Viola asked.

“Perhaps to get away from his cranky mother,” Kat said with a giggle.

“Indeed,” Viola said and laughed with her.

“I suppose we can find out tomorrow,” Oliver said. “It should be a delightful afternoon.”

“Indeed,” Viola said again, but Amala didn’t know whether to feel thrilled or terrified.

* * * *