Amala wasn’t at all surprised when Kat declared that she was feeling a little under the weather and made her apologies before gracefully bidding their guests farewell and leaving the room. Amala knew very well that Kat was simply bored and unable to bear the conversation any further. Amala couldn’t fault her sister when she knew that she might likely do the same if such a gathering had the same effect on her. Truthfully, once Kat had left, Amala ceased to be distracted by the subtle signs of Kat’s discomfort and she was able to relax even more and enjoy the stories these men were telling of their years spent on the other side of the world. Some of their adventures had been very exciting—even frightening. And some had been marred by sadness at the evidence of poverty and political difficulties. But Amala hung on every word and was surprised when it was actually time for tea to be served; she couldn’t believe how the time had flown.

When tea was winding down, Amala dreaded the departure of Henry and Chit, certain they would soon express the need to leave. But Oliver mentioned a collection of Indian artifacts that he kept in his personal study. Chit enthusiastically said that he’d love to see them, but Henry said to Oliver, “Forgive me, but . . . I confess I noticed what a lovely rose garden you have, and I was rather hoping to get a closer look.” He paused and stole a barely detectable glance toward Amala before he added, “Perhaps Amala would do me the honor of giving me a tour.”

“What a grand idea!” Oliver said with a pleased expression, much like the one that appeared on her mother’s face. She mentally noted the need to have that conversation with her parents, and soon, if only so they would stop implying that she might be courted by some proper English gentleman. But for now, nothing sounded more appealing than the idea of having some time alone with Henry to share conversation akin to what they’d shared the previous evening.

“If that’s all right with you, of course,” Henry said directly to Amala, and she appreciated the way he considered asking her opinion rather than assuming that the men could decide what a woman might want to do with her time.

“I’d be happy to show you the gardens,” she said. “They are especially lovely right now with the roses all in bloom.”

“Perfect,” Oliver said and headed out of the room with Viola on his arm and Chit right behind them.