They leaned a bit closer to each other, their shoulders almost touching. Tara bit her lower lip. “I’m not sure. I—I guess I didn’t want to say goodbye. Yet.”

“Neither did I.”

They heard heavy footsteps outside. Tara caught her breath. If she were found here, alone, with him—she could only imagine her grandmother’s anger. And if anyone on the train were to recognize her . . . God forbid. Her marriage prospects would be ruined forever. The humiliation her family would suffer. She pulled her hand away from Jimmy’s and stood up. Jimmy crossed the length of the berth to the door and listened. The footsteps faded away. Jimmy locked the door and walked back toward her.

Tara’s heart pounded in her ears. From the nearness of him. From the foolishness of this choice. What was she thinking? Jimmy leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, “I’ll keep you safe.” It was a nice sentiment, but it didn’t assuage her panic.

“This tea should still be . . . well, warm, at least.” Jimmy poured two cups of milky chai and took a seat again on the bottom bunk. He took a swig and then motioned for Tara to join him. “Mam’s shortbread would be excellent right now.”

“Nothing tastes like home. But I’m sure you can find some delights here as well.”

“I have no doubt.” Jimmy grinned at her, a dimple appearing in his left cheek.

Tara opened her mouth but clamped it shut and simply shook her head. She sat next to Jimmy and took the offered tea. While they drank, Tara told him about her grandfather and how he had barely escaped with his life when the British cruelly crushed the mutiny among the sepoys and those who helped them. How he had to go into hiding and even change his name. Tara told Jimmy about her nanni’s stories about how she and her nana had met at an anti-British protest and then had to reverse-engineer a marriage setup because a love-marriage would have been an utter scandal.

“So anti-colonial activities run deep in your family, I see,” Jimmy said, then added, “and a penchant to live life on the edge.”

“Yes, I suppose,” said Tara. “My nanni would be horrified to see me talking to you like this, but I’m sure a part of her would be glad I was breaking some rules.”

Jimmy took the teacup from Tara’s hand and placed it on the small table. He turned back, inching closer. Tara swore she could hear his heart beating. Or was that just hers, echoing in this cabin? Jimmy tucked a few strands of loose hair behind Tara’s ear, grazing her cheek with his thumb. Sparks exploded across her skin.

“Tá tú go h-álainn,” Jimmy whispered to her.