But he was interrupted by a booming voice. “What a true pleasure it is to see you here, my lady, and looking so blooming.” It was Colonel Hastings, who bowed low before Gabby. “This is a happy day for the East India Company,” he said, addressing Quill. “A happy day! The governor-general is most pleased, most pleased indeed. We have located the prince, Kasi Rao, and he will be restored to his rightful place on the Holkar throne imminently, yes, imminently!”

Quill noticed with some interest that Mr. Charles Grant appeared to be grinding his teeth.

But Colonel Hastings was oblivious. “Mr. Grant, you must allow me to do the honors. I shall introduce the lovely viscountess to her childhood companion, our honored guest, the Indian prince!”

Gabby gave Quill a helpless look, but Colonel Hastings was towing her into the throng of people. Quill had turned to follow when he felt a hand on his sleeve.

It was Charles Grant. “I didn’t expect to see you here, Dewland. I was rather under the impression that you had decided to eschew all contact with India men.” His tone was dry.

“I did,” Quill replied. “However, I could hardly miss such an emotional moment as this is bound to be,” he added gently. “My wife is about to be reunited with her childhood companion, a boy who was raised as a brother to her.”

Grant seemed to have nothing to say to that.

“A boy about whom my wife has told me so much,” Quill added thoughtfully. “Why, I am alight with anticipation myself.”

He cast a glance at Grant’s hand, which still held his sleeve. The hand dropped away.

Quill bowed, very slightly. “Your servant.” He turned and walked into the crowd, searching for Gabby.

Since he was taller than many of those at the reception, he spotted Gabby and Colonel Hastings almost immediately. They were standing before a slender lad, presumably Kasi Rao, who had his back to Quill. Gabby was in the midst of a low curtsy and he couldn’t see her face. Then Kasi bowed as well, deftly tucking the ceremonial sword slung at his side out of the way. A beautiful smile broke over Gabby’s face—and a puzzled frown over Quill’s.

He stopped for a moment, watching his wife chatter in Hindi to the prince. Colonel Hastings was looking dewy-eyed, clearly moved by the emotional reunion of two childhood companions.

Quill made his way around little clusters of people until he stood at Gabby’s side. Gabby looked up at him, eyes glowing. “Why, dearest,” she cooed. “Just imagine! Here is Kasi Rao, all grown up. Why, I would hardly recognize him. Of course, it had been so long since I’d seen him.”