Colonel Hastings was beaming and climbing to his feet, clearly enchanted at the idea of having a proper male to help him question these fluttery and flustering females.

To this point, Gabby had not been enjoying the charade much, but now that Quill had entered, a sudden wave of giddy pleasure swept up her back. Since she had no fan, she fluttered her eyelashes instead. “Goodness, Mr. Dewland, I am so pleased to see you! Just imagine! The governor-general of India has sent Colonel Hastings just to question me about Indian politics. And you know how hopeless I am about names and things! Why, I vow I hardly remember my own maid’s name from one day to the next.” She cast Quill a deliciously dizzy smile.

Quill shot Gabby a quick glance and then bowed to his guest.

Colonel Hastings launched into speech. “My questions are not quite as foolish as the lovely Miss Jerningham makes out, Mr. Dewland. Although—as I was just telling the ladies—I am quite certain that I’ve undertaken a fool’s errand. But I serve a higher master, Mr. Dewland. A higher master who will not be denied! The governor-general of India himself sent me to make inquiries.”

“Goodness me,” Quill said, strolling forward and seating himself. “It is quite difficult to imagine what Wellesley could possibly think our Miss Jerningham might know of Indian politics.”

Gabby cooed at Quill. “Now, now, Mr. Dewland, you mustn’t underestimate a lady’s intelligence. Why, I am sure that I can answer many questions for Colonel Hastings.” She cocked her head to the side. “Let’s see. The East India men practically run the country, I know that.”

“Well, that’s just it, Miss Jerningham,” the colonel responded, with the air of someone instructing a five-year-old. “The company does not run the large part of India called the Marathas, which is where you grew up.”

Gabby laughed sweetly. “Well, I know that! My father was most insistent that I learn something about the Indian continent. I grew up in Indore, which is part of the Marathas. The Marathas is a large section of central India.” She spoke as if reciting the multiplication tables. “But I don’t doubt that you, Colonel Hastings, know much more about India than I do.”

Colonel Hastings was growing pink again under the warmth of Gabby’s admiring gaze. “Are you aware of the Holkar family, Miss Jerningham?”

Gabby paused, her eyes puzzled. Then she burst out: “Indore is run by the Holkars!” She clapped her hands. “Am I doing well, sir?”

“Marvelously,” Colonel Hastings affirmed. “We are curious about the whereabouts of a boy who grew up in your father’s household, Miss Jerningham. We have been informed that he was brought up like a brother to you. His name is Kasi Rao Holkar, and he is the heir to the Holkar throne.”