He seemed appeased that she remembered. “Well, it’ll take one hundred and twelve shrubs to achieve an RH of the size and scope I would like. But it’s well worth it, I think. I want people to experience the power of the Hegde dynasty as soon as they set foot on the grounds.”

Jaya honestly didn’t care. He could have two thousand shrubs and cover up the entire palace for all she cared. And yet she found herself saying, “But isn’t the engagement going to be at the Rao palace?”

Kiran studied her coolly. “Yes, but you’ll be a Hegde once we’re married.”

Jaya forced another smile. “Yes. Of course.”

Kiran continued to study her over the phone. “I had a nice conversation with your friend Caterina.”

Jaya stilled. They hadn’t really talked about Caterina or the Skype call at all since it had happened. “Oh, good,” she said carefully. “Caterina’s very charming.”

“Yes, she is. You know, it’s very important who we socialize with. The friendships we keep are a mirror of our values.”

Jaya found herself barely breathing. Why was he saying this? Did he know… something? Had Caterina somehow seen Grey and Jaya kiss that night Appa had called her? What if Kiran told Caterina about the upcoming engagement and she told Grey, just to get back at Jaya for not helping her with Daphne Elizabeth? What if Kiran pulled out of the engagement if he felt Jaya was a risk to the Hegde name?

“I agree,” Jaya heard herself saying quickly. “Completely.” She paused before adding, “You know, I haven’t told anyone here about the engagement. I thought it would be best to do that closer to the time. I don’t want people we hardly know feeling obliged to buy us presents or, worse, trying to finagle an invitation.” Jaya laughed an easy laugh.

Kiran frowned slightly, and for a moment Jaya was afraid he was going to tell her he’d already told Caterina. But then he nodded. “Yes, I suppose that’s fine. But that reminds me, I did want to get your input on the invitations. I really feel the font for my name should be very slightly larger than the one for yours. The Hegde name…”

Jaya let out a breath and sagged against her dresser as he continued to speak.