‘Not until this evening.’ Mrs Ogilvy met Kate’s anxious look with a serene smile. ‘You will be staying with us, of course? I’m sure Sir Robert will be delighted to have your company.’

‘That’s very kind. I’m here on a mission and I might need his help.’

‘He was a close friend of your late uncle, Miss Martin. I know he will welcome you with open arms. I’ll have two rooms made ready for you.’

Annie laid her hand on Kate’s arm. ‘I need to sit down. Could you guide me to a chair?’

‘I’m so sorry, Annie. I’m neglecting you.’ Kate led her to a sofa. ‘Are you all right?’

‘It’s the heat,’ Mrs Ogilvy said briskly. ‘I’ll send for the punkah wallah, and I’ll bring your drinks.’ She left the room, closing the door gently.

‘Are you sure you’re all right, Annie?’ Kate asked urgently. ‘Would you like to lie down?’

‘No, really, I’m feeling better already. It was so hot and everything smells so strange.’

‘Of course it does. This is India and I love it here. The three years we spent in Delhi were the happiest I’ve ever known.’

Annie laid her hand on Kate’s arm. ‘Do you think you will see Ashok again?’

‘I didn’t come here with that in mind. He might not have survived the uprising, and even if he did, I expect he will have forgotten me.’

‘But you still remember him.’

‘He was my first love, but it was never likely to come to anything. I realise that now. We came from different worlds.’

‘I’m sorry, Kate.’

Kate patted Annie’s hand. ‘Thank you, but at the moment you are more important. Are you sure you feel all right? You haven’t got a fever or anything?’

Annie smiled. ‘I don’t think I’m coming down with a dreadful tropical disease. I was just a little overwhelmed.’

A slight movement above them made Kate look up to see a large fan swaying rhythmically to and fro, creating a gentle waft of air. ‘Do you feel that, Annie? The punkah is a large fan and there’ll be a boy sitting on the floor outside, pulling the cord.’

‘Poor boy,’ Annie said with feeling. ‘Is that what he does all day?’

‘I suppose so. I took it all for granted when I lived in Delhi. I doubt if I gave another thought to the servants, or even the poverty that existed outside the doors of the residence. All I thought about was enjoying myself and what I would wear to the next grand occasion. I’ve changed so many of my ideas since I returned to London and started the soup kitchen.’