He handed her a slip of paper. ‘This is Ashok Patel’s last known address in Thana, just in case you wish to contact him at any time. My wife is an Indian lady. We’ve been happily married for fifteen years, but we had to overcome the prejudices of both families. However, I wouldn’t change a thing. I count myself a very fortunate man to have married such a wonderful woman, and I hope you find what you’re seeking, Miss Martin. You’re a plucky young lady and if Lyndon is fortunate enough to win your good opinion he will be a very lucky man.’ He bowed out of the room, leaving Kate staring after him.

She made her way back to the dining room. ‘Annie, are you ready to go to the hospital? I think we need to speak to Joe’s doctor.’

Annie’s eyes widened in alarm. ‘Why? What did the colonel say?’

‘Nothing about Joe, but what he’s discovered does explain why Harry might have gone to Thana. I’m sure he’ll return very soon and we need to find out if the doctors think that Joe is strong enough to undertake the voyage home.’

‘Of course. I hadn’t thought of that,’ Annie said slowly. ‘I just imagined we would arrive here and everything would be straightforward. But we have to wait for Harry, surely?’

‘If we don’t hear from him in the next couple of days I will go to Thana. I speak a little Hindi, so I’m not afraid to travel there alone, no matter what anyone says.’

‘You mustn’t even think about it,’ Annie said vehemently. ‘Harry would never forgive me if I allowed you to do something so rash.’

‘Harry isn’t here, which is the reason I’m even considering such a move. Colonel Lambert has had his adjutant go through the records and he discovered that Ash was born in Thana and lived there before he joined the army.’

‘I thought you’d put him out of your mind. It’s Harry you care about now.’

‘Yes, you’re right, and whatever Harry thinks about myself and Ashok is wrong, and that’s what I want to tell him. Also I don’t want Ashok to think that I sent Harry to find him. Had he wanted to, Ash could have followed me to London, or at least written to me.’

Annie did not look convinced. ‘Best wait for Harry to return. At least we know where he is and why he left Joe in hospital.’