Kate and Mira stood at the edge of the gathering. Ashok dismounted, handing the reins to a younger man, whom Kate decided must be one of Ash’s brothers, they were so alike. Kate could see Ash only in profile, but it was enough to convince her that this was not an arranged match. Her heart ached and yet she was happy for him. Subedar-Major Ashok Patel was a fine man and he deserved a loving wife. Kate could see the bride’s expression more clearly now, and it mirrored her own feelings during that blissful time in Delhi when she had first fallen in love. Kate turned to leave but found her way barred by a tall, bearded man.

‘Who are you?’ he demanded in a low voice. ‘This is a private celebration and you are not one of us.’

‘I-I’m sorry,’ Kate murmured, uncomfortably aware that heads were turning and people were staring at her. ‘I’ll go now.’

The man drew her aside. ‘Who are you?’

Mira stepped in between them. ‘Let her go at once. Memsahib Martin is a guest of Sir Robert Audley. Even in this small town you must have heard of him.’

‘You are impertinent, girl. Know your place.’

‘Mira has just told you my name,’ Kate said angrily. ‘We will be on our way.’

He closed his large hand around her slender arm. ‘Come with me.’

Despite the fact that they were in the middle of a happy occasion, Kate felt a sudden chill. ‘Not until you tell me where we’re going. Who are you, anyway?’

‘My name is not important. Don’t make a fuss.’ He glared at Mira. ‘You must come, too.’

‘I think I know you, Bikram Patel.’ Mira shook off his restraining hand. ‘You’re Ashok’s brother. We used to play together when I stayed with my grandmother.’

‘That was a long time ago,’ Bikram said with a hint of a smile. ‘But you must both come with me now. People are looking at us. Do you want to ruin my brother’s wedding?’

Chapter Twenty-Two

‘No, of course not,’ Kate said hurriedly. She allowed Bikram to lead her away from the wedding party and out into the street. The heat was oppressive and she swayed on her feet as a feeling of faintness overcame her. Seconds later she felt herself lifted in a pair of strong arms, and she closed her eyes in an attempt to stop the world from spinning around her.

When she opened them again she was seated on an old and saggy armchair in an unfamiliar room. A strong scent of sandalwood and crushed rose petals was secondary to the fumes from the oil lamp placed on a brass table at the side of her seat. The blinds were lowered to keep out the heat, but despite this, it was stiflingly hot. Mira was fanning Kate energetically but it did little to cool the air.