Page 52 of The Seaside Homecoming
“Not random at all. Through my diplomatic connections, I had been endeavoring for quite some time to discover what became of Vanita’s half brother. I am still trying to find him. For Mira’s sake.
“I finally received a reply to my inquiries shortly after Vanita died. I learned that he too had left India. He received permission to accompany a wounded British officer on his return to England. They were thought to be residing in Sidmouth, Devonshire—where the officer had been advised to live for his health.”
“So that’s why you came here.”
“Yes. The boarding house was simply a way to supplement my diplomatic pension.”
Claire thought of the Indian man she had met on the coach and again in Sidmouth. “And have you found him here?”
“Not yet. I asked around town shortly after we arrived. It seems there might be a man of similar age and description residing on the other side of town in a place called Westmount. I went there but the servant who came to the door was reluctant to talk to me. He would tell me only that the man was not there presently but was expected back at some point.”
“Why would he not say more?”
Mr. Hammond shrugged. “He seemed wary of my motives—what I might want with him. I did not explain the connection. Simply left a message that I would like to speak to him if and when he returns.”
Oh, I think he has returned, Claire thought to herself.And his name is Armaan.
14
The British embassy in these days was a centre.... Dinners, balls, and receptions were given with profusion.
—Rees Howell Gronow,The Reminiscences and Recollections of Captain Gronow
After breakfast the next morning, sunshine replaced the previous day’s rain. Eager to get out and enjoy the fine weather, Claire offered to buy the fresh herbs Mrs. Ballard needed for dinner.
As Claire walked through the marketplace on her errand, her gaze was drawn to a cheerful display of potted plants. A local flower seller was offering them at a reduced price, as the season for planting was coming to an end.
She thought of the large ceramic, urn-like pots on either side of the boarding-house steps. They held only ragged displays of dried sea grasses and bulrushes that had likely been there since last autumn. Wouldn’t flowers be more welcoming? These had certainly caught her eye—perhaps the bright blooms would draw the eyes of prospective guests as well.
Mr. Hammond had given her the key to a cashbox containingfunds for postage and other household necessities. She did not think he would mind.
Claire made her selections, and the flower seller helped her carry them the short distance to the boarding house, giving her advice on how to transplant the flowers and water them.
When he’d gone, Claire delivered the herbs to Mrs. Ballard and asked where she might find gardening tools. The woman sent the scullery maid to the courtyard shed, and she soon came back with a small shovel and a trowel.
Claire had just returned to the front steps with the tools when Miss Patel opened the door for Mira, who wanted to see what Claire was doing.
“Pretty!” the girl enthused and bent to sniff the flowers.
“I think so too. I thought I’d put them into these big pots.”
“May I help?”
“If you would like.”
“She will get dirty,” Sonali warned. “At least wait until I bring an apron.”
“Very well.”
She returned with an old apron and tied it about the girl. “I shall wait inside, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
After removing the dried stems and bulrushes, Claire loosened the soil with the small shovel. Then with the trowel, Mira helped her dig holes for each plant. Claire arranged the plants, carefully settling them into the holes, and Mira helped her press the soil gently but firmly around them.
Mr. Hammond came out of the house, dressed for his climb. “I say. That looks nice.”
“I hope you don’t mind. They were not expensive.”
