Page 134 of The Sapphire Child
Andrew shook his head in disbelief. ‘Imagine the army and the police asking such a thing of Esmie? Sending a lone woman into tribal territory with just a mullah and a couple of local guards. According to Bannerman, my father insisted on going too but could do little to help. It was Esmie who took all the risk...’ Andrew stopped and gave her a pained look. ‘I feel terrible for thinking the worst of Esmie and I wish I could see her to say sorry. I’ve been so cruel and childish towards her over the years and she never deserved it.’
Stella was joyful at his admission. ‘She’ll be so happy if you did tell her that. She’s never stopped loving you, Andy. Apart from your father, there’s no one Esmie loves more.’
His mouth twisted. ‘Not even the perfect Belle?’
Stella was silent.
Beyond the cricket pitch, the town was stirring with early traffic; horses trotted by pulling milk carts; an army truck trundled past belching blue smoke into the chilly air.
Stella knew their time was running out. In a short while she should be returning to the hotel to help get MrsShankley washed and encourage her to eat some breakfast, even though she had no appetite these days. For the past week Stella hadn’t even been able to coax her out of bed or to get dressed.
‘Do you know where you’re being posted?’ she asked.
He met her look. ‘Most likely down to the Burma border.’
Impulsively, she grabbed his arm. ‘You will take very good care, won’t you, Andy? Don’t go trying to be ridiculously brave.’
He covered her hand with his. ‘Don’t worry – I just give the orders.’
She smiled. ‘I know that’s not true. I’m very proud of you. We all are.’
Andrew’s eyes glinted. ‘Thank you, Stella. That means a lot.’
For a long moment they held each other’s look. Stella felt her heart brimming with affection. She glanced down at their hands touching; it was such a comforting feeling. She ran the tips of her fingers over his.
‘You still bite your nails,’ she said.
‘Habit,’ Andrew admitted.
Stella said, ‘They’re not as bad as they used to be though.’
‘I remember how you would sometimes try and kiss them better,’ he said wryly.
She raised his hand and gently kissed his fingertips. ‘That better?’
‘Much.’
She saw the glint of emotion in his eyes and swiftly let go her hold.
Andrew cleared his throat. ‘Will you give my love to Dad and Esmie?’ he asked. ‘Tell them I’m sorry I didn’t get to see them before leaving the Punjab.’
‘Of course I will.’
‘Are they happy, Stella?’ he asked abruptly. ‘With the new baby?’
‘Very,’ Stella said truthfully. ‘They adore her – and your father has started painting again. That’s always a sign that he’s in good spirits.’
‘I’m glad,’ Andrew said, smiling wistfully. ‘I hope one day I’ll meet my sister.’
She leaned towards him and lightly kissed his cheek. As she brushed against him, she was aware of his unshaven chin. It gave her the same frisson she’d experienced the day before when he’d kissed her hair. Quickly she stood up.
‘Let me ride back with you,’ Andrew said.
‘No, it’s the wrong direction for you,’ Stella replied, ‘and you’ll only slow me down.’
Andrew laughed. ‘Oh, Stella, I’ve missed your teasing.’
Hastily, she pushed off and pedalled hard. To linger would be too distressing and she didn’t dare look back. She had waited over nine years to see Andrew again and their time together had been so tantalisingly brief. She had forgotten just how much she cared for him. The tears came, and a confusing mix of sadness and yearning pressed on her chest. Stella sent up a prayer that she would see him again, safe and unharmed.
