Page 17 of The Sapphire Child
When he didn’t answer, Stella steered him towards a garden bench and sat down next to him.
‘It’s not too late to call it all off,’ she said gently.
He gave her a wry look. ‘But you’re looking forward to it so much.’
‘That doesn’t matter. This trip is for you. I’m sure your parents would be delighted if you didn’t go. They’re going to miss you terribly.’
Andrew eyed her, his look forlorn. ‘Meemee maybe – but I think Dad wants me to go. He’s been so cross with me over this Gotley business and he won’t answer my questions about why he left the army. They both treat me like I’m still a kid, but I’m not.’
Stella was silent, sensing he had more on his mind. He gnawed at his thumbnail. ‘Part of me wants to go to Scotland and part of me...’
‘Are you worried about meeting your mother?’ Stella asked. She saw from the troubled look in his blue eyes that she was right. She touched his shoulder. ‘It’s bound to be a bit nerve-wracking at first but she might be feeling a little anxious too, don’t you think?’
‘I hadn’t thought of that.’
‘And it won’t just be the two of you all the time. You’ll meet your grandmother and Auntie Tibby too. I’m sure they’ll all welcome you with open arms.’
At last, Andrew smiled. A little bashfully, he said, ‘Thanks, Stella.’
Then he reached for Frisky and began fussing over the dog. ‘Come on, boy. Let’s race Stella back to the hotel.’
Jumping to his feet, Andrew sped off with Frisky chasing him and Stella following along behind.
It was arranged that Ada would come up to Gulmarg and help out in her place, while their cousin Lucy would take over Ada’s duties with MrsShankley at the Raj.
Ada arrived two days before Stella and Andrew were due to depart. The cousins hugged in delight.
‘I’m so envious of you visiting Britain,’ said Ada. ‘My dad hasn’t stopped going on about what a privilege it is – keeps saying you’re taking a trip home.’ Ada laughed. ‘It’s not as if our family even came from Scotland. I think the Dixons were from Yorkshire.’
‘Dear Uncle Toby,’ said Stella in amusement. ‘I’ll bring him back something special from home.’
‘Just think of it,’ said Ada with a dreamy look. ‘In a few days you’ll be at sea and mixing with all those young officers and businessmen. Bet you come back engaged.’
‘I certainly won’t,’ Stella said with a roll of her eyes. ‘I want to see a bit of life before getting married. Don’t you?’
‘I suppose so. You will come back?’ Ada looked suddenly anxious.
‘Of course I will.’ Stella took her cousin by the hand. ‘Come on; let me introduce you to the handsome Felix. He’ll teach you how to make pastry that melts in the mouth.’
The day before leaving Gulmarg, Stella received an airmail letter from Lydia saying how delighted she was to hear from Tom that it was Stella who would be accompanying Andrew and‘not some timid little ayah’.
Yet Stella was uncomfortable at the words that followed.
It will be lovely to see if you are still as pretty and engaging as the child I remember. We’ll keep quiet about your being Anglo-Indian. Not that it bothers me but some of the county set can be a bit stuffy. It helps that you don’t look at all native. Mummy is dying to meet you again.
She showed it to Esmie.
‘Typical Lydia,’ Esmie said with a look of irritation. ‘She just says what’s in her mind without thinking. She doesn’t mean to cause offence.’ She put her arm around Stella. ‘If she gets too overbearing and you want to escape, you must go and stay with Tibby at The Anchorage. Promise me you will? Tom’s written to his sister and told her to befriend you.’
Stella nodded in thanks. ‘What’s Tibby like?’
Esmie smiled. ‘She’s great fun. A bit eccentric in her tastes but she’s one of the kindest people I know. I’ve no idea how she keeps the old castle going – her father died leaving her with hardly a penny – but she’s made it a haven for struggling young artists and they earn their keep by helping around the house and gardens.’
‘Sounds an interesting place,’ said Stella. ‘I wouldn’t mind doing my bit if she needs a hand.’
Esmie squeezed her shoulders. ‘I know you wouldn’t, kind girl. But this is a holiday for you. Tibby will just be happy if you visit her.’
Stella said, ‘You and MrLomax are so kind to let me go. I feel a bit bad that it’s not you taking Andrew for a visit to Scotland. I know how you miss it.’
