“Haan.” The old man pointed toward a road that curved toward the left.
Colin bowed his head, mirroring the man’s respect. “Shukriya.” He nudged his heels into the horse’s sides and they rambled forward. The movement sent Bea backward. She wrapped her fingers around the fine linen of Colin’s shirt, linen that was still warm from his body, and held him close. She breathed in his scent before she could stop herself.
“What’d he say? What’d you say?” She probably shouldn’t have demanded so harshly, but found herself in a suddenly foul mood and she wasn’t quite sure why.
He rubbed the scruff along his jaw line, flicking a hooded glance her way. “I asked for directions. Akshay lives just down the road. Don’t worry, princess, you’ll soon be rid of me.”
His foul mood matched hers. She bit back her tart response.
Just down the road. So close. “Wonderful,” Bea whispered. Her stomach clenched. Would Leo and Ella greet them? Would she be immediately swept away to her own room? Perhaps they’d put her on a ship, deciding it was too dangerous, and send her back to Scotland. Oh God, she couldn’t go back to Scotland!
“Just remember, his place may not be what you’re used to.” There was a warning note to Colin’s voice. Apparently, he still thought of her as the rich, spoiled woman he’d first met.
She arched a brow, her ire flaring to life. She’d proven more than once that she was neither spoiled nor a princess. “Used to? Such as a hut? The dirt ground? Because at the moment, Colin, that’s what I’m used to.”
Surprisingly, his shoulders seemed to release. He threw a grin her way. “Touché, darlin’.”
Just like that, her ire dissipated and she found herself returning his smile. She’d miss their verbal taunting, she’d miss his dimples, bloody hell, she’d even miss the way he called her “darlin’.” With a sigh, she tried to focus on their surroundings and not her depressing contemplations.
Two-story stone buildings lined the streets, yet nothing else seemed out of the ordinary. Nevertheless, Colin’s gaze darted from shadow to shadow, his instincts on alert. Demyan had found them before; there was no reason why he couldn’t find them now. If she was going to be an adventurer, a true adventurer, she supposed she, too, should learn to keep watch.
At the end of the lane a white, two-story home sat surrounded by glowing lanterns. A welcoming sight that pained Bea when it should have brought relief. So close to the end, she could feel it. Yet why did her heart ache with the knowledge? Why did she have the sudden desire to beg Colin to stop the horse and turn around? Because her adventure was over. But even as she thought the words, she knew it wasn’t true. No, truth was, her heart ached because her time with Colin was over.
“Doesn’t look terrible,” Colin said as they started down the lane.
But it did. It looked absolutely wretched. Bea bit her lower lip, refusing to give in to the sting of tears. Ridiculous rubbish. She was being a ninny. Exhausted and hungry, that was what the problem was. She swiped at her damp eyes as Colin turned in the saddle to look at her.
“Listen, I want you to wait outside while I go through the gates.”
She frowned. “Wouldn’t I be safer with you?”
“No, you’ll be fine here. Just keep your eyes open.”
Bea nodded and looked away. She knew what he was thinking. Demyan may have already gotten to this Akshay. They could very well be walking into a trap. Colin slid from the mount, his boots softly hitting the ground. He rested one hand on her thigh, the other on the horse’s reins, and studied her for one impossibly long minute. “Bea, if something happens on that doorstep, kick the horse and run south, got it?”
They both knew the mount wouldn’t make it far. She’d be caught outside the city. Still, she could try to hide. She nodded, attempting to keep her face stoic. Would she leave him if he cried the alarm? No. She knew before she’d even thought the question. She’d never abandon Colin. He apparently knew, too. He sighed, shaking his head before giving her a stern look. “I mean it. Run.”
Without another word, he made his way through the open iron gates.
He paused only a moment to glance back. Bea gave him a jaunty wave. She couldn’t see his expression, but was rather sure he rolled his eyes. Past potted ferns, he made his way up the steps. Bea’s shoulders slumped, her attention focusing on her surroundings. Waiting for Colin outside the stone walls, she felt so very alone, so unprotected.
Out here, anything could happen to her. Her heart skipped a beat before taking off into a wild gallop. She nudged the mount, making her shift sideways, farther into the shadows. As frightened as she was, she could admit, as ridiculous as it sounded, that the danger thrilled her … made her feel alive in a way she’d never felt before.
Colin knocked, the sound hollow against the thick teak wood. Almost immediately the tall doors pulled inward. A man appeared, a white turban upon his head. Bea could read nothing in his blank expression, neither welcome nor unwelcome. If it wasn’t for his clothing and darker skin, he’d resemble the typical cold English butler.
“I’m looking for Akshay Patel.”
The man looked Colin up and down, then scanned the front garden. Bea stiffened, her instincts on alert. Looking for her? Had he been expecting them all along?
“Who shall I say is calling?” he asked in perfect English.
“Colin Finch. I’m a friend of Leo’s.”
The man bowed, yet still showed no signs of recognition. “A moment, if you please.” The doors closed.
Colin glanced back, most likely to make sure she was still where he’d left her, then just as quickly, faced the door. Bea took the opportunity to nudge her heels into the mount, urging the beast forward. The door creaked open and masked the soft thud of the horse’s hooves against the cobbled stone of the front garden. A gangly man appeared on the stoop. Even though Bea couldn’t see his face, she could tell by his clothing and accent that he was Indian.
“Colin?”
“Akshay, my friend!”
They hugged, in the silly way only men could, with laughter and slapping of each other’s backs. As much as she wanted to be contrary, Bea’s lips lifted, their reunion almost endearing. She hesitated only a moment, then slid from the horse so quietly, that still no one noticed her.
“We’ve been worried,” Akshay exclaimed.
“We? Leo and Ella made it then?”
Akshay nodded. “Although they went to the city on a lead.”
Relief snaked through Bea, making her knees weak. Leo and Ella had made it to Bombay, just as they said they would. And with that relief for their well-being, something else niggled at the back of her mind … relief that her time with Colin wouldn’t end immediately. Giddy, she started toward them, timid, yet eager to hear news of her cousin and his wife.
“Come! You must be exhausted.” Akshay’s gaze moved past Colin and his warm brown eyes met Bea’s. There was curiosity on his face, an openness that pulled her in and set her at ease. This close, she was surprised by how handsome he was, with his thick, wavy black hair and dark, mysterious eyes. And he was young, around the same age as they were. As Leo’s best mate, she’d been expecting someone more brooding than this cheerful-looking man.
“They made it?” she asked, returning the man’s smile.
Colin sighed as he slid her a glance. “I thought I told you to stay behind.”
She shrugged. “He’s smiling, he looks kind enough.”
“I have no response to that ridiculous piece of logic.”
Akshay laughed, a deep, rich chuckle that made Bea want to laugh in kind. “You must be Leo’s cousin?”
Bea nodded, feeling suddenly shy. She looked a horrid mess, with her wrinkled sari and dusty skin. What must the man think?
“Come, surely you’re hungry. Come, come!” He stepped aside and waved them in.
But Colin merely stood there, pinning her with a glare. Bea hesitated only a moment, resisting the urge to flinch, then swept up the steps past him. No
longer was she under Colin’s thumb. Aye, she could do what she pleased now that she would be under Leo’s protection.
Her slippers whispered over the marble floors, the area refreshingly cool. The hall was impressive. Elegant in marble and teak, yet not overly done. Whereas Shiva’s home had been slightly intimidating, this one was homey.
“Colin!” A woman with brilliant red hair swept down the steps. “Oh, Colin, you’re well?” Her voice was decidedly English, yet her brilliant green sari spoke of India.
She didn’t pause once she reached the hall but threw her arms around Colin’s neck in a manner that spoke of kinship, of familiarity. Bea winced as if she’d been kicked in the gut. Who the hell was she? Feeling suddenly as if it was difficult to breathe, Bea shifted into the shadows. Had one in every port, did he? The sting of jealousy mixed with a deep, aching hurt. Had he abandoned this woman as he would her?
Colin kissed the woman’s pale cheek, only adding confirmation to Bea’s conclusion. Her stomach churned, and for a brief moment, she thought she might get sick all over the marble floor. He could, at least, look sheepish, the dratted man! No wonder he’d been so intent on ending their intimacy!
“Fran, you look wonderful.”
The Fran woman grinned, a toothy grin. Tears of anger stung Bea’s eyes. She looked away, feigning interest in the décor. She supposed Fran was pretty, in a boring and wholesome way. Unable to prevent herself, Bea slid Colin and Fran a glance. They were holding hands now as if they were the closest of lovers. She resisted the urge to gag. How much longer must she endure their courtship? How could Colin do this, after what they’d experienced?
“Thanks to you, I look wonderful,” Fran whispered.
Bea almost snorted. Could the woman fawn any more than she already was? It was disgusting, ridic—
The woman’s words gave Bea pause. Thanks to Colin?
Colin flushed, rubbing the back of his neck in that way he did when he was embarrassed. Embarrassed about what? Had she missed something? How, exactly, were Colin and this Fran woman connected?
Colin slid Fran’s arm through his. “Indian weather must agree with you.”
Fran looked up at him with large, adoring, calf like eyes. “It does. I never thought I’d take to a country so different.” She glanced toward Bea, her gaze shy, yet welcoming. “We’re being rude, though. You’re Beatrice?”
Bea hesitated, unsure how to respond. Finally, she gave a curt nod. Fran moved from Colin’s side, taking Bea’s hands in hers. Bea stiffened, confused and surprised by the woman’s friendly touch. If this Fran was in love with Colin, shouldn’t she be jealous of Bea? Unless, Bea realized, she looked so horrible that Fran figured she was no threat.
“Oh, how lovely! Ella was correct, you’re stunning.”
Bea flushed, resisting the urge to pull away. “I look a terrible mess.”
“Of course not.” Fran slipped her arm around Bea’s waist. It was almost comical; the woman was a good head shorter than she, yet was leading her toward the stairs like a mother would a child. Blast it all, as much as she wanted to hate her, she couldn’t, for Fran’s eyes spoke only of sincerity.
“You are beautiful.”
Akshay sighed long and loud. “Enough, my wife, you’re both beautiful.”
Stunned speechless, Bea’s steps faltered. Fran? Akshay? Married? But … but he was Indian and she was … not.
Fran laughed, a merry giggle, and gave her husband a wink before turning back to Bea. “Of course, a bath and rest?”
Bea nodded dumbly, realizing that Colin and Fran weren’t together at all. But then … what had they been talking about? Thanks to you … Realization dawned hot and heavy with humiliation. Colin had saved Fran, obviously, but Bea had been too stupid with jealousy to realize it. She slid Fran, then Colin, a glance. Adoration, but not love. No, Fran only looked at her husband with love in her eyes. Bea felt utterly and completely stupid. Had her feelings for Colin truly made her so daft?
Fran led her up the steps but not before glancing one last time toward her husband. “My dear, you’ll see to Colin?”
“But of course,” Akshay called out. “A bit of Scotch and he’ll be good as new.”
Bea didn’t dare look at Colin, too worried he’d read the stunned humiliation upon her face and know her thoughts. Her mind spun with the possibilities, so much so, she was barely aware of where Fran led her. As much as she wanted to push the ridiculous notion aside … as much as she wanted to deny and ignore her feelings … Bea couldn’t help pondering the insane.
If an English woman and an Indian man could make a loving relationship work during the reign of Queen Victoria, what could she and Colin accomplish?
What in the world was she thinking? What could she and Colin accomplish? Nothing, that’s what. A relationship with Colin. Bea snorted. Even if it could work, he wouldn’t want one … it was obvious Colin had no designs to settle down.
Perhaps he’d stay a month, maybe two, but a man like Colin, a man always on the move, always looking for adventure … a man like that would get bored with one woman, wouldn’t he? Besides, he never actually said he wanted a relationship. No, he said he liked her and that could mean one of many things, none of which meant he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
“The gardens are quite lovely,” Fran said.
Bea turned away from the open doors that led onto a stone terrace. The woman was watching her closely, too closely. Could everyone in this blasted country read minds? With Fran’s eyes piercing her, it felt as if she could.
“Wear this. It’s too warm to sleep in night clothing.” Fran held out a silky blue robe.
Bea relented and dropped her towel, allowing Fran to slip the robe over her bare shoulders. Fran’s hair had come loose and hung down her back in rich curls. Bea could see why Akshay had fallen for this woman. She was honest, open, and beautiful. Her home was just as lovely. The bedchamber Bea had been led to was large, comfortable, and clean.
Fran moved to the bed. “The gardens are quite lovely at night and quite safe, fenced in.”
Bea nodded, confused. There was an odd twinkle in her new friend’s eyes, a twinkle that hinted at something more to come. Bea brushed aside the woman’s odd comment. As she’d helped Bea bathe, they’d become fast friends. Bea didn’t need to ask why Fran and Akshay had left England; she could guess that society had not been accepting of their marriage. But Fran didn’t seem to care; she looked truly happy here. Could Bea find such happiness in a foreign land?
Fran hummed as she folded a drying cloth.
“You like it here?” Bea blurted out. “I mean, you’re English, and living in a world of foreigners.” She knew her question was forward, but the woman didn’t seem to mind.
Fran smiled, her eyes lighting up. “I ‘ad my reservations at first, as I’m sure you understand. It’s completely different than England. But I suppose sometimes different is good. Don’t you agree?”
Bea nodded slowly, her thoughts in turmoil. The problem was, living the same life, day in and day out, had been … well … easy.
“And you?” Fran was watching her again, as if trying to uncover her secrets.
Bea tightened the belt of her robe, giving her hands something to do as she was unsure how to respond. Her feelings had changed so drastically from the start of their journey. “At first, I thought the place wretched.”
Fran nodded with a knowing grin. “The dirt, dust, and insects as big as your bloody ‘and. That, combined with a language I still ‘ave trouble with, and I completely understand.”
Bea laughed. “But now?” She turned toward those gardens once more. White jasmine hung heavy in the warm air and whispered sweet promises of seduction. She felt clean, so clean and good. She’d scrubbed herself twice, washed her hair twice, feasted upon a platter of fruits and nuts. She felt fresh and languid. She finally felt alive. How could she hate this place now, of all times?
She turned to face Fran. “Well, I suppose I like different, too
. The colors, the sights, everything … it’s rather amazing and there’s always something new to see.”
Fran nodded and came to stand beside her, gazing out upon her gardens with a satisfied look of pride. “Yes, there is. I wonder if I shall ever grow tired of the sights. In England, well, we never would ‘ave owned this.” She nodded toward the expansive grounds.
They were both quiet for some time, Fran studying her flowers, while Bea’s mind spun with confusing and contradictory thoughts. Thoughts of Colin and thoughts of her and Colin. He’d been so bloody silent at dinner, so unlike him. More than once she caught him looking at her, yet she could read nothing on his stoic face.
“Fran …” Bea flushed, struggling to find the right words.
“Yes?” Fran tilted her head to the side, studying her in that knowing way.
Heat boiled under Bea’s skin. What was she thinking? She couldn’t ask Fran about her relationship. “No, nothing, really.”
Fran lifted a brow and waited patiently.
Bea shrugged and toyed with her belt. “‘Tis nothing really, it’s just … well …” Oh, blast it, she might as well go through with it now. “Did you know immediately that you loved Akshay?”
Fran laughed. “Blimey, no. The dear man was an oddity to me. But, well, he grew on me and now”—Fran blushed, bringing her freckles to life—”I’d follow ‘im to the ends of the earth, I would.”
Bea nodded knowingly. She felt as if she’d been following Colin to the ends of the earth for a week now. Oddly, although she thought it would be hell, she found she craved the adventure … she craved him. After living the same blasted day over and over again in Scotland, she loved not knowing what was to come. But mostly, she loved experiencing each adventure with Colin.
Fran slipped her arm around Bea’s waist and gave her a quick squeeze as if she realized the direction of her thoughts. “Well, I should leave you to rest. But please, if you ever feel the need to visit ‘ere, know that you’re always welcome.” Fran pulled back and looked directly into her eyes. “I mean it, Bea, you don’t ‘ave to go back to Scotland.”