Page 36 of A Shimla Affair
Guruji let out a slow breath, his eyes wide. ‘So, he’s real?’
‘I did not see him, but Mr Nayler mentioned him. It sounded like this man follows the Viceroy everywhere and is his best bodyguard.’
‘But his name is not on the list,’ said Noor.
‘He wouldn’t need it to be,’ Guruji shook his head. ‘No, Wagner, I had assumed was mythical—people always spokeabout one man guarding the Viceroy, one who moves like a shadow. I thought he was the stuff of stories. If Wagner is real, we have a big problem on our hands. He is perhaps the most powerful man in all of India, in charge of protecting the Viceroy. Who else will be in attendance? So, the Viceroy, then the Commander-in-chief—’
‘No,’ Noor said, ‘Lord Commander Ripon declined the invitation, said he is busy that evening.’
Guruji turned to us, shocked. ‘Why didn’t you mention this before? This changes everything!’
‘Why?’ Ratan Babu asked.
‘Because he would immediately take command if the Viceroy were not capable. We don’t know where he will be, so we can’t plan for what he will do. The Commander-in-Chief is the most important part about the plan!’
‘If he is so important, then better he is outside than inside,’ Afreen said, ‘His authority will be immediately recognized inside. In its absence, there will be confusion.’
Guruji didn’t seem convinced but calmed down for the moment. ‘And the third among the musketeers?’
‘Lord Fraser, the Governor of Punjab? He will be here.’
Guruji seemed mollified by that. ‘He’s a great fan of the Viceroy, unfortunately, practically believes him to be an incarnation of Christ himself. He’s a proud one, Fraser, that much I have heard—’
‘And then Sir James Harris, the Baron of Cheshire …’
Guruji scrunched up his face. ‘I don’t know much about him. We have to find out.’
‘He’s known for his love of Indian treasures, especially for the jewels he’s acquired from Indian royal families at throwaway prices, owing to a combination of blackmail and deceit organized with the British government. He’s stayed with us before. Then there will be Sir Philip Ramsden, a captain in the Royal Navy.’
‘He should not cause any trouble. He’s ageing, soft around the belly, likes the good life.’
‘Then there is Lord Richard Gaunt and Lord John Biggs, notorious for their love of intoxicants. Then the Deputy Commissioner, Mr John Brown.’
‘Easy guests. Anyway, we will be leaving the hotel as soon as I manage to get the Viceroy away. We just have to make sure the others don’t stand in our way. Of course, I will get new identities prepared for you four. You will need official papers, perhaps even passports. Leaving by train will be dangerous at first so, for a few days, you must stay put in the village nearby. It will have to be done very carefully.’
I looked at my sisters nervously; we would be leaving the hotel without a proper farewell. Yet my anxiety gave way to hope: if things went according to plan, then it might not be long until we got the hotel back. Perhaps it might be handed back to us in honour for supporting the plan that even brought about India’s much sought-after independence.
‘And lastly,’ Noor turned to me, pity and concern in her eyes. I looked at her questioningly. ‘Charles Nayler.’
My stomach dropped at the mention of his name.
How could I have forgotten about Charles?
If Charles was going to be at the ball, he would know what we are doing. He wouldseewhat we are doing. At some point, he would notice us leave the ballroom and then never come back.
I looked around and found silence, everybody in the room was staring at me, not knowing what to say.
13
Isaw a white Rolls Royce pull up a little way down, where the road ended and the dirt road began, followed by the six-member guard on horseback. In Shimla, only three people were allowed to have and use the car within the city premises: the Viceroy, the Commander-in-Chief Lord Ripon and the Governor of Punjab, Lord Fraser. The road leading right up to the hotel had never been built, so after a point on the hill, the car had to be abandoned.
One of the guards climbed down from the horse to open the door, and Lord Fraser stepped out. A chaise followed the guard, and Fraser tread inside gingerly, after which another carriage and a guard on horseback trailed the procession up to the hotel.
Once they arrived at the hotel, an Indian politician too descended from the carriage, standing in contrast with Fraser. Fraser was dressed sharply in his uniform and stiff hat, his badges pinned up in pride, his shoes smartly polished. His stature was imposing, for he was tall and had a rather huge belly, but underneath one could see that he had a weakness for the finer things in life. The Indian had khadi wrapped around himself as most Congress members tended to, and wore woodenmules, his back slightly stooped. He seemed old, but Noor had told me that crowds of up to ten thousand came out to hear him any time he wanted to speak.
My sisters and I stood in front of the gates. We first curtsied to Lord Fraser, and then folded our hands in greeting, bowing our heads. It was a bright sunny day, and we had arranged tea for them in the garden.
‘See, Deodar,’ Fraser said, addressing the other man but beaming at us, ‘How it is in Shimla! Indian women running a hotel for English guests—a whole mix! Brothers and friends in arms, is who we are.’
