Page 187 of The Secrets of the Tea Garden
‘It is, isn’t it?’ he said. ‘I still can’t believe this gorgeous lass said yes.’
Libby had a pang of misgiving. Not so long ago, Flowers had been warning her off about getting involved with George because of his philandering. But as they settled down to chat, Libby’s doubts faded. They both looked so happy and Libby knew that Flowers was too sensible to have accepted marriage on a whim.
‘We’re getting married in a month’s time,’ said Flowers. ‘It was going to be sooner but when we heard that Adela and Sam were coming back, we decided to wait so they can be our witnesses.’
Libby wondered if Flowers and her parents were disappointed that she couldn’t have a church wedding because of George’s previous marriage. But the Dunlops seemed delighted with the match. When Libby rose to go, Flowers and George offered to walk with her to the tram.
It was then that she was able to tell them about the trouble at Belgooree and her escape with Sophie.
‘That’s awful!’ George said in shock. ‘I should have come to visit – I should have been there to protect Auntie Clarrie.’
‘She’s all right,’ Libby assured him. ‘There’s no one as strong or determined as Clarrie. You couldn’t have done any more than she did to keep us all safe.’
‘She’s an amazing woman,’ said Flowers. ‘Does Adela know what happened?’
‘She might do by now,’ said Libby. ‘Clarrie was going to explain in a letter after we’d got safely away. She didn’t want Sam worrying about his sister when he was too far away to help.’
‘So what are your plans, Libby?’ Flowers asked. ‘You were a bit vague when Daddy asked.’
Libby felt tears sting her eyes. She unburdened her fears over Ghulam. She could hardly bear the look of pity Flowers gave her; her friend had been critical of Ghulam having a casual affair with her and then packing her off to Belgooree. George looked embarrassed by talk of the Indian – he’d been disapproving of Ghulam too – and Libby wondered how much Flowers had told him about the affair. But Libby knew that George had never been in love with her and she was glad that her girlish crush on him had long since vanished. She felt nothing for George except mild affection.
‘I’m sorry,’ Flowers said. ‘I hope you get news of him soon.’
‘If you’re still in India at the end of October,’ said George, ‘promise you will come to our wedding.’
Libby smiled. ‘Thank you, I’d love to.’
