Page 176 of The Secrets of the Tea Garden
Sophie was transformed with her hair shorn and blackened with boot polish, the stage moustache applied and her face obscured in a large eye bandage. Libby was already sweating in her padded outfit, with her hair pinned up under a topee and jaw bound as if it had been dislocated. She could only speak incoherently but she was so nervous and emotional at leaving Clarrie that she could hardly find words adequate to thank her anyway.
When the time came for departure, Clarrie took her in a hug and said, ‘Dearest Libby, I shall miss you so much. I can’t tell you what a joy it has been to have you here. And thank you for all your help in the office. I shall send on your typewriter.’
Libby shook her head. ‘Let Nitin have it,’ she mouthed.
Clarrie kissed her cheek and let her go. Libby watched as Sophie embraced her friend and said a tearful farewell. Neither of them knew if or when they would ever see each other again.
‘God go with you,’ Clarrie said. She didn’t let them linger but led them down to the car where their luggage was being loaded into the boot.
At that moment, Manzur appeared, to say goodbye. His eyes widened at sight of Libby. He stared hard and then, as recognition dawned, amusement spread across his face.
‘Is that really you, Libby-mem’?’
She nodded and tried to smile but the bandage inhibited her.
‘You are a brave Robson,’ he said, ‘always the bravest.’
Libby’s eyes pricked with tears. She murmured goodbye to him.
‘Goodbye and good luck,’ Manzur answered.
Quickly, Libby and Sophie climbed into the back of the car. The gates were being opened as they set off down the drive. Libby tensed as she scoured the dark track ahead for signs of anyone lying in wait. All seemed peaceful; the early stirrings of jungle birds and creatures were the only sounds. The gates closed swiftly behind them and Libby caught a fleeting last glimpse of the bungalow where Clarrie and Manzur stood waving them away.
Then they were heading off down the garden road. Sophie reached out and took Libby’s free hand. She squeezed it tight in encouragement. Libby blinked away tears and returned the comforting gesture.
