Page 29 of The Girl from the Tea Garden
‘He’s come down with a dose of hill fever,’ explained their hostess. ‘He’s very apologetic– was hoping he would rally in time for tonight.’
Adela tried to put on a brave face; she could see how disappointed her friends were.
‘Poor Guy,’ she said. ‘That’s very bad luck.’
‘Isn’t it?’ agreed Fluffy. ‘But all is not lost. Boz has managed to find a replacement for the party– someone he knows from up in the hills.The man just happened to be in Simla, and Boz has persuaded him to stay the night.’
‘Good for Boz.’ Adela brightened.
‘Ooh, who is this mystery man?’ Prue smiled.
‘Some Raja’s son I hope.’ Deborah gave a wicked grin.
‘Deb!’ Prue admonished.
‘Not exactly.’ Fluffy gave Adela an apologetic glance. ‘He’s a missionary from Narkanda.’
‘Amissionary?’ Deborah exclaimed.
‘Oh no.’ Prue pulled a face.
‘Better hide the sherry, Auntie,’ Adela said with a rueful look, trying to make light of it.
‘Now, girls,’ Fluffy said, ‘I’m sure he’ll be very pleasant.’
‘And boring,’ muttered Prue.
‘Well, he probably won’t want to stay beyond dinner, will he?’ Adela asked in hope.
‘That’s true. Missionaries don’t usually hang around Davico’s,’ agreed Prue.
‘Except to stop young innocents from entering,’ Deborah said in a dramatic voice, ‘and save their mortal souls!’
Prue and Adela snorted with laughter. Just then Sundar called out a greeting as he arrived with DrFatima.
‘The bet about theJword still stands,’ Deborah hissed to the others.
They came bearing more gifts, Sundar looking magnificent in the evening mess kit of the Lahore Horse with a ruby-red turban, and Fatima in a dark blue sari with gold brocade.
‘You really shouldn’t,’ Adela said, kissing Fatima’s cheek. ‘All I wanted was a party with my favourite people.’
‘Nonsense,’ Deborah declared. ‘Presents are the best part of birthdays.’
‘And it’s a good excuse to spoil a very special young lady.’ Sundar grinned. ‘Tonight, you look like a princess!’
‘Thank you.’ Adela beamed while her friends giggled. Fluffy welcomed them, and Noor handed fruit juice to the new arrivals. The noise level grew as they chatted and laughed. Prue told them about the gorgeous Guy being replaced by a missionary.
‘Some dry old stick that Boz has dragged in at the last minute– probably as old as the hills too.’
‘You’re going to have to be on your best behaviour, birthday girl,’ Deborah teased Adela.
‘As will you.’ Adela laughed.
‘No unsuitable jokes, ladies’ – Sundar wagged a finger in mock disapproval – ‘or bursting into barrack-room songs.’
‘The only ones we know are the ones you taught us,’ Adela teased back.
‘Not all the missionaries in the hills are ancient,’ Fatima said, ‘or lacking in humour. Most of the ones I’ve met are kind and well meaning.’
