Sword of Empire Read online

  I wished to stay away. I wished to avoid her. I wished to hate her. But I could not. And when I actually held the gorgeous creature once again in my arms, I am afraid I surrendered, horse, foot and guns. Before I knew where I was, I was attempting to seduce another man’s wife.

  Actually, adultery is a pastime which occupies a good deal of time here in Bombay. It has been said that it is the commonest form of activity in the Presidency, far more indulged in than connubial relations. However, I had always hoped to be above such indecent goings-on. Yet here I was...

  The Rani refused my importunities, very properly. But the way she did it, and the fact that she agreed to an assignation with me on the beach the following day, led me to suppose that her refusal was one of those entirely feminine manoeuvres, perhaps dictated by caution, but certainly designed to encourage a man to persevere. The assignation, I am bound to say, was equally unproductive, but I still had hopes. I had not yet formed my next strategy when yesterday’s accident occurred.

  The Rani is now closeted in Government House and is not receiving visitors, even those who would offer their condolences. I adore the woman! I believe she is susceptible to me. And she is now a widow. But at the same time she is a queen, and mother of a king. Yet she is also plain Laura Dean. My God, the temptation!

  But into what sort of fire would I be jumping? Would she abandon her throne to be the wife of a humble lieutenant? Or would I have to leave the army and become some kind of king consort, or at least regent for her baby son? How imagination runs riot! I had never sought to rise so high.

  Now, to confound the entire matter, I have learned by discreet inquiries that the Rani plans to leave Bombay tomorrow morning to return to Sittapore, as it is there that the Rajah must be buried. In Sittapore too is her son. But where does this leave me? I cannot possibly renew my courtship at this moment without proving myself an unfeeling cad. Neither can I desert my commission and go rushing off to this jaghir unless invited to do so by the Rani.

  I have thus decided to pursue a policy of masterly inactivity, as recommended by all the best generals, for a while. This will allow the Rani to complete her mourning and consider her future, at which time I hope to obtain leave and travel up to Sittapore, and with good fortune bring her to a sensible decision.

  As for poor Prudence — well, I feel very badly about it, but who would walk beneath the cold light of the moon when he could bask in the rays of the sun?

  Rufus has just bitten his hundred and twenty-fifth Hindu.

  4 The Widow

  ‘Are you certain this is the best course?’ Elphinstone asked. He sat beside Laura in the drawing room at Government House her hands held in his.

  ‘It is the only course,’ Laura said. ‘The Rajah must be taken back to his city, and I must accompany him. My son is there, and my family. Sitraj’s family is mine, now.’

  ‘Yes. Well...I hope they prove so. Now, I know this is a most indelicate subject, but in this heat...’

  ‘Is there no way he can be preserved?’

  ‘By embalming, of course. But I doubt we have anyone here in Bombay capable of doing that in a satisfactory manner. What I have done, if you will forgive me, is have the body placed in a cask of alcohol. This will preserve it, I believe, at least long enough for you to get it home.’ He gave an encouraging smile. ‘It is how they sent Lord Nelson home from Trafalgar.’

  ‘Oh. Yes. I am very grateful, Your Excellency. Now, I must go and see that everything is ready.’

  Elphinstone stood up with her. ‘Have you thought of the future?’

  ‘No. I cannot until I have spoken with the Dowager-Rani and Prince Batraj. Little Sivitraj is not yet a year old. I have no desire to rule Sittapore — I wouldn’t have any idea how to go about it — but I cannot leave my son, at least until he is old enough to look after himself.’

  ‘Oh, quite so, quite so,’ Elphinstone agreed. ‘You will always remember that you have friends here in Bombay. I shall not be here, unfortunately, but I am sure Malcolm will be happy to give you any assistance you require, the moment he arrives. You could even have a home here, if you wished to remain in India. I mean, after you have sorted things out in Sittapore. Now, if you ever need support in that direction, you have but to send to us here, and assistance will be on its way immediately. I give you my word on that.’

  ‘I will remember, Your Excellency. And I would like to thank you so very deeply for all that you have done, both for Sitraj and for myself.’

  She kissed him on the cheek, and he watched her leave the room. Such a beautiful woman, he thought, and so self-possessed; she had hardly shed a tear, yet he had no doubt, on the evidence of his own eyes, that she had dearly loved her Indian rajah. To think that this regal, commanding woman used to be poor little Laura Dean. The Governor sighed. The problems she faced were immense. But she seemed to have the confidence to deal with them. And at least she was English. There was no risk of her being caught up in the dreadful consequences of being a Hindu widow; Sitraj had both guaranteed this in his marriage contract and abolished it in his kingdom.

  But he thought, just in case any hotheads in Sittapore might wish to cause trouble, he would send someone with her, to remind them all of the Company’s presence and power. And he knew the very fellow.

  *

  Laura sat on the bed as Miljah placed the last few items in her box.

  She had the curious sensation of being outside herself, looking in.

  She could hardly remember what it was like to be the poor, penniless Laura Dean of only two years ago. She could not imagine not being Rani of Sittapore. But then, she could not imagine Sitraj dead either. If she had shown no overwhelming grief as yet, that was because she had been in a kind of trance ever since she had seen him fall, and known instinctively that he had been killed.

  It was a trance from which she was only just awakening; she could feel the tears lurking behind her eyes, waiting to be released. Perhaps, when she got home...But what would she find in that splendid, erotic palace, without him at her side?

  Yet her son was there, and her son was now Rajah. If she had accumulated anything of real value during her two years as Sitraj’s wife, it had been a sense of responsibility, as well as a love, for Sittapore and its people. She could pay Sitraj’s memory no greater honour than to make sure that their happiness continued.

  Would she be allowed to? Obviously there was a chance Batraj would claim the throne. But he had no right to it, as there was a living rajah. She would have to be very firm, and very strong...and remind him of the power of the Company, far more powerful than any force he could raise, and pledged to her support.

  Then what of Bilkis? Bilkis was Batraj’s aunt, but she was little Sivitraj’s grandmother. Surely she would support the rightful claim of her grandson. Besides, Bilkis, Laura was certain, knew that Batraj was unsuitable to be the ruler.

  Suppose he made advances to her? Laura wondered. He probably would, out of lust for her as much as lust for power. Well, she would have no trouble in dealing with that!

  ‘It is ready, Highness. Will you change now?’

  Miljah had laid out a white sari for her.

  ‘I did not know I possessed such a thing,’ Laura said, as she allowed herself to be undressed.

  ‘It was the first made for you, Highness. Every wife must possess a white sari.’

  ‘I suppose she must,’ Laura said absently.

  ‘Highness, you are going back to Sittapore?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Highness...it would be better for you to remain here.’

  Laura frowned at her. ‘Remain here? My son is in Sittapore. And besides, do you not suppose I wish to see my husband buried?’

  ‘He will not be buried, Highness. He will be burned. This is the Hindu custom.’

  Laura shuddered, but she knew that to be true.

  ‘I must be there,’ she insisted.

  Miljah said nothing more, and finished dressing her mistress.

  *


  ‘Me, sir?’ Guy could hardly believe his ears, as he stood to attention before both the Governor and Colonel Partridge. ‘You wish me to accompany the Rani back to Sittapore?’

  ‘I think that would be best. You are a friend of the Rani’s, are you not?’

  ‘Well, sir...I suppose you could say that.’ He could feel the heat in his cheeks, and cursed it.

  ‘That’s what I thought. You will take an escort with you. Not your entire company...’ The Governor glanced at the Colonel.

  ‘I should think ten men and a sergeant, Your Excellency.’

  ‘Yes. That should he sufficient. There must be no suggestion that we are in any way attempting to overawe the people of Sittapore, or to influence their decisions or customs in any way. Your official purpose will he to represent the Company at the Rajah’s funeral. The situation is a very delicate one, Lieutenant Bartlett, and must he handled with the utmost care. As I have said, we must not in any circumstances offend the people of Sittapore, but we have a responsibility to the Rani, as she is one of our own. Do you understand what I am speaking about?’

  ‘Yes, sir! The infant Prince. You wish to be sure there is no trouble to stop him becoming Rajah.’

  ‘That certainly,’ Elphinstone agreed. ‘However, we are more concerned with the safety of the Rani. She is now the widow of a Hindu, and more over, of a Hindu rajah.’

  Guy frowned at him, ‘You mean...suttee? My God! I beg your pardon, sir. But I was under the impression that it had been abolished, by Company order.’

  ‘It has been abolished, Lieutenant, in all territories directly controlled by the Company. And we have made our disapproval of so horrible a practice clear to all our client princes. Sitraj understood this well enough, and I happen to know that he has forbidden it in his jaghir. He also guaranteed in the marriage contract that the Rani should never suffer such a fate. But Sitraj is now dead, and I do not propose to take any risks with the Rani. I wish this understood.’

  ‘Yes, sir. How long am I to remain in Sittapore, sir?’

  ‘Until you are satisfied that the government is in the right hands, and that the Rani can be safely left.’

  ‘Yes, sir!’ Guy said, growing more enthusiastic with every moment. He wondered what Laura was going to say when she discovered who was to command her escort.

  *

  ‘I wish you a safe journey, my dear, and after...great success in your endeavours.’

  ‘Thank you, Your Excellency. I shall always treasure the memory of your friendship.’ Laura went outside, and surveyed her caravan. The elephants had all been draped in white, and the escort wore white armbands, while the servants were also dressed in white.

  Sitraj’s coffin was in a howdah on the first elephant; he would lead them back to Sittapore.

  Then Laura saw the ten red-coated Indian soldiers and their sergeant, standing to attention in a guard of honour. And none other than Guy Bartlett in command!

  ‘Your escort,’ Elphinstone explained.

  ‘My escort? But I do not need an escort. I have my own soldiers.’

  ‘The Company wishes to be represented at the funeral of the Rajah,’ Elphinstone said deviously. ‘I would come myself did I not have pressing responsibilities here.’

  Laura glared at him, knowing that he was lying. ‘And Lieutenant Bartlett!’

  ‘Is he not a friend of yours?’

  ‘Well...yes.’

  Elphinstone frowned. ‘He has not been improper, I hope, Your Highness?’

  ‘Good heavens, no, Your Excellency.’ She could not possibly get poor Mr Bartlett into trouble when she had accepted his advances in the first place. ‘It is just that I am sure he cannot welcome the idea of marching all the way to Sittapore.’

  ‘As you see, his men are provided with mules, so they will be able to keep up with you. And Mr Bartlett is a soldier, Your Highness. He goes where he is sent.’

  Laura gave up. In fact, the thought of having a Company officer at her elbow when she faced Batraj was reassuring.

  She gave him a cold smile as she went down the steps. ‘Good afternoon, Mr Bartlett. I gather you are to accompany me home.’

  ‘It is my pleasure, Your Highness.’

  ‘I’m sure it is,’ she agreed, and mounted into her howdah.

  *

  Colonel Mujhabi was in command of the caravan, but he took his orders from Laura, and every day they kept going until it was dark before camping.

  Much as Laura wished to push on, however, it was impossible to reach Sittapore in under nine days, and so they were still on the road, although within a march of the Sittapore border, on 25 December.

  Laura had no real desire to celebrate Christmas, and she doubted that any of her Indian entourage would even know what it was, but she felt it would be churlish of her to leave Mr Bartlett all alone on such a day, so she invited him to dine with her.

  She half expected him to decline, but at the appointed hour he arrived, looking very smart in his uniform.

  ‘Merry Christmas,’ she said, as he kissed her hand.

  He sat in the other camp chair. ‘Is it, for you, Highness?’

  ‘No. But I suppose life must go on.’

  Food was served, and with it cane rum, well watered. ‘How long do you anticipate staying in Sittapore?’ she asked.

  ‘As long as is necessary.’

  She frowned at him. ‘Necessary for what?’

  ‘My instructions are to make sure there are no hitches in the succession of your son.’

  ‘Elphinstone sent you to do that?’

  ‘Yes. Do you resent that?’

  ‘Oh, good heavens, no. I am rather grateful for it. But...I should hate to have any trouble.’

  ‘I have not come to cause trouble, Laura, only to prevent it.’

  ‘With ten men.’ She smiled at his earnest confidence.

  ‘My ten men represent the power of the Company. Your people will understand that.’

  ‘I’m sure.’ She was eating little, but she took another glass of rum.

  ‘Laura...I know I should not speak of this, at such a time. But have you given any thought to your future?’

  She turned her head to look at him. ‘My future is to be my son’s mother until he is old enough to rule.’

  ‘I understand that. But will it not be a lonely existence?’

  She gazed at him for some seconds. She had not known him to be so thoughtfully serious before. ‘I think that is to be my karma.’

  ‘I should hate to think that,’ he said.

  ‘I think perhaps we should speak of this at a later date,’ she said.

  *

  ‘Tell Colonel Mujhabi that I wish a messenger to be sent ahead to inform the Dowager-Rani of the death of the Rajah,’ Laura instructed Miljah next morning.

  The slave looked doubtful; she had in fact worn a very long face ever since leaving Bombay.

  ‘Do you think this is wise, Highness?’

  ‘The Rajah’s mother must be informed, Miljah. And I should hate to be the one who has to break the news. Better that she be prepared.’

  ‘Yes, Highness,’ Miljah said reluctantly.

  *

  The messenger had obviously done his job thoroughly. The border guards wore white armbands, and there was no celebratory firing of muskets on this occasion, while as they approached Sittapore, they could hear nothing but the clashing of cymbals and the mournful blowing of bugles.

  White flags flew from the palace.

  When Sitraj’s coffin was carried up the sloping street beneath the gateway the crowds moaned and wept, women screamed and rolled themselves in the dust.

  Laura walked immediately behind the coffin, Mujhabi at her elbow. Then came a solitary drummer, beating a slow cadence. Guy and his Company soldiers followed, then the Sittapore soldiers and the servants.

  People stared at Laura as if she were a stranger; there was no greeting. But she hardly noticed the hostility. Twelve men carried Sitraj’s coffin, but Laura saw that they were exhausted
when they finally lifted it up the steps on to the palace verandah, where Bilkis and Sitraj’s three other wives were waiting, as well as his children. Sivitraj was in the arms of his nurse.

  Prithviraj Dal was there too, and other members of the government.

  Laura bowed before her mother-in-law. ‘My husband, your son, the Rajah, broke his neck falling from his horse,’ she said simply.

  ‘You have brought great misfortune upon Sittapore,’ Bilkis said.

  Laura’s head jerked, but she knew she had to expect this for a while. It would be self-defeating to take offence.

  ‘The greatest misfortune is mine,’ she said quietly. She looked for Batraj, but he was not there. That at least was a relief.

  She turned away from Bilkis, and went to Sivitraj. The baby gurgled happily to see his mother, and she kissed him. And then remembered Guy.

  ‘This is Lieutenant Bartlett of the Honourable East India Company,’ she explained to Bilkis. ‘He has come to represent the Company at my husband’s funeral.’

  Bilkis’s gaze remained cold. ‘It will be tomorrow,’ she said.

  Laura turned to Prithviraj Dal instead. ‘Lieutenant Bartlett and his men need quartering, Excellency.’

  Prithviraj Dal bowed, his hands together in front of his face.

  Laura looked at Guy. ‘His Excellency will attend to you. Perhaps you would join me at supper.’

  Guy saluted. ‘It will be my pleasure, Your Highness.’

  *

  Laura took Sivitraj from the nurse and went into her apartment.

  She kissed the child and hugged him, sat with him on the divan she had shared with Sitraj. As she had anticipated, the tears now came very fast, and the little boy stared at her in distress.

  ‘It’s all right, sweetheart,’ she promised him, rocking back and forth with him in her arms. ‘Everything is going to be all right.’