Page 58 of To Break the Rules

“It’s beautiful,” Dharani said, looking overwhelmed by the gift.

“Yes. He buys and sells goods from all over the world, Nani maa. Spices and fabrics, and… oh, all sorts of things. So he could find something really lovely for you.”

“A good man,” Dharani said again, nodding and tracing a delicate butterfly with one finger.

Lucia got up and sank to her knees beside the old lady, taking her hand. “Do you really think so?” she asked, staring up at the woman who had always protected her, no matter the cost. She’d given everything up to come to a foreign land and start again among strangers, all for Lucia. “Do you think I can trust him?”

Dharani reached out a hand and stroked Lucia’s cheek. Her hand was rough from years of work, work she’d done to keep them fed and clothed, to keep Lucia safe.

“I think you already know the answer to that, bhanvaraa,” she said, smiling. “But if you want my opinion… I will never trust my judgement again if that man lets you down.”

Lucia let out a sob of relief, not realising until that moment how much she’d needed Dharani’s blessing.

She pinched Lucia’s chin, raising her head up. “You must tell him, Lucia. Tell him everything. All of it.”

“Yes,” Lucia managed, nodding as the tears rolled down her face. “I will. I will tell him.”

“Now, now, no waterworks,” the old lady said, chuckling. “You’ve already let a north wind blow through my parlour. Don’t go soaking me to the bone, too.”

Lucia made a choked sound somewhere between laughter and tears, and wiped her face.

“All better,” she said, sniffing a little as she looked up again.

Dharani nodded in approval and stared at her, giving Lucia the strange but all too familiar sensation that she could see right through her. “You love him.”

“I do,” Lucia said, the words a little uneven as she realised she’d not even admitted as much to herself until that moment.

Dharani sighed with contentment and sat back in her chair. “I can die happy now,” she said, regarding Lucia with a beneficent smile and looking pleased with herself.

“Oh,” Lucia said, laughing and getting to her feet. “Don’t give me that. You’re too stubborn to die. Besides, you always said you’d die in India, not some foreign land.”

Dharani shrugged. “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t,” she said, a trifle petulantly. “It’s not so foreign now, after all. You’re here, where you belong.”

Lucia stilled, looking down at the old lady. “Do I?” she said, feeling breathless suddenly.

“Come here,” Dharani said, gesturing for her to bend down.

She did, and Dharani placed her hand flat over Lucia’s heart. “This tells you where you belong, Aashini. Only this. Follow it, and you’ll find your home.”

All at once, Lucia was blinking back tears again and she leaned in closer, kissing Dharani’s wrinkled cheek.

“I love you, Nani maa. You are the wisest person I know.”

Dharani beamed and then sat up straighter, making give me motions with her hands again. “Now then,” she demanded, all business. “You said gifts, not gift. Where’s the other one?”

Lucia laughed at the outrageous old woman and shook her head before reaching for the books she’d bought.

Chapter 17

Dearest Nate,

I’m sorry I shan’t see you and Alice at Green Park, but I don’t blame you for escaping this shocking heat and retreating to the country. I do hope Alice feels better soon and hope to see you both at St Clair’s house party.

I have a favour to ask (don’t roll your eyes at me, and yes, I know you are doing just that). You remember Miss Kitty Connolly? If not, I know Alice will remind you. Well, she is looking for an old friend….

―Excerpt of a letter from Miss Matilda Hunt to Mr Nathaniel Hunt.

30th July 1814. South Audley Street, London.