Pride, Honour & Love

Chapter 29

Sarah gave a burp, then looked around at the faces, Oh I am sorry...'excuse me'...it is time I get back my manners, she stood up, Maggie's gown has fitted her nicely, must be from the time Maggie was newly married as the size has changed since then...good god, I am feeling I am in a straight jacket....she stood up, have I eaten too much or have I got used to native clothes.....

Not only clothes I guess, some habits too, Jacques pointed they sat on the floor and ate with hands....

Sarah smiled, I guess we will take some time though must admit I cannot believe we are here, in a mansion, amidst of luxuries at last.....

Jacques I know why you did not want to check into the Aukland hotel (known as Great Eastern Hotel later) as the security would not have let us in the state we are in but I think now, as we are reasonably well dressed, and thankfully will be much better soon once we draw some money from the bank, I would like to check into the hotel, I am sure the old man will not say no to the old lady.....

My Lady since Maggie has extended her hospitality we leave so abruptly, it will not look nice and I do not yet want to announce our arrival by opening our house, Jamal does have relatives in the city, maybe not so influential as in Lucknow but then I can take no chances.....

I understand Jacques but inspite of everything, upto now receiving the best hospitality in three months I still feel I will be more at ease amongst strangers...My Lady sighed....

They all kept quiet, yes that was the feeling they too were having, Jacques had briefed them about his choice of the place before bringing them here but there was a feeling of insecurity, discomfort and something unknown, inspite of the servants and maids trying to help them, they felt much more comfortable when they had each other's company for the food....

Jacques picked up Tara, she was looking like a doll in one of the frocks of Maggie's children, he kissed her, now my baby can have some freedom, we should now give attention to her speech development Bani,

Tara gave her father a funny look, without his beard and long hair, he was looking different, till he spoke and made is usual sounds for her, she raised her hand to feel his cheeks, yes my love, I do feel much lighter, not to say about cleaner, you also I think so, my girl.....

Tara responded with her gurgles....yes they were all looking very different, Jacques and Toddy in borrowed trousers, ill fitting not only because it was not as per length but they have lost weight considerably, Ismail looked funny too, in a lose pantaloon and shirt above it......Bani in an sari belonging to the maid, the colour was a bit too loud for her......

Ok early evening us, men will go out, we will open our house and get some clothes out, atleast three of us and My Lady will have something to wear, for Sarah, Bani and Tara lets see what best can be done at the soonest and in the evening we will have our supper with the Wilsons, I think we owe them some explanations...

As the men left, Sarah also said she will catch up with her siesta, as she opened the door, a maid was standing to say, Mrs Wilson has informed that the 'darzi' will be here at 5 p.m. for taking measurements....after she left clearing the plates and leftovers, Sarah turned, yes atlast I feel at ease, I am truly amongst my people ....she smiled and left....

My Lady climbed the bed, grumbled a little about the gown feeling too tight, Bani made herself comfortable with Tara on the floor, she smiled hearing My Lady's curses, Oh yes, after these months she can follow English and French, though not speak it fluently, Sarah's Hindustani also has improved, even when various people gave them funny look, they spoke flawless Hindustani to ensure they are one of them....