Destined To Be Yours

Prologue

'But soon we must rise, O my heart, we must wander again
Into the war of the world and the strife of the throng;
Let us rise, O my heart, let us gather the dreams that remain,
We will conquer the sorrow of life with the sorrow of song.'

- Sarojini Naidu
***

1844, London,
Great Britain;

For the uninitiated, this particular evening at Berkeley residence seemed uncharacteristically merry.

The dining table was laden with the most savoury dishes, including a dish of chocolate pudding, a casserole full of freshly-baked bread, lamb and a platter of roasted duck, put aside a bowl of gravy. A delicious scent of herbed tea and biscuits wafted from the kitchen.

However, the given occasion warranted nothing less. For, just that day, Lieutenant-Colonel Albert Berkeley had returned home after taking an early retirement from his service under the British Army of Madras Province. The entire household was jolly with delight.

A chatter of voices arose from the parlour where Albert himself sat with his family. He had a look of pure contentment as he gazed at the faces of his precious children.

His darling Cathy, now a demure woman of almost seventeen, was busy playing the pianoforte; whereas his son- Geoffrey, sat on a carpet near the hearth, busy tinkering with a metal contraption.

This was heaven!
Much better than the sham of civilisation he had just escaped.

He had chosen the perfect timing too; Cathy's betrothal with the vicar's son had happened in his absence. But he intended to be present at his own daughter's wedding.

"Papa, will you leave again?"

His son's inquiry caused Albert to wince inadvertently.

"No, son. I won't."

Geoffrey's face lit up with relief. He returned to his task, only to pause and turn back.

"Is it because of what they say?"

Albert leaned forward, balancing his elbows on his knees.

"What do you mean?"

Geoffrey crossed his legs and looked up with an earnest expression.

"Wes and Harry, papa. They say that it is a very frightening place; that there are wild beasts, and witches, and beggars roaming about the streets. And that the people are savages. Is it true?"

Albert sighed and went on to light his pipe; taking a long whisk of the smoke before replying,

"I am afraid that most of it is indeed true."

His son's eyes widened with horror. Cathy too paused between her note, listening with fascination.

"Then why did you go there in the first place?"

Albert smiled wryly, alternating his gaze between his two children.

"Because that is what God asked of us. You won't understand now. But soon- you will. We are the superior race, my son. We are the most civilised of all people. And with such an accomplishment comes the responsibility of helping others.
Those people need our help and guidance. They don't know about the finer things in life. They are like wild beasts. We need to tame them and make them see reason...all for their own benefit, of course."