Free Tea and Spices (An Erotic Novel of Colonial India) by Nina Lane Page B

vehicle. Dressed in a dark blue, embroidered kurta and jamas , he fairly exuded regality. Devora stared at him, wondering what on earth he was doing here.
      “Ah, my dear Mrs. Hawthorne.” The maharaja approached Devora with his arms outstretched and a smile on his face. “How delightful to see you.”
      “Thank you, sir,” Devora replied. She nodded in greeting, painfully conscious of Rohan’s presence beside her. “To what do I owe the honor of your presence?”
      “I’ve heard that your husband is away, and I simply cannot stand the idea of you being alone here,” the maharaja replied. “I came to see if you needed anything or if I could be of any service whatsoever.”
      “Thank you, but I’m fine,” Devora said. “May I offer you a cup of tea?”
      “I would be delighted.”
      Devora looked at Rohan, who was already heading back inside to start the tea. She led the maharaja inside, silently cursing Kalindi for not having cleaned the place thoroughly this morning. Still, she was pleased when the maharaja commented on the tastefulness of the decor.
      “Please, my dear, you must not hesitate to call upon me if you require anything while your husband is away,” the maharaja said as he settled onto the sofa. “I am at your service.”
      “Thank you very much, but Gerald will be away only for a short time. I’m quite fine, really.” Devora perched on the edge of a chair, somewhat nervous at suddenly having this man in her house. “You didn’t have to come all this way just to check on me.”
      “I also came to see if you will do me the extreme pleasure of having lunch at my palace tomorrow afternoon.”
      “Oh.” Devora was taken aback. “Lunch?”
      The maharaja chuckled. “Yes. I would be greatly honored. I can send a car to pick you up around noon, if that would be suitable.”
      Devora had a feeling that the answer no would simply not be acceptable. One didn’t say no to a maharaja. Not that she had any intention of doing so.
      “I’m flattered, sir. I would love to have lunch with you tomorrow.”
      “Good.”
      Rohan appeared with a tea tray, glancing once at Devora before pouring tea for them.
      “Rohan, I’ll be lunching with the maharaja tomorrow,” Devora said. “Please cancel my plans for the day.”
      She knew perfectly well that she had nothing scheduled for tomorrow, but it wouldn’t hurt if the maharaja thought she would cancel plans to have lunch with him.
      Rohan nodded. “Yes, memsahib .”
      Devora settled back in her chair and sipped her tea. “I greatly enjoyed your dinner party the other night.”
      “Thank you. I enjoyed your company. And how do you find India?”
      “As you know, I’m very intrigued by it. I think it’s fascinating.”
      “And have you been sightseeing yet?”
      Devora shook her head. “Not really. Gerald hasn’t been able to take me because he’s working constantly, and most of the British people prefer to have cricket games. We were thinking of taking a trip to Agra, but I’m afraid I’m at the mercy of other people.”
      “No, you couldn’t go alone,” the maharaja agreed. He set his teacup down and stood. “I’m afraid I shall have to take leave of you now. I have other people to call upon, but I will see you tomorrow afternoon. I do look forward to a nice, long visit with you.”

  “Thank you for the invitation. I look forward to it as well.”
      Devora walked him out to his car, then returned to finish her tea. She glanced up when Rohan entered the sitting room.
      “ Memsahib , I must tell you that it is not wise for you to lunch with the maharaja without your husband present.”
      Devora rolled her eyes. “Oh, Rohan. Don’t tell me you believe all those rumors about him.”
      “It is not a good idea.”
      “Other people will be there,” Devora said. “He’s just gone to invite others, so I won’t be alone. For heaven’s sake, Rohan, you’re not my keeper.