The Swan Maid

by Dilly Court

  Aurelia lapsed into silence and Lottie settled down to appreciate the view of a country she had left more than fourteen years ago. It was almost impossible to believe that in a few short hours she might be reunited with Gideon, and she was determined to find out what had happened to her father. His letters had been infrequent and then had ceased altogether. He might be dead, for all she knew, but she could still hope. The train trundled on and Aurelia slept, but Lottie was drinking in the scenes that flashed past at an alarming rate, and with each passing mile she became more and more excited at the prospect of what lay ahead.

  Several hours later the train pulled into Poona station and the doors were flung open, crashing against the woodwork as the passengers alighted, pushing and shoving in their hurry to go about their business. Lottie and Aurelia followed a line of coolies to the street. Their luggage was piled onto an ox cart, and a tonga, drawn by an aged horse that looked fit to drop at any moment, transported them to the barracks. Aurelia had lapsed into silence, her face concealed by the thick veil, but she perked up at the sight of the sentry at the gates. She allowed Lottie to help her from the vehicle, but as soon as her feet touched the ground she became Lady Aurelia Dashwood, the colonel’s wife. She demanded to see Major Tressillian in such a manner that it would have been a brave soldier who denied her access.

  Lottie stood back. It was good to see Aurelia regaining her self-confidence, despite the fact that she had retreated behind her veil, but her brief conversation with the sentry had the desired effect and they were led across the dusty parade ground and escorted to the major’s office. The punkah wallah sat cross-legged on the veranda, working the fan that kept the temperature inside bearable. Everything Lottie saw brought back bittersweet memories of childhood and the years seemed to melt away. Her throat constricted with unshed tears as a vision of her mother’s gentle face flashed before her eyes, but an exasperated sigh brought Lottie back to the present.

  Aurelia threw back her veil and began pacing the floor. ‘Why do we have to wait so long for things to happen in this country?’

  ‘You get used to it,’ Lottie said, sinking down on a hard wooden chair. ‘The pace of life is different here.’

  Aurelia came to a halt as the door opened and Major Tressillian entered the room.

  ‘Lady Aurelia, it really is you. I could hardly believe it when the sentry relayed the message.’

  ‘It’s a pleasure to see you again, Major.’ Aurelia held out her hand.

  He touched the tips of her fingers and bowed. ‘The pleasure is all mine. Won’t you take a seat and I’ll send for some refreshments?’ He pulled up a chair.

  ‘Thank you, but first may I introduce my travelling companion, Miss Charlotte Lane?’

  Major Tressillian turned to Lottie with a nod and a smile. ‘How do you do, Miss Lane? Welcome to Poona. Is this your first visit to India?’

  ‘No, sir. I was born here. My father served with the Bombay Sappers and Miners. I was raised in England but I’m hoping to get in touch with him again.’

  ‘Indeed? Well, I’m sure that could be done without too much effort.’ Major Tressillian picked up a bell and rang it. Almost immediately the door opened and a servant hurried into the room.

  ‘Tea for the ladies, and cake.’

  ‘Yes, Major-sahib.’ The man bowed out of the office.

  Major Tressillian moved behind the desk and sat down. ‘And what brings you all this way, Lady Aurelia? I heard about your husband’s demise, and I must offer you my sincere condolences.’

  ‘How fast news travels these days,’ Aurelia said calmly. ‘Thank you, Major. In fact we are on a mission to find Lieutenant Gillingham and Private Gideon Ellis.’

  ‘Ah, yes. I know those names.’ Major Tressillian avoided meeting her anxious gaze.

  ‘I’m sure you are aware of the reason for their transfers to Poona,’ Aurelia said coldly. ‘No doubt it is common knowledge here.’

  ‘I can assure you that such matters are strictly confidential, known only to myself and my aide.’

  ‘Are they here?’ Lottie demanded. She had intended to keep calm and quiet, but there was a reluctance in the major’s tone of voice that made her think he was keeping something from them.

  ‘We’ve come a long way.’ Aurelia leaned towards him, her lips trembling. ‘Where is Lieutenant Gillingham?’

  ‘I’m afraid you’ve had a wasted journey, Lady Aurelia. I cannot, for reasons of security, give you the details of their mission, but suffice it to say that there has been an ongoing dispute between the British Government and the Persians over the province of Herat in Afghanistan, and an expeditionary party has been sent north, led by Lieutenant Gillingham.’

  Aurelia sank down on the nearest chair, but Lottie leaped to her feet. ‘Private Ellis – has he gone there too? Please tell me, sir. I must know.’

  Chapter Twenty

  ‘Yes, Miss Lane, Sapper Ellis accompanied Lieutenant Gillingham on that mission.’

  Lottie sank back on her seat. ‘Will they be gone for long, sir?’

  ‘Impossible to say.’ Major Tressillian glanced anxiously at Aurelia. ‘Are you all right, Lady Aurelia?’

  ‘I’m not about to faint, if that’s what worries you.’ Aurelia rose to her feet. ‘I have no intention of returning to England until I’ve seen Lieutenant Gillingham.’

  ‘Lady Aurelia, I don’t think you understand the situation.’ Major Tressillian leaned forward, fixing her with a piercing stare. ‘I have some sympathy with your predicament, but there is every possibility that the situation will escalate into war with Persia. The best advice I can give you is that you go home and await events.’

  ‘We’ve come too far to give up so easily, Major Tressillian,’ Lottie said before Aurelia had a chance to say something she might later regret. ‘I know I speak for Lady Aurelia when I say that we will stay here for as long as necessary.’

  Aurelia nodded. ‘I’ve no intention of leaving without Lieutenant Gillingham, but we’ll need to find suitable accommodation. Would you be able to assist us in that respect?’

  A look of admiration, or perhaps it was relief, relaxed the major’s aquiline features into a semblance of a smile. ‘I’ll make enquiries, my lady. In the meantime I hope you will both be our guests tonight. I know that my wife would be delighted to meet you.’

  ‘Thank you, Major,’ Aurelia said meekly.

  ‘I’ll go and tell Esther the good news, if you would like to wait here.’ Major Tressillian rose swiftly to his feet and crossed the floor in two strides.

  ‘I get the feeling he can’t wait to be rid of us,’ Lottie said as the door closed on him.

  ‘I don’t care what he or anyone else thinks.’ Aurelia tossed her head. ‘I will stay here until Gillingham returns. I don’t care how long it takes.’

  They were made welcome at the major’s house. Esther Tressillian was obviously flustered by the sudden arrival of such an illustrious guest as Lady Aurelia Dashwood, and also a little embarrassed, if Lottie was not mistaken. It was obvious thatthe scandalous affair between her ladyship and the lieutenant was common knowledge in the camp, although Esther tried valiantly to hide her curiosity. She was helped in this by her brood of young children, who escaped from their ayah at every opportunity and crowded around Lottie, although they were wary of Aurelia. Whether it was her patent dislike of youngsters or her scarred face that made them shy in her presence was something known only to them, but Lottie felt more at home in their company than she did with the adults or the Indian servants.

  When the children were in bed and dinner had been served in the panelled dining room, Esther rose from the table and led them into the parlour. Both rooms were furnished in a style reminiscent of home and more suitable to the English climate than the tropics. Esther was eager for news from England, and she wanted to learn about the current London fashions in clothes and hairstyles, as well as any titbits of gossip concerning the rich and famous. Lottie realised that these questions were a result of homesickne
ss, but Aurelia’s answers were short, and it was obvious that she was bored with the topic. Lottie had only a vague idea about the latest modes, but she did her best to entertain Esther with descriptions of life at The Swan, and her experiences selling eel pies on the city streets.

  Esther listened avidly and there was little doubt that she would have kept them up until the small hours, but Aurelia was pale and although she would not admit it, Lottie suspected that her injuries were giving her pain.

  ‘Thank you so much for a wonderful evening, Mrs Tressillian,’ Lottie said, rising to her feet. ‘But we’ve had a very long and tiring day.’

  Esther jumped up from her chair, her face contorted with anxiety. ‘I am so sorry. Of course you must both be exhausted. I’ll show you to your room, but I must apologise because we only have one guest room. Do you mind sharing?’

  ‘Madam, we are old campaigners,’ Aurelia said stiffly. ‘Not so long ago we were in the Crimea, bivouacking beneath the stars. A bed and clean linen is a luxury.’

  ‘Oh, of course. How silly of me. I should have realised.’ Esther’s bottom lip trembled ominously.

  ‘We are most grateful to you for putting us up at such short notice,’ Lottie said hastily.

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Aurelia raised herself from the depths of the armchair. ‘You are very kind, ma’am.’

  Esther’s face lit up and her hands fluttered nervously. ‘No, indeed. It’s the least we could do. I am only too happy to—’

  ‘Might we go to bed now?’ Aurelia limped towards the door. ‘I would like to lie down.’

  In the small, white-painted bedroom, containing a brass bedstead, a washstand and a single chair, Aurelia slumped down on the bed. ‘I hoped at least there might be two single beds, but it looks as though we will have to share. I hope you don’t snore, Lottie.’

  ‘I could say the same of you, Aurelia. You wanted us to be equal and now we are. I hope you’re satisfied.’ Lottie sat on the chair and began unlacing her boots. ‘You could have been kinder to poor Esther. She was bending over backwards to make us feel welcome.’

  ‘I told you that I don’t get on with women. Fluttery little things who make gods of their husbands only serve to annoy me. I can’t help it.’

  ‘You could try to hide it while we’re guests here. We must be putting them to considerable trouble.’

  ‘Unlace me, Lottie. I’m dead on my feet.’

  That night Lottie dreamed again of the white stucco house, shaded by a peepal tree. Oleander and frangipani grew in wild profusion, filling the garden with fragrant perfume, and the flame-coloured blossom of a gulmohar tree was just coming into bloom. She walked up the path and was about to knock on the door when she woke up. A feeling of intense loss and sadness made her feel like weeping, but the sound of Aurelia’s voice brought her abruptly back to the present.

  ‘I’ve been awake for hours.’ Aurelia eased herself to a sitting position. ‘You were mumbling in your sleep.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I’ve had the same dream ever since I can remember. I find this lovely house set in the most beautiful garden, and I know that inside there is something wonderful, but I never get further than the front door.’

  ‘Sounds deadly dull to me, Lottie. My dreams are far more exciting. Help me up, please. I’m stiff as a board from sleeping on this lumpy mattress.’

  Still drugged with sleep and disturbed by her recurring dream, Lottie climbed out of bed to help Aurelia to her feet. ‘What are you going to do today?’

  ‘I’m going to have another word with the major. There must be an army bungalow that we could rent for the time being. I doubt if he’ll want us to remain in his home for too long.’

  Lottie smiled as she heard the sounds of childish laughter and the scampering of small feet coming from the nursery. ‘I think Esther has more than enough to do without having to cope with house guests. Do you want me to come with you?’

  ‘I think I can handle it on my own, thank you, Lottie,’ Aurelia said with a wry smile. ‘I told you before, I need neither a nanny nor a duenna. I am quite capable of handling a man like Major Tressillian by myself.’

  Breakfast was a hurried meal. Esther was pale with dark shadows underlining her grey eyes and their meal of bread rolls, quince jelly, fruit and coffee was interrupted several times by urgent messages delivered by an anxious servant, all of which seemed to concern the children. In the end, Esther rose from the table with an apology.

  ‘I am so sorry, your ladyship, but I have to go to the nursery. The baby is teething and Vickie is suffering from croup. Their ayah is at her wits’ end.’

  ‘I understand,’ Aurelia said graciously. ‘Of course you must go to them.’

  Esther hesitated in the doorway. ‘But how will you entertain yourselves today? I am failing in my duties as your hostess.’

  ‘Not at all. I am going to pursue the possibility of renting a bungalow and I want to hire servants for the duration of our stay in Poona.’ Aurelia reached for the quince jelly. ‘I’m sure Lottie will be only too pleased to help with the children.’

  Esther’s hand flew to her mouth and her eyes widened with distress. ‘Oh, I couldn’t ask such a thing. Perhaps you would like to see some of the countryside, Miss Lane? Do you ride?’

  ‘Yes, I do.’ The memory of riding lessons with Gideon brought a smile to Lottie’s face. ‘I seem to remember a place called Kirkee. I think we lived there for a while when I was very young.’

  A look of sheer relief crossed Esther’s mobile features. ‘There is a barracks there, so it’s quite possible. It’s about four miles from here. If you leave soon, before it gets too hot, it would be a pleasant ride.’

  ‘There, that’s settled.’ Aurelia spread the jelly liberally on a piece of bread roll. ‘I will go about my business, and you may borrow my riding habit. I shan’t be needing it today, but take care you don’t get it dirty.’

  ‘We have a very good dhobi wallah,’ Esther said defensively. ‘We are quite civilised here, my lady, despite what you may think of us.’

  Lottie shot a warning look at Aurelia. She could see that their hostess was exhausted, anxious and close to tears.

  ‘I apologise if I’ve offended you in any way.’ Aurelia abandoned her meal and stood up. ‘You have been most kind, and I am very much obliged to you.’

  ‘There’s no need to apologise.’ Esther’s cheeks flamed and she bowed her head. ‘It’s just that I didn’t get much sleep last night, my lady.’

  Aurelia moved swiftly to her side and laid her hand on Esther’s shoulder. ‘I am a mother myself, so I do understand, and I would take it very kindly if you were to call me Aurelia.’

  ‘Th-thank you – Aurelia.’ Esther burst into tears and fled from the room.

  Aurelia turned to Lottie, hands outspread. ‘There – you see what being kind does to people? Now the poor woman is confused and humbled by my graciousness.’

  Lottie threw back her head and laughed. ‘Never mind, you did extremely well. She’ll get over it and I’m proud of you.’

  An hour later Lottie was on her way to Kirkee accompanied by a sapper who had been selected as her guide. It was still early morning and the sun was low in the sky, but already the heat was intense and dust rose in clouds around them. It was the end of winter, but even so, by midday the heat was searing, and Lottie was obliged to dismount and rest beneath a stand of trees close to the barracks. Her guide was not very communicative although he did go to find a water carrier and returned with their canteens refilled, and pani puri purchased from a street seller. The spicy fried dough-balls spread with tamarind chutney were delicious and Lottie enjoyed every tasty mouthful. She thanked the sapper, who nodded in return and suggested that it was time to move on. He helped her to mount and then sprang lightly onto his horse, urging it to walk on towards the cantonment. Lottie had hoped that she might see something that would be a link with her childhood in India – something that would ease the ache in her heart and give her a feeling of belonging – but it was ju
st another military establishment and she was bitterly disappointed. The cherished images of her mother and younger brother and sister were fading fast, and she was left with a feeling of deep sadness as they started back for Poona. Quite what she had hoped to find she did not know, but now her greatest need was to discover what had happened to her father, and why he had ceased to correspond. Had he remarried and forgotten her? Or, even worse, had he died in a foreign land and was buried far from home and all but forgotten?

  That evening, after dinner, she waylaid Major Tressillian as he was about to go outside on the veranda to smoke a cigar. ‘I know you’re a busy man, Major, but did you manage to find out anything about my father?’

  He hesitated in the doorway. ‘I did check the records, Miss Lane. It seems that Sergeant Lane was invalided out of the army some six years ago.’

  ‘He was ill?’ Lottie stared at him in horror. ‘Why didn’t he come home? I would have looked after him.’

  ‘I’m afraid only he could answer that.’

  ‘But what was wrong with him?’

  ‘His company were sent on a mission to the North-West Frontier seven years ago, which is where he received a near-fatal injury.’

  ‘But he survived?’

  ‘Yes, it seems so. All this was before my time here, but unfortunately the records don’t reveal his current whereabouts. He would have received an army pension, and it would be reasonable to assume that a man in his delicate state of health might have returned home to England.’

  ‘If that was so I don’t understand why he didn’t contact me.’

  ‘I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going outside to smoke my cigar. It’s the one time in the day when I can relax and be assured of quiet.’

  ‘Of course, thank you anyway, Major.’ Lottie stood aside to allow him to pass.