No Ordinary Love: Book 0 of The Hope Clinic by Messmer Trisha

Author:Messmer, Trisha
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: PAK Publishing
Published: 2020-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11—INDIA

BOMBAY, MARCH 1822

The aroma of spices flooded Alice’s senses as she pushed past the crowd of women in the marketplace. Chatter of vendors arguing with customers over a price brought a smile to her lips. In the four months since she’d arrived, she had grown to know which merchants were easy to talk down and which remained adamant in the price they demanded. Her mission today took her to Naveen’s booth. Although good-natured and fair, he’d proven a worthy adversary, and she’d honed her negotiating skills well through her dealings with him. She expected this encounter to be no different.

In preparation, she’d stopped by each day for the past week and admired a particular sari of red and gold. She allowed her fingers to brush over the silky fabric and emitted quiet yet audible sighs of pleasure. Well aware Naveen watched her, she’d pick up the material and examine it, and then place it back, shaking her head in disappointment.

Today she would purchase it, she hoped for less than he’d told her the first day she’d inspected it.

Heat beat on her skin, warm and delicious. She would miss the temperate winter months when she and her father returned to England—if she returned. A shudder slipped up her spine, thinking her future might be decided the following night. Much depended on Lieutenant Douglas Yorke.

She’d met him at a soiree given by his commanding officer, Colonel Horatio Cradock. Her father had become friends with Colonel Cradock during his previous trips, and he and his wife had welcomed her, treating her like the daughter they’d never had.

With a shortage of British women, demand for Alice’s attendance at social functions had grown. Never before had she received so much attention in such a short time. It was quite a contrast to her single brief Season in London, something she tried desperately to forget. However, she didn’t delude herself and remained on guard for insincere flattery and attempts at familiarity.

Although not an attractive man with his pockmarked face and large nose, Lieutenant Yorke had proven earnest and respectful. Alice believed he truly cared for her. She liked his affable nature and quick wit, not to mention his common sense. He’d kissed her only once, and the spark she’d experienced with Andrew Weatherby had been distressingly absent. Perhaps she’d hoped for too much. Douglas’s veiled comments about envying married officers and her own suitability as a companion made it clear he considered her for a bride.

Colonel Cradock planned to host a ball the following evening, and as Alice and her father intended to return to England in two weeks, Alice expected Douglas to propose during the event. Whether or not she would accept him remained to be seen. If she secured purchase of the sari, she’d interpret it as a sign.

Since arriving in India, she’d come to love wearing saris, not only for their vibrant colors, but for their pure comfort in the hot climate. If negotiations with Naveen went well, the lovely red and gold material would serve as her wedding gown.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.