CHAPTER FOURTY Love Across the Raj

The golden light seeped away and Lily yawned, rubbing her sensitive eyes before her vision cleared and she looked around. She suddenly realized that she was in an active town square: the smell of spices in the air mingled with the voices of people, speaking a language that she could not understand. Beside her, Alexander just stared with a look of awe on his face. “Where are we?” Lily asked in hushed tones, looking at the people in colorful saris and dhotis around them. Concentrating intently, Alexander frowned. ” I think this must be Jhansi, India,” I remarked, looking at the huge palace and women with their bright sarees and high-waisted blouses that seemed to be mid-1800’s. While they continued with their conversation a commotion was noticed from the far end of the square. A group of British soldiers followed them, dressed in red coats, looking conspicuous against the vivid background of the locals. The people who occupied the space opened up to the couple, their behavi