Page 43 of Infernal Vices

“Indeed.”

“I was eighteen when I found out my father was alive. He is my only living relative and I have grown very protective of him. I do not react kindly to those who wish him ill.”

I understood the warning very well. “We are in agreement about that. It appears Sebastian has two fearsome protectors!” I smiled, and Nissa mirrored it.

“I don’t know if Father has told you my story, but I feel it is an important preface to an offer I would like to make to you today.”

“An offer?” I was curious about what this offer would entail, but before Nissa could continue, a waiter arrived with our bottle of wine, which was sampled and then a glass poured for each of us.

“Are you ready to order, Sir, Miss?”

Nissa and I looked at one another, perplexed for a moment because neither of us had more than glanced at the menu card. We shared a knowing smile and then I picked up the card and I read the rather splendid menu, making quick work of my choices.

“I will start with Cream of Barley Soup, then for main, Roast Duckling with Apple Sauce, Anna potatoes, and green beans, and for dessert, Peaches in Chartreuse Jelly, and then the Pâté de Foie Gras.”

Nissa sent her gaze to the waiter,” I’ll have the same,” she beamed.

“Excellent, thank you.” The waiter noted our choices and then left us to continue our conversation.

I took a sip of wine as I mused about the offer this headstrong young lady had for me. Nissa straightened in her chair. “I understand my father has told you his story, and now, if it’s agreeable, I shall tell you mine.”

“Very well.”

“I’m sure Sebastian told you that I grew up in Bombay with my mother and grandfather. I was told my father had been lost at sea while on a journey to England. I never, for one moment believed he was alive.” Nissa paused for a sip of wine.

“Papa-Jii taught my lessons, and I later attended school with the other British children. I liked to read. My room was full of books. Papa-Jii spoke wistfully about how his son had loved books too. He missed him dreadfully, and said that his fate was God’s will.”

My stomach twisted at hearing that.

“My life changed irreparably when I was seventeen. Papa-Jii and mama volunteered to help at the hospital when an outbreak of Cholera swamped the city. I stayed at home with my studies. They both swiftly became sick, and remained at the hospital. I wasn’t even permitted to visit. They both passed away. It was very sudden and I became an orphan.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss. How dreadful.”

“Thank you. It was a terrible time. I remained at the vicarage, but it was the official residence for the chaplain and so, when Papa-Jii passed I was given a month to pack and leave before a replacement arrived from England. My grandfather’s Indian solicitor called at the vicarage after the funerals and gave me a packet of papers that had been left in his safe keeping. I was my grandfather’s sole heir and was required to travel to England to claim my inheritance.”

It was then that we were interrupted by the waiter delivering our starter. I removed the napkin from its silver band, and laid it across my lap. Nissa followed suit. “I would like to say grace, if you don’t mind,” she said. This pleased me and I nodded permission. Nissa had, of course, been raised by a chaplain and so a prayer to give thanks for a meal was a ritual of comfort. She pressed her lace clad hands together and said,

“Heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts which we receive from Thy bountiful goodness, Amen.”

I parroted the “Amen”. And then we both picked up our soup spoons and tasted the soup. I found it to be hearty and flavoursome, and after we had both eaten several spoonfuls, I began the conversation again, for Nissa’s story was most intriguing.

“You travelled by ship from India, alone?” I inquired.

Nissa put down her spoon and took a palate cleansing sip of water. “Yes, Papa-Jii’s servants belonged to the vicarage. When he and mother passed I had no one. I was left with my belongings, an envelope of documents, ten pounds and a ticket to travel to England. I could not expect any of the servants to leave their families and travel with me. It was most distressing, but his was the path that God intended for me. I was luckier than many who lost family to Cholera. Through my loss I was forced to make my way in the world alone, and I determined I would not fail.”

Even though Sebastian had not known his daughter while she was growing up, she seemed to not only been blessed with his beautiful eyes, but also with his vibrant spirit and tenacity. Miss Nissa was a distinctly impressive young lady.

Several minutes later the waiter appeared again and removed our soup bowls. Another waiter followed on behind carrying a tray containing our main course of Roast Duckling with Apple Sauce and vegetables. The scent was mouth-watering.

“This looks wonderful, thank you,” I said as the platter was placed in front of me. Nissa nodded her thanks to the waiter on receiving her meal, who smiled in response.

“If there is anything else you require, please do not hesitate to ask,” the French accented young man said to her, appearing quite transfixed by her beauty.

“That will be all, thank you,” I said dismissively. If he stared at Nissa any longer our food would go cold! We began to eat and without a prompt Nissa continued her tale.

“You know, it was such a shock when I arrived in England. It was so cold,” she exclaimed. “My destination was Hastings in Sussex. The family solicitor Mr. Fairfax explained that as the sole heir, I inherited the Cavell family home on the Hastings coast, and five thousand pounds.”

I inhaled at hearing the amount this girl had inherited, not the wisest move while chewing on a green bean. I coughed and then took a sip of water to clear my throat. My goodness, it was a vast sum of money. I was curious as to how a mere chaplain could have accumulated such an amount. When I spoke it was in a warning whisper.