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Prim patted Mrs Godwit’s areht Overwrought and despairing All his attention of late has been occupied with investigating his wife’s disappearance Poor lamb So of course, he is unable to attend The olves, I understand, will be looking in to tender their respects to you, our honoured visitors, before heading out to continue tracking But the chances of recovering the unfortunate girl seehast niceties

Rue turned to Lieutenant Broadwattle "Is this true?"

The lieutenant replied, "To the best of e But I am only a lowly lieutenant and not on friendly teradier"

Rue was concerned for the Featherstonehaughs’ plight, of course, but having not met any of the players, she failed to be emotionally involved Her attention drifted and she scanned the party, looking to identify Miss Sekhmet’s contact

Lieutenant Broadwattle said, "Oh dear, I do believe most people believe Miss Tunstell is you I suspect it is her continued conversation with Mrs Godwit, not to ht hiown isn’t pretty…" He trailed off, uncomfortable "Should Iyou"

"Please don’t trouble yourself onto see if anyone, taken in by the scaet Prie But the cycles of social interaction seearden party, even one in Bombay "Have there been any ransom demands?"

The lieutenant looked confused

Rue elaborated: "For the brigadier’swife?"

"Not that we’ve been told"

"Odd"

"Not very – this is India, Lady Akeldas differently here"

"Yes, but that differentially? Why else would they want her?"

The young rossly embarrassed

Rue hastened to elaborate "You think she was an accidental bonus and the taxes were the intended target?"