Heat and Dust [antikvár]

Introduction This is not my story, it's Olivia's. I've always wanted to know more about her, and especially about that year in her life when her whole world changed. That was 1923. I only know what happened afterwards, so I'll start there. Olivia was the first wife of my grandfather, Douglas Rivers, and they lived in Satipur, in India, when the British were in control. Douglas was assistant to Mr Crawford, who was the chief British official in the district. They lived in a close circle of British friends, who were all extremely shocked when Olivia left her husband in September 1923 and ran away to live with the Nawab, an Indian prince. Douglas, however, did not show his feelings at all, but remained calm and controlled. He worked harderthan ever, keeping lawand order. Everyone said he had excellent self-control. Later that year, Douglas met Tessie, Beth Crawford's sister, who came to stay with the Crawfords in Satipur. Douglas and Tessie spent some time together riding and playing tennis. Tessie stayed over a year in Satipur and then returned to England. Douglas visited her in England a year later. When he got his divorce from Olivia, he and Tessie got married. She joined him in India, and like her sister Beth, she had a full and happy life there. She and Douglas had a son, my father, but of course by the time I was born, India had become independent, and they had all come back to England. What happened in early 1923 is a mystery. Did Olivia really love Douglas? How did she become interested in the Nawab? What made her finally leave Douglas and live with the Nawab for the rest of her life? And in the end, did she find happiness? I don't remember my grandfather Douglas at all (he died when I was three), but I do remember Tessie and Beth. They were cheerful.