Ha! Walking chastity belt, more like!
‘So,’ I enquired sweetly. ‘You are here to protect me from danger?’
‘Yes.’
‘And what kind of danger did Captain Carter present just now? Pray tell, I’m dying to hear.’
‘The dangerous kind.’
‘Of course. Why did I even ask? It’s so obvious.’
We didn’t stop until we reached the winter garden. The sun sparkled on the frosted windows, and the plants glinted with morning dew. Throwing a very deliberate look around the empty green space, I turned to raise an eyebrow at Karim.
‘What exactly am I supposed to do here?’
‘I do not know.’ He waved an imperious paw. ‘Do what women do in gardens.’
‘Tend roses?’
‘Yes.’
‘Play croquet?’
‘Yes.’
‘Go on romantic walks with lovers?’
‘Ye- no! No, not that!’
‘I could think of someone who would be only too happy to go on walks with me, if-’
Faster than I would have believed it possible, Karim moved and positioned himself in front of the only exit.
‘Roses!’ he commanded, with a scowl that was probably supposed to look fierce. ‘Croquet!’
I gave him another sweet smile. ‘I don’t have a croquet mallet. I suppose you wouldn’t be so kind as to lend me your sabre as a replacement?’
‘No.’
‘I thought not. A pity. I could think of a very good use for it, right now.’
That’s how it went on, and on, and on. During the next few days, every time a male dared to step too close to me, Karim was there, placing himself between the ‘danger’ and sweet little unprotected me, or simply growling at the newcomer. That sent most scurrying off in the opposite direction. And whenever we met a certain red-coated captain on whom a growl wasn’t likely to have the same effect…well, let’s just say his tactics got a little bit more inventive.
‘Thff fff rdffffcfff!’
No answer.
‘Lttt mmm ggg!’
No answer. Over Karim’s shoulder, I could just see the puzzled face of Captain Carter. His thoughts were as clear as if they had been painted on his forehead: I thought I saw her here just a moment ago. Where could she be?
Then he shrugged, and marched away down the corridor.
Removing his paw from my mouth - not without wincing at the bite marks I had left, I noted to my satisfaction - Karim let go of me. I strode out from behind the potted plant where he had dragged me.
‘This,’ I told him, taking deep calming breaths, ‘is getting ridiculous.’
He did his best to keep his face serene and dutiful. ‘My orders from the Sahib are to keep you safe. Your safety is of paramount-’