
After a September shoot, Sir John Greendale's guests discussed Italy's evil-eye superstition while dusk filled the drawing room. Do you believe one person can bring another bad luck, Captain Mallett, merely by crossing his path? You step into this one-chapter preview with Bertha Greendale at the center, where choices turn on the people, promises, and pressure already in the room. Steam gathered over the platform, carrying you toward India and a rival the story had not finished with. The chapter closes on a continuation question rather than resolving the novel's larger arc.
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