Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

Mr. Gregory reads through the letters quickly, as if the paper burns his fingers. “I mentioned when we contemplated the change in mission structure that nothing is permanent,” Mr. Gregory says. “You received this information at a propitious time.”

“I prefer not to be involved,” I say. “The woman is arrogant and obstructive, but I don’t like to think the charges are true.”

Mr. Gregory shakes his head. “You’re too upright to see what’s before us. Everything we’ve observed can be interpreted in two ways, except this. Given options, the Ladies’ Association and the Foreign Mission Committee chose to overlook issues of hygiene and employees. But this. There can be no doubt of inappropriate behavior between Miss Pigot and Babu Banerjee. Either they stood with their arms around each other or they didn’t. Send the letters to Dr. Scott and get on with your work.”

“And if the charge is false?” I ask.

“You miss the point, Mr. Hastie. We have no authority to investigate the charges. It’s your duty to forward the letters to someone who can.”

Mr. Gregory shakes my hand and leaves without finishing his peg. I sit staring at the green baize on the table. Miss Pigot is irascible and unreasonable, but I have no wish to destroy anyone’s life. Could she possibly behave in such a fashion? I search my memory.