{"id":65505,"date":"2021-05-20T07:24:43","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T07:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=65505"},"modified":"2021-05-27T10:46:25","modified_gmt":"2021-05-27T10:46:25","slug":"taylors-tea-garden-by-ajit-muttucumaraswamy-chapter-one-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/taylors-tea-garden-by-ajit-muttucumaraswamy-chapter-one-16\/","title":{"rendered":"Taylers Tea Garden – By Ajit MutuCumsrawamy – Chapter 16 – James arrived in Colombo……"},"content":{"rendered":"

Taylors Tea Garden – by Ajit MuttuCumaraswamy <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

CHAPTER ONE (16)<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

James arrived in Colombo and was immediately whisked off to meet Mr. George Stuart who was one of the owners of Loolecondere Estate as well as Narangghena and other estates. Mr. Stuart turned out to be a very friendly person but somewhat given to issues of moral upliftment and religious sentiment.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201c I\u2019m sorry you had to come early Mr. Taylor. But there are matters of importance that affect the health of the nation. We British need to show the world that our empire is built upon principles of moral upliftment and progress towards a better world.\u201d he said.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>James was somewhat puzzled by the idea that tea and coffee could have something to do with moral upliftment but continued the conversation. Perhaps Mr. Stuart might be talking about the poor conditions faced by the estate workers, which would be great because he wanted to do something about it but nothing could be done due to poor coffee harvests and tea failing to grow well after two attempts at planting tea in all the estates.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201c Yes. I agree we must be conscious of the moral implications of the tea and coffee industry.\u201d said James, not wanting to question Mr. Stuart about what he meant by moral upliftment for the British empire in case Mr. Stuart thought badly of him for not knowing about such matters.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201cWe must stop our dependence on alcoholic drinks as our beverage. I feel shamed that children drink beer as a beverage in England. It\u2019s safer than water of course. But we must drink other beverages like coffee and tea. Tea is better than coffee because there is little caffeine.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201c Yes. Tea is what we must be drinking. It\u2019s something I have been working on for a long time.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201c Exactly my boy. That\u2019s why I wanted to meet you. You have gained a reputation as a person who is good at looking after tea plantations. Your skills in looking after nurseries and growing plants are much appreciated. Lately, you have shown much enterprise in installing a watermill and a new style tea roller which we think will become the industry standard.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Thank you Mr. Stuart. I am thankful to you for your kind words.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You have not wasted time in any way. You got down to work straight away and have not asked for leave to travel back to Scotland, even though it\u2019s been many<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>years since you left Scotland. That shows how keen you are and we have taken note.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. I don\u2019t have the time to visit home. I\u2019m concentrating on tea making \u201d replied James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c We agree with you that two leaves and a bud is the way to go. Your insistence on this heavily selective plucking of the tea leaf has also been noted. The tea you send is highly regarded in the London tea markets. It\u2019s fetching a very good price. We are able to make a profit on the quality teas you are producing.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>*\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>*\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>*<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They left Colombo and went to the upcountry the next day by coach.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c i\u2019m very impressed by this island James. i wish i could stay for a while and enjoy the pleasant climate and scenery.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You should stay longer Mr. Stuart. There is much to see by way of temples and caves full of paintings going back a thousand years\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I was told about these old temples. Will we be passing any on our way to the estate?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. We will pass some old temples. In fact we will be passing a very old temple in about one hour. It\u2019s a place called Kelaniya. It\u2019s near the river, the first one we will be passing.\u201d<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Please tell the coachman that I would like to visit the temple. Any churches close by?\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. There is a Catholic church further down the road. The church has a school close by for Catholic students from the areas close by\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>*<\/b><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>*<\/b><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>*<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They arrived in Kelaniya and they could see the temple from the bridge built to cross the river. It was a large white<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>structure with decorative figures added to it.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201c This is quite a big temple. Who built it? \u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It\u2019s been there for hundreds of years.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c So natives are able to build such large structures without outside help?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. It\u2019s the same in India. I saw very large temples almost everywhere i went to.\u201d<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>answered James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What do they do. Makes bricks?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c They use bricks as well<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>as kabbook. it\u2019s a sort of block cut out of a soft solid earth. They also make bricks on site. Most<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>buildings in the coffee estates are made of bricks.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I say. That\u2019s pretty good. Do they have factories for making bricks?\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c No. The bricks are made close to the site of the building. The carpenters come to the site and build a hut for themselves and then start looking for suitable soil for making bricks. They start digging the soil and make bricks and place the bricks in the Sun to bake. When the bricks are hard they start the building work.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this bridge over the Kelaniya River. Who built this?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Oh! That is different. They only had ferries to cross the river. We built the bridges.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Fair enough. We can\u2019t have brown muddy river water spoiling our coffee, can we?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Definitely. We need the bridge. Besides we spend days trying to cross the river when it\u2019s flooding. During the monsoon the flooding is huge. The river spreads out for almost two hundred yards.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The water looked muddy even though the monsoon season was not on yet.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese people are Singhalese are they not? Not the same people who are working in the coffee and tea estates?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c That\u2019s right these are Sinhalese people. The people who work in the estates are Tamils from South India.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I heard that some Sinhalese are travelling to Queensland to work in sugar plantations.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Did you hear about it?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. I did hear about this. I was surprised. I did wonder why should they go all the way to Australia if they wanted to work.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. It is a mystery. It\u2019s not as if we have a policy of not allowing Sinhalese to work in the estates. As I understand it, the locals are not interested in working in estates.\u201d<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. That\u2019s how I understand it. If they wanted to work in our estates we would have no problem with it. It\u2019s just that nobody knocks on the door looking for work.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Of course we do provide accommodation for the workers, which we would not be willing to do if the workers live locally.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. We have to provide accommodation but it\u2019s very basic. I don\u2019t think the locals will be happy to live in such coolie lines.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I must also look into this coolie line because there is a movement in England about poor conditions for factory workers. It\u2019s going to come to the colonies.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I have been trying to ask for better accommodation for the workers. I\u2019ve told the workers that the company will build better accommodation as soon as the coffee blight problem is solved.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Some cattle drawn carriages passed along the bridge.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c These carts may not be rolling along these roads for very long.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Why do you say that. This is the traditional way of transport in these parts of the world.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c A mechanical way of transport has been brought out in Europe. It\u2019s not a steam engine driving the carriage. It\u2019s a petroleum driven engine propelling the carriage.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I see. Is it likely to become the normal way of transport? Will it replace the steam engine?\u201d asked James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It could replace the steam engine in the long run because there is no need for railway tracks. It could become the normal way of transport. The steam engine could well be out of date and the new engine which uses petroleum could be the future form of transport.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The carriage passed the temple and the road to Kandy became a well laid gravel track with houses near the road every mile or so. The fields were green with rice growing. Tress bearing local fruit could be seen.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What fruit are those trees bearing?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Mainly mango trees. The mango is the commonest fruit tree. But the banana is the most popular fruit growing. Almost every house has a banana patch. \u201c said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The coach moved along under the branches of tall trees which had small green leaves and red flowers. They passed several bullock carts going both ways. They had passed only one horse drawn carriage.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c So nobody has tried to grow apples and pears and strawberries here?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Some planters do grow apples and pears. Strawberries are difficult to grow. There are many local berries. In fact I counted fifty different fruits growing in the country. There are unusual fruit such woodapples which have hard exterior. These fruits are actually pods. They have a hard shell and the fruit can be eaten by cracking the shell open. They are the size of a cricket ball. Elephants eat them whole and the shell falls out along with the elephant poo. If you pick the shell up it\u2019s whole and you think the fruit is still there. But no. The fruit inside has been digested by the elephant but the shell is intact.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Is that right.\u201d said Mr. Stuart and they laughed.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are other fruit which are covered in shells. One is called \u201cbelly\u201d which has a excellent taste. Very distinctive flavour. It\u2019s very sweet and has sticky consistency.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Well I hope I will be able to taste as many of the local fruit as possible before I go. said Mr.Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Certainly. We can stop and buy fruit as we move along, whenever we see wayside stalls.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The coach and horses were moving fast as the terrain was flat. There were various trees some with dark green very large leaves.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c That tree looks like a strong one. Is it used for house building?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. It\u2019s a very strong tropical tree called \u2018pila\u2019. Its a kind of teak. Teak grows as well. It\u2019s highly regarded here. But some timber is imported.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>There was a group of houses and they stopped to see if there was a shop.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

They found a little open space where people had gathered and were selling fruit and vegetables.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Ah! Great. this is my chance to get local fruit.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

They got out of the carriage and inspected the the market.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What\u2019s that red fruit.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Looks like like a banana\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It is a banana. But it\u2019s red. A red banana. I\u2019ll<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>buy some and you can taste it. It\u2019s delicious . Its a banana with a very distinctive flavour\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c And what\u2019s that. All prickly all over?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the \u201cjak\u201dfruit. It grows on the trunk of the tree. It weighs maybe five kilos or more sometimes. So the support provided by the trunk of the jack fruit tree is welcome.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c And the hairy red ones over there?\u201d said Mr. Stuart pointing to the bunch of egg shaped fruit.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c They call it<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201crambutan\u201d. It\u2019s a bit opaque and has a nut in the centre. It tastes delicious .\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Let\u2019s get that as well.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c And what\u2019s that brown fruit?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Thats called mangosteen. We will get some of it as well. Its got<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>segments inside rather like an orange but the colour of the segments is white.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>A bag made of the coconut leaf was full of fruit when they started off. Mr. Stuart started off with \u201crambutans\u201d.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201cThis is delicious , you are right. One could spend the whole day eating the various fruit, like a monkey I guess.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Thats very true. We will see monkeys further up the road where the trees are more dense.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>He had hardly finished saying it, when there was \u201cthud\u201d sound. A group of monkeys had jumped off a tree and landed on top of the carriage. The bag with the fruit was kept on top of the carriage.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c What was that\u201d screamed Mr. Stuart, jumping up from his seat.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c That was just some monkeys jumping from a tree. They are after the fruit. Don\u2019t worry about your safety. Monkeys don\u2019t attack people.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The panic on Mr. Stuart\u2019s face was plain to see.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Are you sure they are not attacking us?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. It does happen now and then. Monkeys are on the lookout for food. They mostly stay on the trees. but if they see food in the house, they could raid the house to grab the food. \u201c said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The coachman stopped the coach and swung his whip at the monkeys. The monkeys jumped off but stayed close by. They had grabbed some of the fruit. Some monkeys were eating mangos.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Stuart looked out and saw the monkeys seated by the side of the road eating some of the fruit that had grabbed from the bag.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. You are right. They have grabbed some of the fruit. They seem to be busy with eating the fruit.\u201d he said.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. They are roaming the countryside looking for food. Mostly they stay on the trees and sleep in the trees. But during the day, you can see them swinging from tree to tree in search of food. If you keep any food outside the house , it will be taken.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They reached a place where the way side shops were all displaying nuts extracted from the fruit of a tree called the cashew tree. The stalls had woven baskets full of the cashew nuts. Young girls were selling the cashew nuts in the stalls.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u201c These girls are very pretty. How is it that we seem to have so many pretty girls in one place.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>James thought about the question and decided to give Mr. Stuart a sample of Ceylonese hospitality. He decided to have a little bit of fun.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c These girls are on display because they are available for a bit of fun. You know they don\u2019t get offended if you<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>show that you are taken up with them. If you touch them, they don\u2019t get offended. A quick kiss on the cheek is neither here or there. They take it as a show of appreciation of their beauty. No offence intended.\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Really. Are they very open to strangers?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes.They know you have no intention to force them into submission. You are simply being friendly. That is not something that causes offence in these parts. It\u2019s different in some other areas.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You mean i can kiss them and they will not slap me or push me away?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. You can. A little bit of fun is not considered rude.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Can I go and hug that<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>girl. She is so pretty. Her pink cheeks make me want to kiss them. You know what i mean.\u201d<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Please buy nuts. While she is busy getting them ready and wrapping them you can give her a hug. Here\u2019s some money. Go ahead and point to the nuts and give her the money\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Mr. Stuart went up to the girl and smiled and gave her the money and held her hand in his palms as she extended her hand to accept the money. The girl smiled, her bashfulness was clear.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0There were not many people around. Yet she was shy.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Cadju\u201d she said with a lovely smile. Her teeth gleamed in perfect array.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. Cashew.\u201d replied Mr. Stuart, noting the difference in the sound of the nut\u2019s<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>name.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Mr. Stuart felt that she would have been warmer in her acceptance of his approach if she was not standing<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>in the shop. She placed the cashew nuts in a little basket made of coconut leaves leaves. Mr. Stuart moved towards her and gave her a hug before taking the little coconut leaf bag. She covered her face with both hands while he walked back to the coach. He looked back and saw her smiling a big smile and waving at him as he moved to the coach. He waved back.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>When he got back to the coach, there was nobody there. The coachman was standing close to what seemed like a wayside shop and moving his mouth and spitting out against a tree. But there was no sign of James. Mr. Stuart munched some cashews savouring the nuts. They were very slightly warm as if they had been just roasted. James walked out of one of the pathways and onto the road. He went to where the coachman was standing and purchased something. He walked to the carriage along with the coachman.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The coach started off again. James and Mr. Stuart munched some cadju nuts as the carriage moved along.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c The girl was quite friendly. But a little bit shy.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

They passed a green paddy field with the rice shoots only a few inches above the water.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

A boulder stood in the middle of the paddy field.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Girls here are very nice to us foreigners. Anything you do is forgiven. I used to think it was because we white people hold some power over them. But it\u2019s simply customary being nice to strangers. We tend to be a bit rude to strangers specially if we don\u2019t know them. But here,<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>it\u2019s customary to allow a margin for strangers and permit them to behave as they normally behave which includes being fresh with women.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I saw you walk out from one of the paddy fields. Did you relieve yourself there?\u201d Mr. Stuart asked.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. You could say that. In fact there was a nice girl staying in the house alongside that paddy filed path. She smiled at me and stopped and held her, hugged her. And i said can i kiss you. Her face turned deep pink, almost red. I kissed her and she did not resist. i did not want to go any further though she seemed not to resist my advances. Just in case she was a married woman. That could be fatal. Many white men have been stabbed for being indiscrete.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c But you had a feeling she was willing.\u201d<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. She was willing. That\u2019s what I like about the women here. They are always willing. Especially when it\u2019s a foreign man. Life is not taken so seriously as we do back home.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Having fun is a large part of life.\u201dsaid James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The carriage was slowing down as the low country was being left behind. Some boulders were beginning to appear at a distance. The sky was a pale blue with puffy clouds drifting lazily. James continued:<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c The men don\u2019t worry about the what we white men do or say. They simply tolerate us. Which includes being fresh with their women. As long as you don\u2019t mess around with married women. Then it\u2019s a different story. Serious knife wounds and a few deaths have occurred. Mostly related to alcohol. They get drunk and do terrible things in revenge\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Alcohol? What sort of alcohol ? I thought they don\u2019t make whiskey or beer in this country.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The carriage moved left and then right as it hit a rough patch on the road. The soil in the ditch was a reddish brown colour as the soil was also changing.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c They don\u2019t brew beer or distill whisky. But they brew alcohol made from coconut and even the palmyrah palm tree up in the north.\u201d said James.\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c How do you brew alcohol from coconut?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart?<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c They use a type of yeast. The man folds his sarong tight around his waist and climbs the coconut tree and hangs a clay pot under one of the new trunks just starting to grow. It\u2019s a new shoot on which the coconuts grow. No coconuts have grown on it as yet. He shaves the new trunk with his specially curved knife and rubs the yeast on the trunk. The trunk<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>starts to ooze out a type of nectar. The nectar drips into the clay pot and fills it. By afternoon the clay pot is full of the coconut<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>trunk juice. It\u2019s delicious.\u201d<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Sounds like something I would like to try while I\u2019m here. Pity we can\u2019t bottle it and send it to England. The church would make sure we did no such thing.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c The clay pot fills up every morning and every evening. So the man has to hitch up his sarong tight around his waist and climb to the top with a new pot clinging from his hitched up sarong<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>and changes the clay pot. He climbs down with the pot full of juice, leaving the empty pot on the tree trunk to get full.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>That\u2019s the time to drink it, when it\u2019s fresh and only slightly alcoholic. It\u2019s a delicious taste, very slightly sweet, like some Newcastle beers.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I must try some. What happens to the juice later on in the day. ?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It gets very strong in alcohol as the day goes by. By evening it\u2019s almost as strong as a weak whisky. Just a big glass of it can lay you flat. But the taste is terrible, a very sour taste. I\u2019ll try to get you some\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Ha ha. I won\u2019t try it in the evening. Maybe a sip just to know what it taste like.\u201d said Mr. Stuart laughing.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c There is also arrack,<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>a strong spirit made from toddy. It\u2019s as strong as whisky.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>James had a fear that Mr. Stuart might fall ill after drinking coconut juice alcohol. He wondered whether he should warn Mr. Stuart to be careful.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You must make sure that the juice is fresh. It\u2019s fresh only early in the morning when the toddy tapper comes down from the tree. By evening it\u2019s too late. The brew is very strong and could make you ill.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Alright. I will be careful.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They arrived at a place with some buildings. The coach came to halt as the coachman stopped to change the horses. A new team was hitched to the coach and the climb to Kadugannawa began. The horses pulled hard as the road was steep. Both James and Mr. Stuart walked for a while to relieve the horses.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>The horses made good progress after the steep climb. The coach moved along as they approached Kandy.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c The plan is that we<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>will spend one night in Kandy and then head back to Loolecondere which is about a hour and a half. So you will have a good rest on your first day after the long coach drive from Colombo.\u201dsaid James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c That\u2019s fine with me. I might get to meet some of the people involved in the coffee and tea business while I\u2019m in Kandy\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. We should meet some of them in the Queens Hotel. That\u2019s a good place to meet with the planters coming to the government offices in Kandy. They stay the night usually.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>As they passed Peradeniya , James pointed to the Peradeniya Gardens and said:<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c We will drop in here tomorrow on our way to Loolecondere. You will be interested in the excellent gardens. The botanist in charge is good friend of mine. He has helped us planters in may ways. Especially tea plants. He grew many of the tea plants in Loolecondere in Peradeniya before taking them to the tea estate.\u201d said James<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I would like to meet him. I\u2019m quite interested in plants myself. That must be reason I got involved in the industry.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They arrived in Kandy as the dusk was settling. The temple could be seen as they approached the hotel, a white dome shaped building, alongside a more normal building.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Thats quite an impressive building. These people are good with their building work. Must have good masons and carpenters.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. They do have good skills in building construction and carpentry. I would recommend that you visit some of the ancient monuments If you get a chance to go to travel out.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They entered Queens Hotel. The suitcases were unloaded by the hotel staff and carried to the check in counter. They booked themselves in. James was pleased that he was able to book his favourite room, room ten, the room in which he and Daisy had spent many delightful hours.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I am very pleased to come here James. This is quite cheerful and well decorated.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. Nice place. You can meet most of the planters here.\u2019 said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c And a nice beer is something I really need after our journey.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They got their beer from the bar and moved over to a table. James took a sip of beer. The pale ale was golden and the taste very pleasing.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019m very impressed by this beer. Where do they make it.?\u201d asked Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c It\u2019s made in a brewery about a day\u2019s ride away from Kandy.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>His eye roved looking for known people. He spotted John Crosfield walking towards the bar. His first reaction was to get up and go somewhere to hide himself from Crosfield. But as he had no excuse except going to the toilet, he got up and said:<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c I\u2019m going to the toilet. Be back soon.\u201d<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

He was about to move away when John Crosfield said:<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello. I\u2019m John Crosfield.\u201d and extended his arm to Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Nice to meet you John. I\u2019m Arthur<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Stuart . And my friend here is James Taylor.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Nice to meet you James. Have we met before?<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>I\u2019ve seen you around Kandy I think.\u201d said John Crosfield.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>There was red hue spreading across James\u2019s face. But he recovered and said:<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. We have met. John Stuart here is visiting from London. He is keen to take a look at our estates.\u201d said James.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. I\u2019m very impressed by the quality of the tea made in this part of Ceylon. The<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>tea brokers in London have nothing but praise for it.\u201d said Mr. Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Good to hear that. James here has been a big contributor. His methods are being followed by the other planters. \u201c said Arthur Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c If prices keep up, we can plant more tea and see what can be done to improve the conditions of the tea workers.\u201d said Mr Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Thats very good. The workers in James\u2019s place are especially deserving of improved conditions. By the way I heard that Loolecondere has had some changes in staff while you were away. Just planters gossip you know.\u201d said John Crosfield.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Really I didn\u2019t expect any changes.\u201d said James<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Some of your domestic staff have left I was told. Nothing to get worried about.\u201d said Crosfield.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Alright. Thanks for letting me know. We should be in Loolecondere by afternoon.\u201d said James. James wondered whether any news had leaked about Daisy meeting up with him and reached John Crosfield.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Staff movement is unavoidable.\u201d said Arthur Stuart.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c You must meet some of the others Arthur. James, I\u2019m going to take Arthur to meet some of the others.\u201d said John Crosfield, getting up and moving forward.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>Arthur Stuart went along with John Crosfield. James downed his beer and walked towards the back of the hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of Daisy. He was excited and wondered whether Daisy had forgotten him. Daisy could have even found a new lover. After all he himself was guilty of such a thing. More than once. He was carried away by Laksmmi in Darjeeling. Her charm and beauty overwhelming his scruples. And then the charming and attractive cook in Neil\u2019s house, who seemed to simply enjoy having sex. Asked for nothing in return. Content with her moments of joy. And back home, groping the cashew nut girl. Such joy and all coming with no strings attached. But Daisy was different. This is a white woman he loved. And now he may face her. What should he say. Should he confess. She might ask him about whether he met any women in Darjeeling. Being a white man, he had the advantage of being allowed to step over moral boundaries. All his transgressions will be excused because he was foreigner unable to understand the rules of local society. Even the consenting woman will be excused for that reason.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>He saw her playing bridge. She must have seen him because she expressed no surprise on her face. Her quick glance and one second smile conveyed her knowledge of his presence.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>He went back to his table. it was vacant. He sat down. There was a magazine on the table. he picked it up and scanned an article. A sentence in it attracted him:<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026\u2026There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved\u2026\u201d. a French lady who called herself George Sands had written the sentence.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>James felt that she had said something very important. He felt that his life had changed when he met Thangam. He loved her. She had loved him and he was happy. Their child Samuel<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>was the proof that they loved each other. But then he had met Daisy. This had changed him in a different way. He felt guilty every time he met her and they made love. It was a compulsive love making. As if both could not stop themselves from holding each other and having sex. Both women made him happy in different ways. Thangam was his first sweetheart. He was so happy when she gave herself to him, in secret. She did not want her father or any other person to know about her giving herself to James. She was close to him. He could not imagine life without her. He could imagine life without Daisy. Daisy was a married woman. She had a life around her marriage to John Crosfield, even though they had no children to make it complete.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>But he could not resist himself. He had the love he cherished. Thangam was his darling, the little girl who made him feel complete. She gave herself to him. She trusted him with every strand in her soul. He could never let her down. Meeting Daisy had excited him. He even loved Daisy. It was an exciting kind of love. He may have to let it go if it came to a push. But when he laid eyes on her, he was on fire. Her bluish green eyes made him dizzy. The blood rushed to his head. He was hardly aware of his excited state in his lower body. Daisy was feeling the same. She was excited and lost track of what she was doing. He could sense her excitement even today while she sat dealing out cards. It was something he could not resist. It could be momentary. But it was real. It was something both of them could not resist.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>He walked back to his table. It was empty. He could see Arthur Stuart was enjoying himself. He could hear loud laughter coming from that direction. He ordered some sandwiches. They were always made with a selection of salads, cheeses and meats. And chips came along too. It was in fact a balanced meal. He felt full after he ate the sandwiches. He should go and join the others along with Arthur but he wanted to go to bed early. Daisy could be making a move to leave the bridge game. There was no doubt at all that she will be coming to see him, even if it was only to give the reason why she could not stop. John Crosfield was delaying his departure because Arthur Stuart was in the hotel.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>James walked away carefully avoiding the table where the group of planters were having<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>a conversation with Arthur Stuart. He slipped away and went into his room. He was happy he did not meet anyone. He was taking his shoes off when there was a tap on the door. It could be Arthur he thought. He opened the door and it was Daisy. She stepped in quickly and closed the door and bolted it.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>They kissed and hugged each other. He could not resist her red lips. Her tongue probed his mount and met his tongue.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>He took his cloths off while she took her dress off quickly and placed them on the chair.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

She got into bed and took off her bra and panties. She closed her eyes as he entered her. She murmured something, drew a deep breath and went quiet.<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Have you come ?\u201d: he asked her.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Yes. But go ahead. Do it yourself.: she said<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>He kissed her pink cheeks and her neck as he moved gently. This was the special moment that he treasured. Her full beauty and body open to him to enjoy gently as if he was drifting in a dream. Her neck was beautifully shaped inviting his kisses. He moved down towards her breasts. Such beauty he had not dreamed of. The perfection of her breasts.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

These were the moments he never could forget. When he came, it was almost an anti climax because the magic carpet that he had been floating on had come to ground. He then knew why he loved her. It was because she always took him away on her magic carpet. Every time he was with her, it was a magical, dreamy journey. It was as if he was being taken on a new tour each time he met her.<\/b><\/span><\/u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span>He must have fallen asleep. He woke up when he heard a sound like a door lock clicking. She had gone. He slept soundly and woke up quite early.<\/b><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Taylors Tea Garden – by Ajit MuttuCumaraswamy CHAPTER ONE (16) James arrived in Colombo and was immediately whisked off to meet Mr. George Stuart who was one of the owners of Loolecondere Estate as well as Narangghena and other estates. Mr. Stuart turned out to be a very friendly person but somewhat given to issues […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":65477,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"aside","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34884,20],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-65505","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-aside","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ajit-muttucumaraswamy","8":"category-articles","9":"post_format-post-format-aside"},"yoast_head":"\nTaylers Tea Garden - By Ajit MutuCumsrawamy - Chapter 16 - James arrived in Colombo...... - eLanka<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Taylers Tea Garden - By Ajit MutuCumsrawamy - Chapter 16 - James arrived in Colombo......\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Taylors Tea Garden – by Ajit MuttuCumaraswamy CHAPTER ONE (16) James arrived in Colombo and was immediately whisked off to meet Mr. George Stuart who was one of the owners of Loolecondere Estate as well as Narangghena and other estates. 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