LAWRENCE: Annexing the Punjab at this time will not be in our interest either.
HARDINGE: Why not?
LAWRENCE: Because the Punjab borders Afghanistan and is too close to Russia. I don’t think we want to take on either. Least of all do I think we’re prepared for the uncivilized hordes of Central Asia. If we leave the Punjab alone, it is their problem. Thus, the Punjab serves as our cushion in India. And at the same time, we honour our promises and treaties with their leaders.
HARDINGE: There’s something in what you say. But ‘leaders’—that’s precisely the problem. There are no leaders. With that woman there, nothing can be certain. And it will not change either. She’s schooling the boy in intrigue, and he will grow up to be no different.
CURRIE: There’s no doubt, sir. She’s a terrible influence on the boy. We must separate her from him.
LAWRENCE: Separate a mother from her son?
CURRIE: Yes.
LAWRENCE: One doesn’t do these things in India.
CURRIE: I’ve heard she’s again involved in some intrigue against the other nobles. Things are much too unstable with her there. She will have to go, I’m afraid.
LAWRENCE: But she’s the Regent.
CURRIE: That can be managed. Lal Singh can be a good Regent.
LAWRENCE: The boy detests him.
CURRIE: The boy can always be schooled.
LAWRENCE: How will you convince the people? She’s the wife of the late Maharaja, who was a God to his people. She’s the only symbol, besides her son, of legitimate authority.
HARDINGE: You will have to find some excuse for the people, I suppose.
LAWRENCE: That will not be possible, sir. We will undo all that we have achieved at a stroke.
CURRIE: (Maliciously.) Perhaps Mr Lawrence’s persistence is a reflection of his personal relations with the Queen. And we shouldn’t press too far, sir.
HARDINGE: What?
CURRIE: Oh nothing, nothing really. Just that I had heard certain things which might, you know …
LAWRENCE: (Sharply.) What have you heard?
CURRIE: Really one needn’t go into it here. It’s rather a delicate ….
LAWRENCE: (Firmly.) I want to go into it here.
HARDINGE: Come on, Lawrence. It’s not necessary to go into details.
LAWRENCE: Yes, it is.
CURRIE: It would be in bad taste to discuss it here.
LAWRENCE: You’d be advised to.
HARDINGE: (Appeasingly.) Come on, Lawrence. I’m sure Currie didn’t mean any harm.
(Lawrence moves towards Currie.)
CURRIE: (Visibly afraid.) Sir, the man really means it.
LAWRENCE: (Shouting.) Answer, Mr Currie.
CURRIE: (Petrified.) Oh, nothing really. I’ve heard … I’ve heard that your relations with that woman are, you know, you know …
LAWRENCE: I don’t know.
CURRIE: (Meekly.) You know, rather advanced.
LAWRENCE: Who told you?
CURRIE: I won’t say.
LAWRENCE: You won’t?
(And he advances on Currie, who tries to dodge him.)
CURRIE: (Pleading.) Sir, the man’s mad. Elliot, call someone.
LAWRENCE: (Coolly.) Rest assured Mr Currie, I’m not mad. But for your sake, you’d better answer.
CURRIE: (Reluctantly.) It was Lal Singh.
HARDINGE: Who?
LAWRENCE: The Wazir. He’s Mr Currie’s spy, and a former lover of the Queen Mother.
HARDINGE: So he’s jealous of her. Now Lawrence, there’s no need to go any further. Currie, I want a complete report on your associations with this man. I need hardly say, Currie, that this reflects rather badly on you.
ELLIOT: In fairness to Mr Lawrence, sir, Mr Currie should withdraw his remark.
CURRIE: (Still scared.) I withdraw my remark.
HARDINGE: Was there anything more we needed to discuss with Lawrence?
CURRIE: (Very softly.) Yes sir.
HARDINGE: Speak up, man.
CURRIE: (Softly.) Yes sir.
HARDINGE: Speak up. Have you lost your voice?
CURRIE: If we could discuss it another time, sir.
HARDINGE: Let’s hear it now.
CURRIE: The jewel, sir.
HARDINGE: Yes, yes, Lawrence. I want that jewel. I’m afraid the Directors have promised it to Her Majesty. It’s to form a part of the Crown jewels in London.
LAWRENCE: That won’t be possible, sir. The jewel isn’t mine. It belongs to the Rani and the Maharaja’s family. It was only loaned to me as a symbol of her faith in us.
HARDINGE: I’m afraid I must have it.
LAWRENCE: I’m sorry, sir.
HARDINGE: Well, well. We can talk about it later.
(Pause.)
What’s next, Currie?
CURRIE: Nothing, sir.
HARDINGE: Elliot?
ELLIOT: Nothing more, sir. Except, I feel, we owe Mr Lawrence our congratulations. In no part of India is there so much popular sentiment in our favour. It’s all due to him. He’s a hero there, sir.
(Goes up to Lawrence and shakes his hand.)
Congratulations, Mr Lawrence. I’m going back home on furlough, and I’ll tell the family that I had the honour of shaking hands with you.
HARDINGE: What about you, Currie?
CURRIE: No thanks, sir.
HARDINGE: Come on, Lawrence. Have dinner with me. (They turn to leave.)
Tell me more about this jewel. What do they call it?
LAWRENCE: (With a swagger.) The Koh-i-noor, sir.
(Exit Hardinge with Lawrence.)
Act Three Scene 2
Lahore. A week later. Lawrence sits troubled in one corner of the Diwan-e-Khas. It is early, and the courtiers have not yet arrived for the Royal Darbar. He is wearing Ranjit Singh’s jewel and chogah. Other parts of the Lion’s dress, including a turban, are nearby. The mental transference is nearly complete.
HARDINGE’S VOICE: (Off.) I know it’s a delicate matter. India’s a delicate matter. Don’t forget gentlemen, we’re the greatest power on this earth today. Everything we do is a delicate matter.
LAWRENCE: (Angrily.) No!
(Long pause. Anger on Lawrence’s face turns to pain. He gets up, paces the room then sits down and covers his face with his hands, letting out a soft moan. Continues to brood. Quickly gets up again, and paces the room more furiously. He goes to the window on the left. Resists a temptation to break it. Returns.)
Oh no! Damn it, no!
CURRIE’S VOICE: (Off.) There’s no doubt, sir. She’s a terrible influence on the boy. We must, separate her …
(Pause.)
Things are much too unstable with her there. She will have to go, I’m afraid.
LAWRENCE: (In agony.) Oh God! What are they doing? What are they doing to me?
(Suddenly gets up in anger. Goes to window, and breaks it.
