In the third episode of Indian Summers, things are getting even more mysterious and complicated in Simla this week. Ralph Whelan offers a fully recovered Aafrin an opportunity to rise higher within the ranks of the Civil Service, the job of Head Clerk. Ralph asks Aafrin where he sees himself in 5 years; does he want to be a Magistrate, District controller? Aafrin can’t believe his luck! It all sounds suspiciously like a bribe, albeit a bribe where Aafrin has to take an exam that costs money and learn to ride a horse, but a bribe nevertheless. The Sipi affair is about to take place and Cynthia has been running around trying to ‘recreate afternoon tea at Claridge’s in the Himalayas,’ which includes cucumber sandwiches. Always able to multi-task, Cynthia tries to bond with Alice, by bringing up childhood memories. Alice, unfortunately, doesn’t remember those times and she takes offense when Cynthia, not so subtlety, brings up the inquest. ‘And in your position, I wouldn’t remember a thing.’ Alice gets her back up, she doesn’t like being threatened or manipulated. Cynthia seems to have misjudged Alice and is not thrilled by the outcome of their conversation.

Alice interrupts a kiss between Leena and Dougie when she arrives to volunteer at the orphanage. Leena is initially cold to Alice, thinking that she’s just another white lady do-gooder but they bond once she realizes that Alice is actually interested in the children. Leena reveals that the children are not orphans at all but mixed race children who have been rejected by their parents. Aafrin meets up with his girlfriend Sita in a graveyard near the orphanage and excitedly tells her the news. Apparently his new job makes him a ‘covenanted civilian’ which means that he can choose any romantic future that he wants. Alice, who had come to the orphanage to volunteer, spies them making out by a tree. Leena tells Alice that she often sees Sita waiting day after day for Aafrin to show up when he can.

Sooni is entranced when she hears Indian National Congress speaker Nalini Ayer at a rally. When Ralph hears about the meeting, he protests that arresting Nalini would be a bit severe but DS Rowntree insists that action must be taken because of the INC’s alleged attempt to assassinate Ralph. The upshot is that not only is Nalini Ayer arrested but so is Sooni. When Aafrin finds out what happened to his sister, he asks Ralph to secure her release, and he does. But his help comes at a price, when Aafrin arrives at Ralph’s house for drinks, Ralph suggests that what Chandru Mohan said that night was ‘You British Devil.’ Aafrin remembers the shooter shouting Ralph’s name but acquiesces to Ralph. Alice, however, is not prepared to perjure herself for her brother. Dougie confesses to his wife Sarah that he hasn’t been ‘behaving in a manner that can’t be described as Christian.’ Sarah takes the news stoically but later breaks down.

Madeleine is barely seen at all in this episode which is a shame. Her brother Eugene leaves the house because she and Ralph are making too much noise while having sex. Seriously, they are loud! Later at Ralph’s suggestion, Aafrin is commissioned to do a portrait of Madeleine. Madeleine and Eugene are still enigmas. I have no idea why Madeleine is so determined to have Ralph. Seriously, the woman is rich and beautiful, she could have any man she wants on any continent. What is it about Ralph? Is he that good a lover? And what is Eugene’s story? I hope that we find out a bit more before this first series ends.

Of course, at the Sipi affair, drama ensues. Sarah out and out accuses Leena of having an affair with Dougie. Since it is the one day that Indians are allowed at the Royal Club, Ranu Sood presents Stafford Armitage collapses with an eviction notice. Armitage starts a fight with Ranu, but has a heart attack from the exertion. Cynthia sees the whole incident and decides that Sood needs to pay. I’m not sure why, for ruining a good party? Possibly killing a guest? Aafrin goes to the prison to visit Sooni to tell her that Ralph has agreed to intervene on her behalf. Sunni doesn’t exactly do a happy dance when she hears the news about his new job status either. Sooni tells Aafrin that Chandru Mohan’s ties to the Congress party must have been falsified, no one has ever heard of him. She insists that the whole thing is British propaganda, that he’s being used as British propaganda, which gives Aafrin pause for a moment.

At the inquest, both Aafrin and Alice obey Ralph’s request but afterwards Aafrin finds an envelope in a file folder containing Mohan’s identity card as well as the forged Congress membership certificate. He quickly takes it and hides it in his jacket. Back at home, Aafrin hides the document in a box containing his father’s medals. What is Aafrin up to? Does he regret going along with Ralph or does he want to prove that his sister is wrong?