India is an Asian subcontinent that was under British colonial rule from 1858 to 1947. At the beginning of Romance of a Shop, when Mr. Lorimer has just died, two of the Lorimer sisters have the opportunity to go to India since they do not currently have the funds to continue living on their own. During the late 19th century, it became increasingly popular for British women to go to India and marry British officials, as amiable contact between British and Indian people became rarer over time. The Lorimers going to India would have been a well-received and popular decision for single women of the time.
“Uncle Sebastian has telegraphed for two of us to go out to India.” (Chapter 1)
“‘It is a pity that none of you has married; girls don't seem to marry in these days!’ (with some complacency, the well-disciplined, well-dowered daughters of the house of Pratt being in the habit of ‘going off’ in due order and season) ‘but India works wonders sometimes in that respect.’” (Chapter 2)
“‘Oh, let me go to India, Gerty!’ cried Phyllis, in a very audible aside” (Chapter 2)