Please identify this vaguely-remembered book for me

Cafe Society
1

It’s a fantasy book, with magic etc but it starts off in what appears to be the British Raj. I think the protagonist is female, as is the author.

As I recall it had a good start as you began to realise that this was actually an alternate Earth, then faded somewhat.

2

My guess is The Blue Swordby Robin McKinley.

3

That’s the one. Thank you.

4

The Hero and the Crown, in the same world but much earlier, is better.