by Cheryl Holt
“Yes, I am, and Lord Trent and I were simply chatting in a parlor. If Susan’s affair is exposed, I can’t imagine what will happen.”
“It will be very bad, that’s for sure.”
“Should I tell my aunt about it?” she asked as they reached the small, sandy beach.
“Probably, but if you were the one doing what you oughtn’t, would you want Susan to tell on you? Would you want to suffer Edna’s wrath?”
“No.”
“There’s your answer.”
“I suppose,” she miserably concurred, “but I’m so torn about this. It’s wrong to remain silent.”
“Look at it this way: Most problems sort themselves out. Susan has been very clear that she won’t listen to you.”
“No, she won’t.”
“If you confide in your aunt, you’ll stir a hornet’s nest, so let Susan get caught on her own. Eventually, she will get caught. Stay out of it.”
“Spoken like a man who never involves himself with anyone.”
“With valid reason. I refuse to fight over any issue.”
“That’s not true. You had quite a row with Aunt Edna after I fell in the river.”
“I was angry, because you scared the life out of me.”
“My hero,” she gushed, and she batted her lashes and snuggled herself to him as she admitted, “I deliberately avoided you all day.”
“I know. I searched for you everywhere.”
“But I won’t hide tomorrow.”
“Wonderful. What made you decide that?”
“I’m afraid some morning I’ll turn around and you’ll be gone. Then I’ll be kicking myself for my lost opportunities to be with you.”
“I promised to say goodbye before I leave.”
“Yes, and after you depart, I will wither away.”
“You will not, Theo. After you reflect a bit, you’ll figure you dodged a bullet.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m selfish and self-centered, so I’m an awful candidate to be a husband—or even a friend. Ultimately, you’ll realize it was ridiculous for you to have wasted any effort on me.”
“Maybe I like feeling ridiculous for a change.”
“I’m glad that you are.”
“So am I.”
He kissed her long and slow, her torso crushed to his. Her underclothes were still soaked and stuck to her skin, so it was like holding her when she was naked. Once again, he was a hairsbreadth away from proceeding to conclusions he didn’t dare attempt, so he eased her away.
“How will I get you to your tent?” he asked.
“You were coming to bathe yourself. Did you bring a towel? We could wrap it around me.”
“Yes, we could. I dropped it when you first called to me.”
He led her into the ferns and out to the path. He studied her, relishing a last look at her shapely body.
“What is it?” she asked when she saw how vehemently he was staring.
“I like you like this. Perhaps I should enlist Fenton’s help, and someday if I’m very, very lucky, my wish will be granted and all your clothes will vanish.”
“You wish for the strangest things.”
“I’m predicting I’ll wear you down. Would you like to bet me?”
“No. I’m never wagering with you. You’d cheat to win.”
He picked up his towel and draped it over her so she was partially covered. It wasn’t perfect, but she was much more modestly attired than she’d been. She laid her palm on his chest, in the center where his pulse was suddenly racing. Their light-hearted banter swirled to an end, and a thousand comments flitted between them that couldn’t be voiced aloud.
He was suffering those pesky masculine urges again. He wanted to protect her, to shelter her, to keep her by his side and make her happy forever. The sensation was so strong and overpowering, that it almost seemed as if the universe was forcing him to ponder ideas he’d never previously pondered.
Deep down, was he actually craving a wife and family? Deep down, was he hungry for bonds and ties?
He just didn’t think so and couldn’t imagine how to block the yearnings she stirred. They were on a trip and had been thrown together like passengers on a sea voyage. It was common for romance to flare in such an intimate setting.
It had flared this time, which wasn’t unusual, and he had to stop imbuing their friendship with more significance than it warranted. It was the moon and the Nile and the hot desert air. It was the lure of being in Egypt where they were so far from all that was familiar. The foreign ambiance fostered the impression that any reckless action was possible—even an amour with a girl he didn’t really want.
“Let’s go.” He was desperate to be shed of her or he’d say something stupid. “If we hear someone approaching, we’ll sneak into the foliage until they pass by.”
“All right. I’d rather not be seen in this condition.”
“I’ll escort you safe and sound.”
“I never had any doubt.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Hello, Mr. Grey.”
“Hello, Lady Theo.”
Theo grinned, feeling humored but irked that they had to maintain the pretense they were barely acquainted. In light of her sheltered upbringing, she thought he knew her better than anyone ever had. He’d definitely viewed much more of her than anyone ever had.
He was seated under an awning in front of his tent, loafing in a comfortable chair. Wearing tan trousers and a flowing white shirt, the sleeves were rolled back to display his strong arms to maximum effect. He’d donned a different pair of boots from those he’d had on the night before.
“It looks as if you’ve gotten yourself a new pair of boots,” she said.
“I ruined my old ones. I walked into the bathing pool with them on.”
“Well, that was silly. Any sensible person knows that water is hard on leather.”
He grinned. “Yes, a sensible person would know that.” He gestured to her clothes. “That’s a pretty gown, and your bonnet is very fetching.”
“Why, Mr. Grey, I believe you complimented me.”
“I might have. I’m delighted to note that you’re fully dressed today. I hope you haven’t misplaced anything by accident.”
“No, everything is right where it’s supposed to be.”
“Where are you off to this fine morning?”
“Mr. Webster is showing us his excavation. Would you like to come? I’m certain it will be fascinating.”
“I’ve already toured it several times.”
“Have you? I didn’t realize you were so friendly with Mr. Webster. Do you stop here often?”
“Yes. He’s quite a renowned fellow, so he has all sorts of visitors. I ferry many of them down from Cairo. Then I pick them up when they’ve had their fill of sightseeing.” His lazy gaze traveled down her torso. “How about you? Have you had your fill?”
She didn’t think he was talking about sightseeing. “Not yet. I might never have enough.”
She could have dawdled there forever, but Susan was ahead on the trail, and she called, “Theo! Are you coming or not? Mother is wondering where you are.”
“Yes, I’m coming.” She stole a final glance at Soloman. “Are you sure you won’t join us?”
“I’d really rather not spend hours with your aunt and cousins. Besides, I have chores to complete on my boat.”
She stepped a bit nearer and murmured, “I’ll miss you while I’m gone.”
Like a blushing schoolgirl, she was on pins and needles for him to say the same, but he replied with, “I’ll find you once you’re back.”
“I wish you’d eat supper with us.”
“Don’t hold your breath, Theo. It won’t happen.”
“Theo!” Susan called again.
“Yes, Susan, I heard you.” She waved to her cousin, then nodded at Soloman. “You’re the most frustrating man. You never behave as I’m expecting.”
“That’s what all women say about all men.”
“It’s especially true about you.”
“I’ll see you later, Lady Theo. Have fun exploring.”
He was the only person at the camp with whom she actually wanted to socialize, and she had to physically drag herself away. Anyone who’d observed them would have recognized the significant fondness she’d developed.
Oh, she was so miserable! She yearned to be able to openly declare her affection. She was eager to apprise others that they were close and growing closer.
If she’d had any courage at all, she’d march up to Edna and tell her to go to the devil. She’d announce her infatuation and act as brazenly as she liked. But she didn’t have much courage, and she would never deliberately cause a rift with her aunt.
There would be no point to it either. Soloman seemed to enjoy their flirting, but from what she could discern, he didn’t reciprocate her feelings. If she stirred a tempest with Edna, it would simply put them at odds over a libertine who had no intention of ever claiming her.
She had to regroup, had to get her mind to where it had been prior to meeting him. He would leave shortly, and she would eventually return to London. She would sail home with her reputation repaired, having ceaselessly exhibited conduct that was beyond reproach, so Edna would report stellar character to her father.
She reached a slight hill, and she peered back at Soloman before she disappeared down the other side. He was still seated in his chair, but he wasn’t watching her. It had only been a minute or two since she’d traipsed off, and she hadn’t kept his attention for even that small interval.
She scoffed at her foolishness, crested the hill, and hurried down to where Edna, Susan, and Fenton were waiting for her. To Theo’s surprise, Mr. Price was there too, and Theo forced a smile, amazed that he’d dare to fraternize with Edna, amazed too that Edna had deigned to be civil to him.
“Where have you been?” Edna snapped.
“I forgot my bonnet, so I had to run to my tent.”
“I swear, Theo. You don’t have the sense God gave a gnat.”
“Sorry,” she said, but offered nothing more. It was impossible to please Edna on any topic.
One of Mr. Webster’s assistants was present to lead them to the excavation. They proceeded toward it, with the assistant indicating important sights, explaining Mr. Webster’s plans, his theories. She listened to every detail and found the tour to be incredibly interesting.
As they approached the pyramid, it seemed much bigger than it had from over by the river. And it was much farther than she’d anticipated, the desert creating an optical illusion as to distance. Once they arrived, they were sweating and parched. Mr. Webster had an awning set up, and they refreshed themselves on lemon punch and little cakes, then they squeezed down a narrow tunnel.
They were warned to stay together and not wander. The assistant and Edna had a lamp. Mr. Price too. There was a third one for Susan, Fenton, and Theo to share, and though Fenton demanded to carry it, they wouldn’t let him. Susan and Theo had both been on the receiving end of Fenton’s pranks and knew better than to trust him.
They spent several hours snooping about, looking at paintings on the walls, at the labyrinth of mysterious passageways, at the numerous unusual rooms. All of it was fascinating, and she was delighted to have participated.
Edna had grown tired midway through, so she’d been escorted out before the rest of them. Susan and Mr. Price were up ahead, strolling arm in arm as they walked toward the exit. The assistant said goodbye to them and left.
Theo was with Fenton. He’d been to the site many times already, but still he’d been as fascinated as Theo. He was becoming an expert on antiquities and Egyptology, and he’d been courteous and curious.
When the disaster arose, she wasn’t precisely sure how it happened. She was always on guard around Fenton, but they were so near to being finished that she was relaxed and not concentrating as she should have been.
One minute she was ambling along and watching as Susan and Mr. Price stepped outside. The next, she was all alone in the dark, and she was standing in the blackest spot she’d ever been. She couldn’t see anything. Not her hand in front of her face. Not the wall beside her. Not the exit.
“Fenton?” she said, her voice being swallowed in the air of the ancient tomb. “Susan?”
Neither of her cousins responded, and she called out much louder. “Susan! I’m lost, and my lamp has gone out.”
She listened, but no sounds echoed back. It was the quietest place she’d ever been, and she supposed it was very much like being in…well…a tomb.
“Fenton!” she shouted. “This isn’t funny!”
She yelled and yelled, pausing between each summons, but no one answered and no one came.
Soloman stormed into Cedric Webster’s tent. He had an open invitation from Webster to join him for supper whenever he was in the camp, but on this trip, he’d avoided the meal with polite excuses. He hadn’t provided any specific comments about his not liking the company, but Webster was a smart fellow. No doubt he’d already had his own fill of Edna Wallace.
The group was seated at the dining table, a servant beginning to pour the wine. At his rude interruption, all eyes turned to him.
“Where is Lady Theo?” he demanded.
He was greeted with blank stares, then Susan Wallace glanced about, just seeming to notice her cousin wasn’t present.
“I have no idea where she is,” Miss Wallace said. “I assume she’ll be here shortly. She’s probably running late.”
“Have you been to your tent this afternoon, Miss Wallace?”
“Yes.”
“Was she there?”
“Ah…no.”
“She didn’t dress for supper with you?”
“No.” Miss Wallace scowled. “What’s your point, Mr. Grey?”
He swung his irate glower to Fenton. “Where is she?”
“How would I know?” Fenton claimed, but the pathetic liar couldn’t hold Soloman’s gaze.
“When was the last time any of you spoke to her?” Soloman asked.
Miss Wallace said, “We were at the end of our tour. I was walking with Mr. Price, and Theo was walking with…”
She stopped and whipped around to her brother.
“Where is Theo?” she hissed, but the irksome miscreant was unmoved.
“I remained at the excavation,” Fenton said, oozing innocence, “and she returned to camp without me.”
“Why didn’t you accompany her?” Miss Wallace seethed.
“She wanted to come back! I didn’t. She was hot and tired, and she was planning to wash, then take a nap. She was right behind you, Susan. Why weren’t you watching her?”
He bit down a grin, then started shoveling forkfuls of beef into his mouth as if naught was amiss.
“Dammit,” Soloman muttered, not caring that he’d cursed in front of the ladies. He looked at Cedric. “We have to find her. Any tragedy could have befallen her.”
“I’ll summon my crew,” Cedric said. He threw down his napkin and stood, saying to the assembled guests, “If you’ll excuse me?”
They hurried out as Mrs. Wallace said, “What is it? What’s wrong? Are you afraid she’s imperiled?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” Soloman replied. He glared at Fenton. “I’ll deal with you later. Be ready.”
Fenton didn’t even bother to peek up from his plate, but Mrs. Wallace huffed and complained about Soloman’s autocratic manner. Luckily, he fled quickly enough that he didn’t have to hear more than a remark or two.
Cedric was no fool. He’d lived in the desert for decades, and he understood how rapidly a person could get into trouble. Particularly at an archeological dig. A wall could collapse, a ceiling crumble.
“What are you thinking, Mr. Grey?” he asked Soloman.
“That little bastard, Fenton Wallace, constantly plays tricks on her. On the way down the river, he pushed her in the Nile, and she almost drowned.”
“Gad! What sort of id
iot would do such a thing?”
“He’s a spoiled, ill-behaved reprobate, and his mother won’t discipline him. I’m betting he abandoned her in the pyramid somehow.”
“My teams know the safety rules. No one is to enter or exit alone.”
“Well, your teams may know them, but if they were explained to Fenton, he wouldn’t necessarily follow them.”
“I don’t need that kind of nonsense. I’m busy, and this isn’t a park where children can engage in mischief.”
“I agree.”
They marched off, with Cedric barking orders. Servants and employees were running behind them. Cedric had emergency procedures in place and regularly practiced rescue drills, so his people were aware of the precise routine.
Soloman was so angry he was shaking.
He’d been occupied for most of the afternoon, so he hadn’t been around when she should have returned. He’d deliberately stayed away from her, trying not to think about her. Ultimately, he was too obsessed, and he’d given up and had looked for her. Yet he couldn’t locate her anywhere.
He’d finally headed to Cedric’s, expecting her to arrive for supper with her family, but she hadn’t been with them. None of them had appeared to be concerned over her absence.
He’d been so unnerved by her not being with them that he’d rushed to her tent and had brazenly barged in to check on her. But while Susan had had clothes scattered about, Theo’s side had been neat as a pin. He was certain she hadn’t been there all afternoon.
His pulse racing with alarm, he’d dashed to Cedric’s tent and had blustered in without caring what any of them thought.
Cedric was correct in stating that the desert wasn’t a spot for mischief. There were simply too many ways to meet with misfortune. Anything could have happened to her, and he was galled that so many hours had passed without her situation being noted.
Susan Wallace should have been the one paying attention, but no doubt she’d been off pursuing her affair with Preston.
They approached the pyramid, and lamps had already been lit. Workers were discussing where to search. It was still daylight, but the sun was sinking in the west. He hoped they’d find her before dark, and he refused to consider that they might not find her.
