“You don’t know how difficult this is for me, son. Every time I look at Zara, I see the woman whose father killed my beloved Ahab.”
“Every time I look at Zara, I see the woman I love and the mother of my children. Zara is carrying my child, Mother. Your first grandchild.”
Lady Eloise’s delight was genuine. “A baby? Zara is pregnant?”
“That’s what I said. I’m taking Zara away, where she won’t be subjected to your coldness. I never imagined you could be like this. You’ve always been such a loving, understanding woman.”
“A baby,” Eloise repeated, her face softening. “It will be wonderful having a baby in the house.”
“Haven’t you heard a word I’ve said, Mother? I’m taking Zara away.”
Suddenly, having a grandchild seemed more important than carrying a grudge. “Oh, Jamal, I don’t know what got into me. I’ve been a foolish old woman. I shouldn’t have blamed Zara for her father’s sins. Will you forgive me? Will Zara forgive me? I want to know my grandchild.”
“Of course I forgive you, but I can’t speak for Zara. She was willing to leave me to keep peace in the family. Zara is proud and brave and as fierce as any warrior I’ve ever known, and I love her. I want you to love her, too.”
“I’ll try, son, truly I will.”
“I’ll send her in to you so you can tell her yourself.”
“Jamal, about Lord Robert—”
“Later, Mother.” He left before she finished the sentence.
A few minutes later Zara entered the library, wary and perturbed about her private talk with Lady Eloise. She’d been conversing pleasantly with Lord Robert when Jamal interrupted, saying only that his mother wished to speak with her in private.
“You wished to see me, Lady Eloise?”
“What I wish, my dear, is to apologize,” Eloise said. “I regret our dismal beginning and wish to make amends. I had no business making rash judgments where you were concerned. May we begin anew? I know about the babe you’re carrying and want to be a part of my grandchild’s life. Will you allow it, Zara?”
Tears sprang to Zara’s eyes. This was the kind of welcome she had dreamed of, but had been denied. “I bear you no ill will, my lady. I never knew my mother and had no one but my father. I love him dearly and always will. Knowing that, can we still be friends?”
“Jamal loves you. That’s enough for me. Your children will fill this old house with happiness and love. How can I not offer you my friendship … and one day, perhaps my love.”
They embraced warmly, then Lady Eloise said, “Shall we join the men? Robert will think I’ve deserted him.”
“Ah, here are the women,” Robert said as Zara and Eloise entered the drawing room together. “You’re just in time. Dinner has been announced.” He offered Zara his arm while Jamal escorted his mother into the dining room.
Conversation flowed pleasantly. At the end of the meal, Robert cleared his throat and said, “Did you tell them, Eloise, my love?”
Jamal glanced from Robert to his mother, one eyebrow raised. “Tell me what?”
Lady Eloise blushed to the roots of her hair. “Not yet, Robert. We had other things to discuss.”
“Then I insist we tell them now,” Robert said. Before Eloise could express an opinion, Robert blithely continued. “I’ve asked Lady Eloise for her hand and she has graciously agreed to marry me. That is, if you have no objections, Lanford. I can furnish you with a complete financial report if you wish. Your mother will never want for anything. I’ve grown to love her dearly.”
“I’d rather hear how Mother feels,” Jamal said, stunned by the turn of events.
“I’m lonesome, Jamal. Robert has shown me that life isn’t over for me. You have your Zara and soon there will be a child to enrich your lives. I’d like to remain close, but I want a life of my own. I love Robert and wish to marry him.”
“Then we’ll make it a double wedding,” Jamal said with enthusiasm. “As soon as it can be arranged. Zara and I have decided to be married in a Christian ceremony. Do you mind if we make this an affair to remember?”
Lady Eloise gave Zara a watery smile. “Do you wish to share your special day with me, Zara?”
“The first time Jamal and I were married will always remain our ‘special’ day. I’d be happy to share the second happiest day of my life with you and Lord Robert.”
They drank a toast to love and happiness, then Jamal and Zara excused themselves, leaving the newly engaged couple to their own devices.
“One never knows what to expect next from life,” Jamal said once they were alone in their room. “Mother certainly is full of surprises. I had no idea she was thinking of marriage.”
“Lord Robert is very handsome.”
“Am I not handsome?” He preened for her benefit.
“You, my lord sheik, are arrogant beyond words. You are far too bold, but I suppose one could describe you as passably handsome.”
“And you, my lovely princess, will never be tamed. Despite your sharp tongue, I’ve managed to survive without being slashed to pieces.” His eyes sparkled naughtily. “Come to bed. I want to hold you in my arms. I might even be able to locate a set of those silver balls you’re so fond of.”
She stared at him. “You brought them?”
He gave her a wicked smile. “For my lady’s pleasure,” he said as he swooped her off her feet and carried her to the bed.
There, he made her body sing and her heart soar with the joy of being alive and being with him.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Dear Readers,
This book is the result of my visit to Morocco. Perhaps some of you saw me on the CBS show 48 Hours, part of which was filmed while I was in Morocco researching Sheik. Morocco is a fascinating country. I was intrigued with every aspect of its culture, laws and mores. During my visit, city officials were very gracious to me, treating me as a VIP. It was a wonderful experience.
I hope you enjoyed reading Sheik as much as I enjoyed writing it. The story is pure fantasy, though it is based on fact and steeped in the richness of Moroccan culture. According to history, Moulay Ismail was just as I described him. But my hero and heroine were created from my imagination.
The strife and hard feelings between the Berbers and Arab rulers of that time was also real. Had the various Berber tribes banded together to form a strong fighting unit, they might have become today’s ruling class instead of the sheepherders and farmers they are now.
All My Romantic Best,
Connie Mason
GLOSSARY
bab gate
cadi chieftain
couscous finely grained pasta
djellaba outer robe worn over clothing
hammam bath or bathing room
houri temptress
medina old city
kasbah fortress
minaret prayer tower
muezzin prayer leader
scimitar long curved sword
souk marketplace
About the Author
Connie is the bestselling author of 60 books and novellas and counting. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as in American locales. Connie has won awards from Romantic Times and has been listed in Who’s Who of American Women for several years. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Connie is a world traveler. She has visited every country in Western and Eastern Europe, Greece, Asia and Northern Africa. Also, countless islands in the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Connie enjoys spending time with her three children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visit her Website and www.conniemason.com
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