“You know this symbol, I am sure. Whatever should happen to me, and this body I inhabit, the sacred beetle will protect my sinful heart, when it comes time to weigh it in the balance.” She spoke low. “You wish to touch it? We are women together,ma chérie. Soon, there shall be no secrets. We shall share everything.”
Jack’sfirst tap at the door went unanswered, as did his second, though he could hear someone talking. Onora was there, he was certain.
Entering the villa was awkward since Seton had assured him he was unwanted, but Jack couldn’tignore the feeling in his gut. Returning to his tent, he’d been unable to think of anything else. He had to see her and make her see sense.
He’d confided at last in Hassan, asking if he could help with the boat, and had received news which offered them a better opportunity. It would mean leaving most of their baggage, but what did that matter? All he cared about was that Onora would be safe.
He was startled by the door opening abruptly, answered by a woman he’d not encountered before. She appeared equally surprised to see him, though her expression turned swiftly to appraisal, her gaze moving lazily downward.
“Who is it?” someone called out.
“Jack Balfour, here to see Miss Montague.” He moved one foot over the threshold and craned his neck to see farther into the room.
He was speechless, beholding the two women at the dressing table. It took him some moments to realize that the slender figure upon the stool was Onora. The fuller-figured woman with a proprietorial hand upon her shoulder was Madame Auvray.
“How bold you are, Monsieur Balfour.” The Frenchwoman stared at him, then added snappishly, “But we are busy. Take yourself somewhere else.”
“Five minutes is all I ask, then I won’t bother you again.” Jack said what he needed to.
The Frenchwoman snapped her fingers. “Come, Maria. We have other things to occupy our time.”
As soon as they were gone, Jack turned the lock, then rushed over. Onora’s lids were shaded green, her lashline extended in thick black kohl, but it was not the theatrical appearance alone that made her appear so unlike herself. Her pupils were wells of black and somewhat fixed, as if she were having trouble focusing upon him.
Her costume was deeply revealing, leaving nothing to the imagination. Her nipples stood erect, pressed visibly to the silk. It was both inflaming and disturbing.
Was thiswhat she was wearing to Seton’s party? Displaying her body for every man to salivate over?
“What are you doing, Onora, dressed like this?”
“Don’t you like it?” Coquettishly, she leaned forward.
“No, I don’t. This isn’t you—all this greasepaint and the wig, and a gown that’s barely covering you.” He glanced at the empty glass on the dressing table. “And how much of this have you been drinking?”
“It’s a tonic.” Onora dipped her chin. “Mostly fruit juice I think, and chamomile.”
“Like hell it is!” Lifting the glass, he sniffed at the remnants. “Brandy…and God knows what else!”
She shrugged. “Whatever it is, it’s making me feel very serene. You should try some. It might help you relax.”
“I don’t need to relax! Can’t you see I’m trying to—” He bit his tongue. Losing his temper wouldn’t help. Kneeling next to her, Jack spoke calmly, “Look, I’ve a new plan. We can go right now. We’ll march out bold as brass and there’s nothing they can do tostop us. There’s a privatedahabeyamoored not far south of here, with Americans on board. They’re undoubtedly headed for Luxor. We’ll tell them you’re unwell, that I need to get you to a doctor. They’ll be strangers, with no idea about Seton or…any of this. We can pretend we’re brother and sister, or that we’re married even! If you have a ring we might use.”
Onora sat back. “Is that a proposal?”
“Yes, if you want it to be.” Jack took her hands. “You’ve had a tough time, losing your mother and then your father. It’s natural to feel anger—guilt too, perhaps, that you’re here and they aren’t—but that pain has shaped you, Onora. You see the beauty of the world and you know it’s fleeting. More than that, you have tenderness and compassion, and you’re strong. You can do anything you set your mind to, with people who care for you by your side.”
“Ah! Now I understand. If I haveyouto help me, I can achieveallmy dreams.” She gave a brittle laugh. The dreamy look she’d had earlierseemed to have fallen away.
“That’s not what I mean.” Jack frowned. “I can’t offer what Seton can. You know that.” He fumbled for what he needed to say. “My private income is modest, and I’ll always be working but, as my wife, you’ll be in the thick of things. It won’t be a luxurious lifestyle, but?—”
“Is that what you think of me? That I’m dragging my heels ending this with Seton because I don’t want to give up the prospect of his money?” She snatched back her hands.
“No. Of course not. If I thought that I wouldn’t be here now, begging you to come with me.”
“So you’re telling me to accost strangers and lie to them? Then, what exactly, Jack? We lie in Luxor too? That’s how you want us to begin?”
He sat back on his heels.
This wasn’t what he’d been expecting.
