Onora studied that thought for a moment.
I would mind; naturally, I would.
Though to what degree, she was unsure.
She’d had enough time in the company of her future husband to believe that she now knew him better, and there was nothing to give her particular pause.
Except for the way he looks at me, sometimes. As if…
She wasn’t sure how to conclude that thought.
She’d almost raised the subject with her aunt. Once, even, with Madame Auvray, knowing that she was more likely to be candid in her way of speaking—most especially on the topic of the way men looked at women, and what those looks meant and, more importantly, what they led to.
Onora had an inkling.
The library at her college in Oxford had provided sufficient reading material to give her an understanding of the mechanics, and the girls talked. Some had brothers, and brothers were apparently an even greater source of information than books.
To tell herself that she didn’t know the import of how Seton looked at her was disingenuous.
And soon, he and I shall be married, and I shall know everything there is to know about being a wife.
Her stomach gave a strange flutter, a mixture of excitement and nervousness, at the thought of being bedded, and the inevitable babies. She would be free in some ways and bonded in others.
No doubt it was these musings which had given her such broken sleep of late, and ever stranger dreams—of being touched in ways that were compelling and arousing, but which made her feel she had no power over her body. She behaved in those dreams in a way she would never consciouslyallow.
“Ah, Onora dear, there you are!” Clodagh’s voice rang out behind her. “Enjoying the serenity; so very sensible. I could stand and listen to the quiet for whole minutes at a time and not be bored. But, goodness, I’m peckish this evening. It must be all this heat through the day. No sooner does it begin to cool than my appetite rears up like a dragon, demanding to be fed.”
She fluttered her fan over the front of her gown. “I hope no-one notices that my corset isn’t tightened as much as it ought to be. Impossible to enjoy one’s food when being constricted. You’ve got the right of it, Onora, hardly bothering with yours at all now, though it’s different for one of your age and natural slenderness. You always look as you should, without the aid of such foundations.”
She drew a quick breath. “As for me, I have only to look at that delicious pilaf of Abdullah’s and I can feel my waistline expanding. So clever, adding those slices of almonds and the pomegranate seeds, and the spices! My mouth waters thinking of the dishes he lays out for us.”
Onora was inclined to agree, for the scent of toasteddukkahwas wafting from the cooking area on the open aft of the deck below.
“Miss Sullivan. Onora.” Lord Seton appeared and inclined his head to them both. “An evening filled with beauty, is it not?
“Most certainly.” Clodagh nodded keenly. “The whole trip has been a delight, and each day brings something new. I’ve been studying Amelia Edwards’ record,A Thousand Miles Up the Nile. How very much I would have liked to meet her. What is it she says about riding a camel? Something about its walk dislocating every bone in your body, and its trot reducing one to imbecility, and a gallop that is sudden death! I had been thinking to take a ride on one of the creatures myself, but I think I shall now forfeit the experience.”
“Very wise.” Lord Seton’s lips twitched in mirth. “You must make free to peruse the volumes in the saloon. There are several you might find of interest. Perhaps begin withWilkinson’sManners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians. We might discuss your thoughts upon it, whenever you feel ready.”
“How kind!” Clodagh beamed with obvious pleasure. “I’m so glad you’re soon to be married to our darling Onora. The two of you are perfect for one another, and how handsome your children will be!”
“Aunt! Please!” Onora’s cheeks burned.
Lord Seton appeared not the least perturbed. “Your commendation of the match means a great deal, to both of us, I’m sure.”
Onora felt a flush of gratitude—for his forbearance, and for the tactful way in which he dealt with her aunt. She was also very much aware of his hand, now resting on the small of her back.
“Now, ladies, I believe it’s time we joined the others. An aperitif before we dine, yes?” Seton gestured for them to walk ahead.
Onora cast a last look at the setting sun. Near touching the horizon, it quivered in the desert’s dying heat, sunk in somber violet and streaked through with a wound red as blood.
CHAPTER 5
They sat at the long table in the central portion of the upper deck and enjoyed a feast of succulent lamb roasted with vegetables on the open fire of the stove, accompanied by spiced lentils and warm flatbreads. Creamed chickpeas sat alongside dishes of thick yoghurt, with honey drizzled atop.
Afterward, they retired to the farther end, which was set out as an open-air drawing room, complete with rattan-woven armchairs and low tables.
Here they took sweet, bite-sized pastries, nuts, dates, and figs, complemented bytraditional Egyptian coffee, flavored with cardamon. At Madame Auvray’s pressing, Onora accepted a small glass of brandy, while the men lit cigars. Lanterns hanging from the canopy created an atmosphere of intimacy, bringing them together in a small pool of light.
