“As is your collection.” The professor chuckled while he sat. “I don’t think you realize what an exceptional lot of antiquities you’ve purchased.”
He stifled a snort. “So I’ve been told several times.”
“Oh good. Then it should be no surprise when I advise you those relics must be returned to the Egyptian people.”
This time he did snort. “I’ve been told that as well.”
“Excellent.” Shoving his hand into his coat pocket, the professor pulled out a calling card and shoved it across the desk. “Here you are.”
Edmund collected the offering, skimming the sparse information.
Mahmoud Ali, 27 Al-Muizz Street, Cairo
He angled his head at the professor. “What’s this?”
A distinct twinkle lit the man’s hazel eyes. “The fellow to handle your donation.”
He grinned. Ami’s father was as presumptuous as his daughter. “I’m afraid I cannot simply give away the collection.”
“Not to worry. Mahmoud will connect you with the Cairo Museum. I’m certain they will pay handsomely once they learn of the rarity of these findings.”
Handsomely? That was a matter of opinion. Though to be expected from a scholar who spent more time buried in books than in ledgers.
Sensing this conversation could take a turn for the worse, Edmund picked up a pencil and twirled it around. “I’ve alreadychecked into that, Professor. The museum is not able to offer as much as the interested buyer I already have here in England.”
“I see.” He pursed his lips exactly as Ami might have. “Yet there are things in life that hold more value than money.”
“Agreed.” He flipped the pencil again. “But still, you must concede there is no getting around the fact that one needs money to survive in this world.”
“Pardon my boldness, Mr. Price, but after enjoying your hospitality these past few days, it appears you are doing more thansurviving.”
So that’s where Ami got her cheek. He grinned. “By God’s grace, yes, I have had a measure of success.”
Sinking back in his chair, leather squeaking, the professor steepled his fingers. “I wonder if you have considered the legal and ethical ramifications of selling looted artifacts to private parties. Engaging in such a practice not only undermines the integrity of archaeological sites but also fuels illicit activities and damages the nation’s cultural heritage. Those items, sir, belong to Egypt and its peoples. Or at the very least, in a museum where the masses can and should appreciate them.”
His grin grew. “You sound like your daughter.”
The professor sighed. “Which brings me to my next point of topic.”
The pencil stilled in his hand. “Your daughter?”
“Indeed. Tell me, Mr. Price.” He tapped his fingertips together. “What are your intentions toward Amisi?”
Now there was a dangerous question. He set the pencil down lest it snap from the sudden wariness tightening his muscles. “What do you mean?”
“I may have only been here two days, but I’ve noticed the way you look at her, and more importantly, how she responds to you. She’s never given a man a second glance before. I hope you do not take that lightly.”
It wasn’t anything he hadn’t heard before. Fathers here and in India had often informed him of their daughters’ affectionfor him. But this time, with this father, the words breached his wall of defense.
Rising, he strode to the window and looked out, unseeing. Too many thoughts vied for attention. Too many emotions thickened his throat. Better that the professor did not witness such a struggle.
At length, he murmured, “I regard your daughter in very high esteem, sir. She is bright, confident, able to stand her ground when challenged, and beneath that eccentric exterior of hers beats a rather soft heart. So, yes, Professor, I am honoured she considers me worth a second look.”
“Honoured?” The word shot out like a cannonball. “Is that all?”
Hardly. Not if that poem he’d been working on was any indication. And yet could she be happy living the social life in London tied to an MP? Was it fair of him to ask her to give up her dream of digging about in the sands of Egypt? Sadly, he shook his head. “What more would you have me say?”
“I would have you say you love the woman, for clearly she is smitten by you.”
