“Sheik Abu must surely be in great pain, Christina. He does not want you to know how badly he hurts.”
“You’re right. He is suffering, and I am thinking only of myself. It has taken this nightmare to make me realize how much I love him.”
“It is obvious he cares for you,” Amine said. “Have patience, Christina. He will tell you what happened when he has rested. Now you both need food, so come.”
“You’re right. I feel as if I haven’t eaten for days.”
“You have been gone three days and nights.”
“Three days! But how can that be?” said Christina.
“How could I be missing for so long?”
“Sheik Abu will be able to explain. We are all anxious to learn what has happened. But come now, you must eat.”
Christina couldn’t argue, and followed Amine back into the tent. Amine took Philip’s food into the bedroom where Maidi was still ministering to him, and then left.
I feel so ashamed, Christina thought as she wolfed down the stew. Philip must be in extreme pain, and I have to go and jump on him, demanding answers when he is in no condition to give them. I have to forget about it and just think about making him well again. He will tell me everything when he is ready—or will he? He doesn’t like to answer questions. Well, he will have to answer these questions. They concern me, too!
Christina had forgotten all about her own injuries. Her eyes and cheeks were still swollen and sore, but it didn’t bother her to eat or talk.
Her robe was a mess—completely covered with dirt. She felt so sticky, but how could she bathe when Philip was bedridden? It was too dangerous to go alone. When she finished eating, Syed came into the tent carrying a bucket of water in each hand.
“Sheik Abu ordered the water for you. He said you would have to wash this way for a while,” Syed said quickly as he put the buckets down.
He was obviously embarrassed, and Christina wanted to laugh, but didn’t. “Thank you, Syed. You are very kind.”
Maidi came out of the bedroom, and finally Christina was left alone in the tent with Philip. She decided to wash in the bedroom. Someone might walk into the tent and find her without any clothes on, but she also wanted to be near Philip. She went to the cabinet for towels and soap, then carried the buckets into the other room.
“Philip, are you asleep?” she asked.
“No.”
“I wanted to bathe in here where it’s more private, but if it will disturb you, I can leave.”
“Of course not. It was my intention that you should wash in here. In fact, I have been looking forward to it.”
“Oh, you!” she retorted angrily. But when she saw the grease caked so thickly all over the upper half of his body, she started laughing.
“What the devil is so amusing?” he demanded.
“I’m sorry,” she giggled. “But you look so ridiculous. Have you seen what you look like yet?”
“No I haven’t—have you?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” she asked.
“I suggest you view your own face before you laugh at mine.”
Christina picked up her looking glass and gasped at her own reflection. “Oh, God—that’s not me! I look so horrible! I’d love to horsewhip the bastard who hit me!”
“Damn, Tina. Must you swear so much? I hardly think it’s ladylike.”
“Ladylike! Look at my face, Philip. Is this swollen and bruised face the face of a lady? Ladies are not supposed to be beaten, but I was.”
“Now that I think of it, besides not speaking like a lady, you hardly look like one in that robe and breeches,” Philip chuckled.
“You go too far now, Philip. Before insulting my appearance, why don’t you view your own?” she replied haughtily, tossing him her looking glass. “Now tell me which of us looks the worst.”
