By that time, Mrs. Bell, Bennet, and Yusuf had arrived.
Elizabeth’s father tearfully hugged her, displaying palpable relief at finding her safe before expressing disappointment at the senseless destruction of the Library of Alexandria.
“The loss is incalculable,” he concluded. “Centuries of ancient texts reduced to ash because this man could not conceive that some treasures cannot be measured in gold.”
Captain Walker frowned. “The destruction of historical materials is a serious matter, particularly given the current political sensitivities surrounding the British presence in Egypt.” He gestured to his men. “Place them in the brig. We will hold them pending further investigation and transport them to stand trial in England.”
Darcy addressed the captain. “Sir, Wickham could not have arrived in Egypt under his own ability. He is always without coins in his pockets. It is my belief that someone hired him based on his knowledge of my habits and what we were searching for.”
“You are saying that these three did not work alone?”
Richard replied, “That is correct, sir. He is devious enough to plan to steal a treasure, but his gambling habits leave him perpetually with pockets to let. He would need someone else to fund the attempt and take the blame if he failed.”
Bennet said, “While we were in the chamber, Mr. Wickham’s two compatriots whispered to each other?inFrench?about two professors who would not be happy with the destruction. I suggest that your investigation start with that.”
“Very well.” The officer turned to his men. “Haul them away.”
As Wickham was dragged down the dock and up the gangway, still unconscious, Elizabeth collapsed again into the safety of Darcy’s arms.
She glanced toward her father. “Was anything saved?”
Yusuf stepped forward. “I saved what I could. When the shelf collapsed, two sealed containers and a few scroll cases rolled from the burning corridor into the chamber. I pulled them into the passageways before helping your father to find you.” He indicated Mrs. Bell. “She has your journal.”
“I must ask you all to provide formal statements regarding these events,” Captain Walker said. “But first, you have endured considerable hardship. My ship’s surgeon should examine anyone who was burned or injured. You are welcome to refresh yourselves aboard theIntrepid.” He added, “Everything you saved from the catacombs will be moved on board, where we will protect it until the authorities can be notified.”
Richard acknowledged the captain and moved to Mrs. Bell and Yusuf.
Keeping his arm around Elizabeth, Darcy followed the others to the British warship. The couple paused at the foot of the gangway, surrounded by the familiar cacophony of the harbor, as their own personal drama unfolded.
“I can never forgive myself for what happened. I failed in every way that a man could fail.” The weight of his sin crushed him. “I could have lost you.”
Elizabeth’s reaction was to rise on her toes and kiss him with passionate conviction there on the Alexandria dock with officers of the Royal Navy surrounding them.
Captain Walker wasa man of his word. Throats ravaged by the smoke and ash found relief from soothing tea as soon as they embarked.
“Tell me,” the captain asked, “Why is a colonel in the army not in uniform?”
Setting aside his cup, Darcy’s cousin shrugged. “I am merely a lackey assigned to report back to my superiors whether the British citizens in various Mediterranean ports are welcomed or scorned by the populace.”
“And are they welcomed?”
“Assuredly.”
The captain stared at him hard. “And that is all?”
The colonel sat forward in his chair, his brow arched. “What more could there be, Captain? Unlike my cousin, I am not proficient in foreign languages. My skill comes in reading situations. That is all.”
“Aye, then.” Captain Walker stood. “You have had quite a Mediterranean journey. Rome, Messina, Athens, Constantinople, and now Egypt. Are you straight for Gibraltar or will you be returning to any of the ports you have already visited?”
“We are for home, sir.”
“I wish you smooth sailing, then.” Nodding slowly,the captain excused himself to speak with the authorities. Richard stood and led them from the ship.
As the group walked to their lodgings, Elizabeth’s father took her hand and wrapped it around his arm. “Dear girl, when that man took you away, I feared my heart would never recover. The loss of you would have been far more devastating than the scrolls.”
She chuckled despite his heartfelt tears and drew close to his side. “Are you certain, Papa? If you were forced to choose, as he attempted to force Fitzwilliam, are you sure you would choose me over the famed Library of Alexandria?”
“Well…” His grin was pure mischief. He swiped at his eyes. “Fitzwilliam, is it? Have you decided for him, then?”
