AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Helen swallowed. “I’m already involved. I can’t leave Mr. Evelyn and his sister unaided, not if it’s within my power to help.” At his continued silence, she added, “Surely, a discreet appeal to the consul-general will be safe enough.”
The professor rubbed his chin thoughtfully, brow furrowed. Finally, he released a deep sigh. “Perhaps.”
They studied her drawing for a moment longer, then she addressed the other matter on her mind. “Is my father aware… that is…” She stopped, afraid to ask the question but needing to know the answer. It had been some time since she’d posted a letter to her parents, and they would begin to worry soon if they didn’t hear from her.
“You wish to know if I posted the letter you wrote aboard theTamarisk?”
Helen’s brows climbed. “Did you?”
He nodded. “I sent it by messenger in Tanta, though I was uncertain about the wisdom of doing such a thing. I feared there was every chance I would soon be writing your father with more somber news since we weren’t yet assured of your safety, but I thoughtyour parents should have your latest correspondence as quickly as possible.”
“Thank you,” Helen said earnestly before dropping an impulsive kiss on the professor’s cheek.
He cleared his throat then patted her hand. Helen’s relief was profound. She certainly didn’t wish to keep anything from her father, but she’d rather not cause him to worry unnecessarily. She’d not even begun her year in Cairo yet. There would be plenty of opportunities for him to worry over her later.
——
Helen and theTyndales arrived atShepheard’s Hotel late the following afternoon, having begun the day well before the sun graced the horizon. Remarkably, not a single protest had been voiced by Lydia over the early hour of their departure. She seemed as keen to reach their destination as the rest of their party.
Helen on her horse and the Tyndales on theircamels made an odd parade through the towns and villages they passed. More than once, Helen checked the urge to spur her mount to a gallop so she might reach Cairo and Rhys that much sooner.
She worried for his safety and hoped his travels had been unimpeded. At least they’d taken the time to secure the amulet where it would have the least chance of loss. Although the tiny compartment in his watch was very clever, she was pleased with how nicely Wilkinson’s guide had served. No one would think to steal a book.
They entered the hotel in their travel dust, and the hushed elegance of the space stood in stark contrast to the noisy bustle outside its walls. The main receiving room boasted high ceilings, plush sofas and ornate chandeliers that twinkled and glimmered like so many stars. Water trickled softly from a tiled fountain, and oil paintings in gilt frames depicted scenes from Egypt’s storied history.
Mr. Shepheard himself greeted them with a smile, offering well-appointed accommodations with bathing rooms and “the most comfortable European mattresses.” Their trunks, he assuredthem, had already arrived from theTamariskand had been sent up to be unpacked by the hotel maids.
Helen longed for a proper bath, but first she needed to learn if Rhys had arrived. But before she could address Mr. Shepheard, they were greeted by none other than Lord Thorsby as he crossed to the hotel’s entrance. He carried his hat, appearing not the least bit travel worn, and his handsome refinement was a stark comparison to their ragged group.
“Miss Corbyn,” he said warmly, casting a curious glance at her Arab garb before greeting the Tyndales.
Lydia’s cheeks reddened in obvious mortification. To be seen by anyone in such a rumpled condition must have been distressing for her, and Lord Thorsby wasn’t simply anyone. Lydia returned the baron’s greeting with a bit more reservation and a bit less sparkle and charm than was her custom, and a twinge of unexpected compassion tightened Helen’s lips.
“We didn’t realize you were returning to Egypt so soon,” Professor Tyndale said.
Lord Thorsby nodded, turning his hat in his hand. “My matters in London were quickly sorted, and I was able to travel much sooner thananticipated.” With another glance toward Helen, he added in a teasing voice, “But it seems I may be too late to prevent our Miss Corbyn from decamping to join the native population.”
Helen checked her frown of irritation, but before anyone could volunteer an explanation, she motioned to herjalabiyaand explained, “We’ve only just arrived ourselves, but as you might have guessed, there was some trouble with our baggage.”
He shook his head. “Ah, the port in Alexandria—it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. It’s a wonder any of our things make it to our final destination.”
He inquired after their impressions of Egypt, and when he shared his plans for exploring a nearby temple, Helen clenched her hands in frustration. There was no time for idle conversation, not when Rhys’s progress toward locating his sister was unknown. Lydia, however, listened intently to each word the baron spoke.
“I believe Miss Tyndale might enjoy hearing more of your recent discoveries,” Helen said. “Perhaps you can share with her how you came to be in possession of”—she searched her memory for something Lydia wouldn’t deem ghastly—“Queen Hatshepsut’s jeweled collar.”
Lord Thorsby tipped his head. “Oh-ho! That’s quite the tale. I would be happy to tell you about it, Miss Tyndale. I’m certain the rigors of your journey have left you fatigued, but perhaps we might take a turn about the gardens once you’ve had sufficient time to refresh yourself.”
Lydia darted a suspiciousglance at Helen, who merelysmiled in encouragement. Lydia nodded in hesitant acceptance of Lord Thorsby’s invitation, and Helen seized the moment to approach the hotel owner.
“Mr. Shepheard,” she began, “my acquaintance, Mr. Rhys Evelyn, has taken rooms at your hotel. I wonder if he’s arrived yet?”
“Ah, yes. Mr. Evelyn returned only this morning after some weeks away.”
Helen’s heart increased its pace and relief flooded her. He’d arrived safely. “And is he unaccompanied?”
Mr. Shepheard’s eyes widened before he smiled kindly. “Ah, that’s the way of it then? Yes, Mr. Evelyn has arrived alone.”
The way of it? Helen frowned and silently reviewed her words. Oh! “Oh, no,” she said hastily as warmth climbed her neck. “I merely wondered if Mr. Evelyn’s sister has joined him.”
