Children of the Storm - Elizabeth Peters [47]
Gently he removed my clinging hands and turned away. His final words were not addressed to me; they were the old querulous grumble, as if he were thinking aloud. “She is not careful. She takes foolish chances. I will do my best, but she would tax even the powers of a sheikh.”
I stood where he had left me, watching him stride along the path toward the Valley. “What do you mean?” I called, knowing I would receive no answer. Nor did I. Abdullah looked back at me and smiled. Raising one arm, he beckoned me to follow—not then, along that well-known path, but back to Thebes.
THE REST OF THE FAMILY readily accepted my decision, which, of course, I framed as a suggestion. Before we left, we made arrangements to send the youthful nurserymaid back to England. Even on the voyage out she had admitted she was homesick, and she did not like Egypt at all. It must have been the hurly-burly and shouting at the railroad station that frightened her, since she had seen almost nothing else of the country. So I found a respectable family who were returning to England and who were happy to have her care for their children. The last thing we needed was another helpless innocent on our hands, and as soon as we reached Luxor, Lia would have all the enthusiastic help she wanted. Every woman in the family—I speak of our Egyptian family—was itching to get her hands on David’s little ones.
We took the evening train. All those who travel with small children prefer this schedule, since there is a chance they will sleep through part of the journey. From the haggard looks of her parents next morning, I deduced that Evvie had not. It hadn’t taken me long to realize she was something of a handful, with an explosive temper that belied her dainty looks. No doubt she had been badly spoiled; her parents and her grandparents on the maternal side were gentle souls. I looked forward to seeing how she would get on with the twins. Neither of them could be called a gentle soul. I was a trifle concerned about Dolly, who had taken on the role of protector of his little sister and whose equable temper would no doubt be sorely tried in the days to come. Such is life, however. I would do all I could to defend him.
I had not reported Abdullah’s warning to the others. They would not have taken it seriously, and indeed some might consider it only the expression of the natural concern felt by an adult who is responsible for the weak and irresponsible. It was infinitely reassuring to see the entire family waiting for us at the station in Luxor. Daoud and Selim were there, Kadija’s loving impatience had overcome her timidity, Basima hovered in the background. Sennia and Gargery waved and shouted greetings. With those stalwart aides and the others who awaited us at the house, the children’s every movement would be watched.
“Where are the twins?” was Evelyn’s first question.
“We don’t take them anywhere unless we have to, madam,” said Gargery gloomily.
Evelyn looked a little shocked. “Certainly not into a mob like this,” I added. “Goodness, what a crush. I have never seen so many people here.”
My first impulse was to put an end to the demonstration for fear of its upsetting the children. I reminded myself that I was not in charge of them. They were being passed round from eager hand to eager hand, but they seemed none the worse for it. Evvie was giggling at an obviously infatuated Daoud, and Dolly, solemn and wide-eyed, shyly returned Kadija’s embrace. So I stood a little aside and found myself next to Bertie, who had come to represent his family.
“Mother and Cyrus decided not to add to the confusion,” he said with a smile. “They hope you will dine with us this evening—a simple gathering of old friends, nothing formal.”
“I believe I can speak for all when I accept with pleasure, Bertie.” I lowered my voice and then had to repeat the question in louder tones, the noise was so great. “Has there been any news of—er—”
“No. You learned nothing?”
“We would have telegraphed Cyrus at once had we found the jewelry.