Crocodile on the Sandbank - Elizabeth Peters [9]
For a moment longer Evelyn stared at me, her wide eyes brimming. Then an extraordinary grimace crossed her face. She covered it with her hands; her shoulders shook convulsively.
“I must apologize,” I said resignedly. “Now I suppose I will never know. I did not intend—”
A choked sound from Evelyn interrupted me. She lowered her hands. Her face was flushed and tear-streaked. She was gasping—with laughter.
I took it for hysteria, of course, and moved alertly forward. She caught my lifted hand.
“No, no, you needn’t slap me; I am not at all hysterical. But, Amelia, you are—you are so—Is that really all you can think of to ask me, after such a story as mine?”
I considered the matter.
“Why, I really do not think there is anything else to ask. The shameful behavior of your abominable old grandfather and your villain of a lover require no comment. I presume your other family connections are equally cold-hearted, or you would have appealed to them.”
“And you are not repelled by my ruined character?”
“I do not consider that it is ruined. Indeed, the experience has probably strengthened your character.”
Evelyn shook her head. “I can’t believe you are real!”
“There is nothing extraordinary about me. However, I suppose—yes, I am sure that it would be wise for you to make certain I am what I claim to be before you accept the position I offer. My father had friends in academic circles; I can give you references to a clergyman here in Rome, and the consul knows of my—”
“No. I do not need to make such inquiries.” With a gesture, Evelyn indicated that I should take a seat on the bed beside her. I did so. She studied me earnestly for a few moments. Then she said,
“Before I answer your question, Amelia, perhaps you will answer one for me. Why did you say, ‘I will never know’? Referring, of course, to the question—”
“Well, it is unlikely that I shall ever have firsthand experience. I am fully acquainted with the use of the mirror and the calendar. The latter tells me that I am thirty-two years old; the former reproduces my plain features without flattery. Moreover, my nature does not lend itself to the meekness required of a wife in our society. I could not endure a man who would let himself be ruled by me, and I would not endure a man who tried to rule me. However, I am curious. I had thought… But no doubt I spoke out of place. My brothers assure me that I constantly do so.”
“If I have not answered your question,” Evelyn said, “it is not because I consider it unfair, but because I find it difficult to give a balanced answer. At this time, my recollection of the hours I spent—shall we say in Alberto’s arms?—makes a shudder of disgust pass through me. But at the time—at the time… “ She leaned forward. Her eyes were brilliant. “Oh, Amelia, under the right circumstances, it is—in a word—perfectly splendid!”
“Ah. I suspected as much. Well, my dear Evelyn, I am indebted to you for the information. And now shall we consider a more pressing question? No doubt you will wish to inquire of those references I mentioned before making a decision as to—”
“No.” Evelyn shook her head vigorously. Her golden curls danced. “I need no references, and no time to consider. I would love to be your companion, Amelia. Indeed—I think we will get on very well together.”
With a quick, graceful movement she leaned forward and kissed me lightly on the cheek. The gesture took me quite by surprise. I mumbled something and left the room. I never had a sister. I began to think that perhaps a gesture that had begun as an act of charity might benefit me as much as it helped its object.
IV
I may say, without undue egotism, that when I make up