Death Comes as End - Agatha Christie [16]
The whole household was summoned and innumerable exordiums and recommendations were made. This was to be done and that. Yahmose was on no account to do such and such a thing. Sobek was to exercise the utmost discretion over something else. It was all, Renisenb thought, very familiar. Yahmose was attentive, Sobek was sulky. Hori, as usual, was calm and efficient. Ipy’s demands and importunities were put aside with more sharpness than usual.
‘You are too young to have a separate allowance. Obey Yahmose. He knows my wishes and commands.’ Imhotep placed a hand on his eldest son’s shoulder. ‘I trust you, Yahmose. When I return we will speak once more of a partnership.’
Yahmose flushed quickly with pleasure. He drew himself a little more erect.
Imhotep went on:
‘See only that all goes well in my absence. See to it that my concubine is well treated–and with due honour and respect. She is in your charge. It is for you to control the conduct of the women of the household. See that Satipy curbs her tongue. See also that Sobek duly instructs Kait. Renisenb, also, must act towards Nofret with courtesy. Then I will have no unkindness shown toward our good Henet. The women, I know, find her tiresome sometimes. She has been here long and thinks herself privileged to say many things that are sometimes unwelcome. She has, I know, neither beauty nor wit–but she is faithful, remember, and has always been devoted to my interests. I will not have her despised and abused.’
‘Everything shall be done as you say,’ said Yahmose. ‘But Henet somtimes makes trouble with her tongue.’
‘Pah! Nonsense! All women do. Not Henet more than another. Now as to Kameni, he shall remain here. We can do with another scribe and he can assist Hori. As for that land that we have rented to the woman Yaii–’
Imhotep went off into meticulous details.
When at last all was ready for the departure Imhotep felt a sudden qualm. He took Nofret aside and said doubtfully:
‘Nofret, are you content to remain here? Would it be, perhaps, best if, after all, you came with me?’
Nofret shook her head and smiled.
‘You will not be long absent,’ she said.
‘Three months–perhaps four. Who knows?’
‘You see–it will not be long. I shall be content here.’
Imhotep said fussily:
‘I have enjoined upon Yahmose–upon all my sons–that you are to have every consideration. On their heads be it if you have anything of which to complain!’
‘They will do as you say, I am sure, Imhotep.’ Nofret paused. Then she said, ‘Who is there here whom I can trust absolutely? Someone who is truly devoted to your interests? I do not mean one of the family.’
‘Hori–my good Hori? He is in every way my right hand–and a man of good sense and discrimination.’
Nofret said slowly:
‘He and Yahmose are like brothers. Perhaps–’
‘There is Kameni. He, too, is a scribe. I will enjoin on him to place himself at your service. If you have anything of which to complain, he will write down your words with his pen and despatch the complaint to me.’
Nofret nodded appreciatively.
‘That is a good thought. Kameni comes from the North. He knows my father. He will not be influenced by family considerations.’
‘And Henet,’ exclaimed Imhotep. ‘There is Henet.’
‘Yes,’ said Nofret, reflectively. ‘There is Henet. Suppose that you were to speak to her now–in front of me?’
‘An excellent plan.’
Henet was sent for and came with her usual cringing eagerness. She was full of lamentations over Imhotep’s departure. Imhotep cut her short with abruptness.
‘Yes, yes, my good Henet–but these things must be. I am a man who can seldom count on any stretch of peace or rest. I must toil ceaselessly for my family–little though they sometimes appreciate it. Now I wish to speak to you very seriously. You love me faithfully and devotedly, I know–I can leave you in a position of trust. Guard Nofret here–she is very dear to me.’
‘Whoever is dear to you, master, is dear to me,’ Henet declared with fervour.