Death Comes as End - Agatha Christie [50]
There was a shrill wail behind him and Henet ran in crying out:
‘Foolish boy–imprudent child. Defying the dead! And after we’ve all had a taste of her quality! And not so much as an amulet on you for protection!’
‘Protection? I will protect myself. Get out of my way, Henet, I’ve got work to do. Those lazy peasants shall know what it is to have a real master over them.’
Pushing Henet aside, Ipy strode out of the room.
Esa cut short Henet’s wails and lamentations.
‘Listen to me, Henet, and stop exclaiming about Ipy. He may know what he is doing or he may not. His manner is very odd. But answer me this, did you tell Kameni that it was Sobek who had persuaded Imhotep not to include Ipy in the deed of association?’
Henet’s voice dropped to its usual whining key.
‘I’m sure I’m far too busy in the house to waste my time running about telling people things–and telling Kameni of all people. I’m sure I’d never speak a word to him if he didn’t come and speak to me. He’s got a pleasant manner, as you must admit yourself, Esa–and I’m not the only one who thinks so–oh dear no! And if a young widow wants to make a new contract, well, she usually fancies a handsome young man–though what Imhotep would say I’m sure I don’t know. Kameni is only a junior scribe when all is said and done.’
‘Never mind what Kameni is or isn’t! Did you tell him that it was Sobek who opposed Ipy being made a partner in the association?’
‘Well, really, Esa, I can’t remember what I may or may not have said. I didn’t actually go and tell anyone anything, that much is sure. But a word passed here and there, and you know yourself that Sobek was saying–and Yahmose too for that matter, though, of course, not so loud nor so often–that Ipy was a mere boy and that it would never do–and for all I know Kameni may have heard him say it himself and not got it from me at all. I never gossip–but after all, a tongue is given one to speak with and I’m not a deaf mute.’
‘That you most certainly are not,’ said Esa. ‘A tongue, Henet, may sometimes be a weapon. A tongue may cause a death–may cause more than one death. I hope your tongue, Henet, has not caused a death.’
‘Why, Esa, the things you say! And what’s in your mind? I’m sure I never say a word to anybody that I wouldn’t be willing to let the whole world overhear. I’m so devoted to the whole family–I’d die for any one of them. Oh, they underestimate old Henet’s devotion. I promised their dear mother–’
‘Ha,’ said Esa, cutting her short, ‘here comes my plump reed bird, cooked with leeks and celery. It smells delicious–cooked to a turn. Since you’re so devoted, Henet, you can take a little mouthful from one side–just in case it’s poisoned.’
‘Esa!’ Henet gave a squeal. ‘Poisoned! How can you say such things! And cooked in our very own kitchen.’
‘Well,’ said Esa, ‘someone’s got to taste it–just in case. And it had better be you, Henet, since you’re so willing to die for any member of the family. I don’t suppose it would be too painful a death. Come on, Henet. Look how plump and juicy and tasty it is. No, thanks, I don’t want to lose my little slave girl. She’s young and merry. You’ve passed your best days, Henet, and it wouldn’t matter so much what happened to you. Now then–open your mouth…Delicious, isn’t it? I declare–you’re looking quite green in the face. Didn’t you like my little joke? I don’t believe you did. Ha ha, he he.’
Esa rolled about with merriment, then composing herself suddenly, she set greedily to work to eat her favourite dish.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
SECOND MONTH OF SUMMER 1ST DAY
The consultation at the Temple was over. The exact form of the petition had been drawn up and amended. Hori and two Temple scribes had been busily employed. Now at last the first step had been taken.
The priest signed that the draft of the petition should be read out.
‘To the Most Excellent Spirit Ashayet. This from your brother and husband. Has the sister forgotten her brother? Has the mother forgotten