The Curse of the Pharaohs - Elizabeth Peters [67]
“There is not the slightest danger, I promise you.”
“You’re probably right about that,” said Vandergelt, who had not appreciated this display of concern by the lady. “Howsoever, I think, I’ll just mosey along with you, Professor. Two six-shooters are better than one, and a fellow is safer with a pal to watch his back.”
But at this Lady Baskerville cried out in greater alarm. Would they abandon her to the mercies of the ghostly form that had already killed one man and attempted a murderous assault on Emerson? Vandergelt, to whom she was now clinging, showed himself just as susceptible to amateur theatrics as my husband.
“She’s right, I reckon,” he said in a worried voice. “We can’t leave the ladies unprotected.”
At this both Milverton and Karl expressed their willingness to be of service. It was finally decided that Karl would join Emerson in guarding the tomb. So impatient was Emerson to be gone that he would not even wait to dine, so a picnic basket was prepared, and he and Karl made ready to depart. Despite Emerson’s efforts to avoid me, I managed to draw him aside for a moment.
“Emerson, it is absolutely necessary that I speak with Mr. Milverton while his mood is chastened. By tomorrow he may have decided to brazen it out.”
“Amelia, there is not the slightest possibility that Milverton intends to confess. Either the meeting is meant as a trap —in which case it would be infinitely stupid of you to fall into it—or, as I suspect, it is solely the product of your rampageous imagination. In either case I forbid you to leave the house tonight.”
His grave, quiet tone made a deep impression on me. Nevertheless, I should have replied to his arguments had he not suddenly caught me in his arms and pressed me close, oblivious of Mary, who was passing through the courtyard toward her room.
“For once in your life, Peabody, do as I ask! If anything happens to you, I will murder you!”
With an emphatic squeeze that completely robbed me of breath, he was gone. A moment later I heard him shouting for Karl to hurry.
I leaned against the wall, holding my bruised ribs and struggling to control the emotion induced by this tender parting. A gentle hand touched my shoulder, and I beheld Mary beside me.
“Don’t worry about him, Mrs. Emerson. Karl will watch over him; he is devoted to the Professor.”
“I am not at all worried, thank you.” Unobtrusively I applied my handkerchief to my face. “Heavens, how I am perspiring. It is very hot here.”
The girl put her arm around me. “It is very warm,” she agreed. “Come, let us go back to the drawing room.”
The evening was one of the most uncomfortable I have ever passed. Lady Baskerville concentrated her undeniable charms on Mr. Vandergelt. Milverton was silent and moody, avoiding my attempts to catch his eye. Madame Berengeria had been removed to her room, but her presence seemed to hover over us like a squat, threatening shadow. Above all else, coloring every word that was spoken and spoiling the taste of every bite that went into my mouth was the thought of Emerson on guard at the tomb, vulnerable to that malice that had already displayed itself as intent on his life. If there had been no other enemy—and I felt sure there was—the malevolent Habib had a double motive to inspire an attack, greed and revenge.
The party broke up early. It was only ten o’clock when I got into bed and tucked the netting in place. So softened was I by the thought of my husband’s peril that I had almost decided to obey his last command. However, I was unable to sleep. I watched the mystic path of moonlight glide across the floor, and after a time its lure was as irresistible as the charm of a road leading into strange, unknown lands. I had to follow.
I rose. Cautiously I opened my door.
The dreaming silence of the night was broken only by the buzzing of nocturnal insects and the mournful howls of jackals far back in the hills. The household had