The Deeds of the Disturber - Elizabeth Peters [96]
‘You can’t?’ I let out a long breath of relief. ‘Well, thank goodness there are some things . . . Never mind, Ramses. We have seen the last of Sethos, I am certain of that. This business lacks his characteristic touch. And,’ I added, glancing at Percy, ‘I would prefer not to discuss the subject.’
However, Percy was paying no attention to the conversation. He had taken something from his pocket and was examining it with a pleased smile. It was a handsome watch, which appeared to be of solid gold, and I was about to comment on the inappropriateness of a boy his age possessing such an object when something about it struck me as familiar.
‘That looks like your watch, Ramses. The one Miss Debenham gave you.’
Percy’s smile broadened. ‘It is Ramses’ watch, Aunt Amelia. Or rather, it was; he gave it to me. For my birthday.’
Ramses’ face was, if possible, even less expressive than usual. He had seemed delighted by the watch, which Enid Debenham (now Enid Fraser) had insisted on presenting to him, and which, needless to say, I had put away until the time when he would be old enough and careful enough to wear it. Apparently he had grown tired of it, or else his attachment to the young lady had waned after her marriage, of which Ramses had not approved.
‘You should not have given away a present from a friend, Ramses,’ I said.
Percy immediately offered me the watch. ‘I didn’t think of that, Aunt Amelia. I say, I am sorry. Here, Ramses must have it back.’
‘No, if he gave it to you, it is yours. It was a generous gesture. However, it is too valuable an object to be carried by a little boy. I will put it away and give it to your mama when she comes, to keep for you.’
‘Of course, Aunt Amelia. I meant to ask you to do that. I only wanted to wear it for a little while, because it is so handsome and because . . . because of its being my birthday.’
Though his disappointment was obvious, he had behaved so well I felt sorry for him. ‘I didn’t know it was your birthday, Percy. We must certainly do something to commemorate the occasion. Supposing we all celebrate, tomorrow. What would you like to do?’
Violet stirred. ‘If Percy has a cake and a lot of things to eat for tea, can I have two pieces of cake? Or three?’
‘We will see,’ I replied curtly. ‘It is your brother’s birthday, and it is his decision as to what we are going to do. Think about it, Percy, and let me know tomorrow morning.’
Percy’s lips quivered. ‘Oh, Aunt Amelia, you are so good and kind. Thank you, thank you. And you, too, Cousin Ramses – for the beautiful watch.’ He gave Ramses a friendly slap on the shoulder. Ramses gave him one back, and although it was still rather early, I sent everyone to his or her room.
I had decided to dress for dinner. Honesty compels me to admit that I came to that decision in order to annoy Emerson, who hates dressing for dinner. Accustomed as I was to the free and easy style we kept at home, I kept forgetting that most upper-class establishments follow strict schedules, which I sometimes think are designed more for the convenience of the staff than of the master. When I opened the door of my room, I surprised one of the maids, who was crouched on the hearth.
She let out a squeal of surprise and curled into a sort of ball. Before I could reassure her, Mrs Watson hurried in. Mrs Watson looked annoyed. She was annoyed with me, for coming upstairs early, but of course she could not say so, so she began scolding the maid.
‘You ought to have finished with the fire by the time Mrs Emerson came. Run down now and fetch the hot water.’
The girl scuttled out. ‘There is no hurry, Mrs Watson,’ I said. ‘I am early. Did the professor say when he would be back?’
‘No, madam, but I am sure he will be here shortly, since he is always so considerate about telling me when he expects to be late for dinner. Shall I have them wait until he arrives before they bring up the hot water?’
Like so many other modern ‘conveniences,’ the device that had been installed in the expectation of its producing hot water was constantly breaking down, so Evelyn had returned