The Deeds of the Disturber - Elizabeth Peters [98]
Gargery admired the smoking jacket very much, which put Emerson in a slightly better frame of mind. He admired the fez even more; with a defiant look at me, Emerson plucked it from his head and presented it to the butler. ‘Now then, Peabody,’ he said, when Gargery had gone off with his prize, ‘no more of this sniping, eh? Be open with me. What is on your mind? Were the children unusually vicious today?’
‘No more so than usual, Emerson, thank you for inquiring. Violet is sulking because I have restricted her consumption of sweets, but Ramses and Percy seem to be getting on better. Ramses has tested the shawabty and declares it is genuine.’
‘Well, I knew it was, Peabody.’
‘So did I, Emerson.’
Emerson helped himself to Brussels sprouts. ‘I don’t suppose you have heard from your estimable brother or his wife?’
‘No, not yet.’
‘It is cursed peculiar, Peabody. You would think the woman would have the simple courtesy to write to thank you, and ask about her children.’
‘She is under a doctor’s care, I believe. He may have forbidden it.’
‘And dear James is safely on the high seas, out of our reach,’ Emerson grumbled. ‘How you ever came to have such despicable relations –’
‘At least they are not ashamed to show their faces,’ I retorted. ‘Though honesty compels me to confess that they probably should be. Do you realize, Emerson, that except for Walter I have not met a single connection of yours? Your mother did not even have the courtesy to attend our nuptials.’
‘Damned lucky for you she did not,’ Emerson replied, stabbing viciously at his mutton. ‘Excuse me, Peabody. I told you she cast me out years ago –’
‘But you never told me why.’
Emerson slammed his knife down on the table. ‘Why the devil are we talking about our families? You are fencing with me, Peabody.’
‘You were the one who raised the subject, Emerson.’
‘Peabody – my darling Peabody . . .’ Emerson’s voice dropped in pitch and took on a wheedling tone. ‘We don’t need our cursed families. You and I and Ramses . . . all for one and one for all, eh? Now tell me what happened today.’
‘Let me see. Oh yes, I almost forgot. You missed Mr O’Connell. As did I. He left a note.’
‘I know. I read it.’ Emerson’s lips curved upwards. ‘I don’t know what he is complaining about, he beat all his competitors with his story about the curse-carrying ushebtis (even if he did spell the word wrong). Six others received them – Petrie, Griffith, the Director of the Museum –’
‘I know that, Emerson. I read Mr O’Connell’s story too. But thanks to you, he missed a bigger story, and his employers may not be pleased with him.’
‘Serves him right. It will teach him not to overindulge in spirits or trust Egyptologists bearing gifts.’
‘I certainly hope so, Emerson.’
I applied myself to my Brussels sprouts. Emerson picked at his and watched me out of the corner of his eye.
‘Would you care to discuss the case, Peabody?’
‘Why, Emerson,’ I said, with a little laugh. ‘What has come over you? How often have you insisted that (a), there is no case, and (b), we should have nothing to do with it?’
‘I said no such thing,’ Emerson exclaimed, with such sincerity that if I had not heard him with my own ears, I would have believed him. ‘At least . . . there is unquestionably a case of something – heaven only knows what – therefore I propose we discuss the matter. As for having nothing to do with it – who was kind enough to take you to an opium den last night, Peabody?’
‘It was good of you, Emerson.’
‘Yes, Peabody, it was.’
‘But you only gave in because you knew I would go anyway.’
‘Humph,’ said Emerson. ‘Well, do you want to talk about it or not?’
‘Certainly, Emerson. Shall we retire to the library, or would you rather stay at the table so that Gargery can join in?’
The sarcasm was so subtle it passed clear over the head of Gargery, who beamed appreciatively. Emerson scowled. ‘The library, then. You don’t mind, do you, Gargery?’
‘Emerson,’ I said, between my teeth.
‘Yes, Peabody. At once.’
The change in his demeanour was appalling – no fire, no protest,