The Hippopotamus Pool - Elizabeth Peters [96]
Walter stiffened. ‘The rope ladder is adequate.’
‘At least wait until you have proper boots, and perhaps gloves to protect your hands.’
It was the wrong approach entirely, as I could have told her. Men behave like little boys when someone, especially a woman, questions their fortitude. Walter might have yielded – as men go, he is relatively sensible – had not another man appeared, descending the ladder with the speed and agility of an athlete. Dropping lightly to the ground, he removed his hat and bowed to the ladies.
His easy grace made poor Walter appear even frailer and more ineffectual. I have never encountered a man whose physique matched that of my husband, but Sir Edward’s working costume – especially the shirt, damp with perspiration – displayed his athletic form to best advantage.
Emerson greeted him in typical fashion. ‘I told you you would not be needed today.’
‘I had nothing better to do,’ was the cheerful reply. ‘As I said, sir, when my photographic services are not required, I will turn my hand to any other task. I have been helping Daoud label the baskets.’
I deemed it wiser to allow Emerson to make the introductions, which he did, albeit grudgingly. Sir Edward had taken Emerson’s warning to heart; he had hardly ventured to speak to me since he joined the staff and he had kept well away from Nefret. He bowed deferentially over Evelyn’s hand and exclaimed, as he shook that of Walter, that it was an honour to meet the man whose scholarship was revered by all who were acquainted with the field of Egyptology.
Emerson studied him suspiciously, but decided there was safety in numbers and that I would be adequately chaperoned. ‘Come along, Walter, if you are coming. You had better precede me; I will steady the ladder from below.’
‘Allow me to steady it for you, Professor.’ Sir Edward followed them, and I heard him add, ‘Mr Emerson, sir, take my pith helmet, if it fits your head; there is some danger of falling rocks.’
‘Oh, dear,’ Evelyn exclaimed. ‘Amelia, do try to dissuade Walter, he is not in condition for this.’
‘It would be a waste of time, my dear. We may as well sit down in the shade, don’t you think?’
We returned to the shelter, where Evelyn entered into conversation with Gertrude, apologizing for putting her out of her room. This display of consideration appeared to surprise Gertrude very much. I suppose she was not accustomed to it; courtesy to those they consider their inferiors is rare among the upper classes.
‘Mrs Emerson’s wishes are, of course, my commands.’ After a brief pause she added, softly but with feeling, ‘I only wish you could persuade her and Nefret to join me at the hotel. It would be much safer.’
‘Safer?’ Evelyn inquired.
‘Oh, it is just the usual sort of thing, Evelyn,’ I replied, shooting Gertrude a look of reproof. ‘I had intended to tell you all about it at a later time; but since the subject has been introduced, I may as well begin now.’
The narrative served at least to distract Evelyn from her expectation of seeing her husband come crashing to the ground. I did not go into detail since I expected I would have to repeat the story later to Walter, and since Ramses would undoubtedly want to give his own, embellished version.
‘Quite the usual sort of thing,’ Evelyn said with a smile, when I had finished. ‘Poor Miss Marmaduke! I hope you don’t blame her for being nervous, Amelia; it takes a while to become accustomed to your way of life.’
‘I certainly didn’t mean to frighten you,’ Gertrude said earnestly. ‘You and your husband can be in no danger. It is Nefret I am concerned about. Won’t you let her come with me, Mrs Emerson? She could share my room and I promise I would watch over her every moment.’
The very idea that Gertrude could guard the girl more effectively than we could was preposterous. She must think me a fool to propose such a scheme, and I hated to think of the language Nefret would use should I propose it to her.
‘You alarm me, Miss Marmaduke,’ Evelyn exclaimed. ‘Why do you believe Nefret is in greater danger than the others? Ramses –’
‘He is