Page 13 of Death and Desire

Violet’s cheeks warmed. Though they’d known each other for less than a day, she felt an immediate kinship with Dina. Perhaps this adventure outside her home country had given her the freedom to explore more than a new culture. It might allow her the opportunity to spread her wings. With a friend such as Dina by her side, she could truly embrace the freedom she desired. So long as her brother kept his promise to not tell their father everything that transpired.

“I hate to disappoint you.” Violet covered her embarrassment by selecting a scone from a tiered tray and laughed. “He said, ‘Welcome to my home, little thief.’”

“Little thief, huh?” Dina’s smile widened. “You must have stolen his heart with your vibrant wit and sultry sunset hair.”

Violet ran a hand over the braid pinned at the base of her neck. Even with her hair up, it was difficult to hide the vibrant color. She blamed Irish ancestry on her mother’s side.

“Why do you hide it?” Dina ran her fingers through her own short hair. “If I were blessed with such a color, I’d wear it like a badge of honor.”

“I don’thideit.” She drew her hand away to keep from pulling any pins free. “But it’s quite heavy and reacts poorly to high humidity.”

“Perhaps you should try a style better suited to the times.”

“I’ve thought about it, but I can’t bring myself to cut it. My mother had similar hair.” Violet shook her head, hoping to redirect the subject. “So what’s on the agenda for today?”

“Well, I hope you brought your dancing shoes.” Dina winked. “Tonight’s gala is supposed to be a crush. With all the new arrivals this week, I’m certain there will be plenty of handsome,richyoung men to keep us entertained.”

“Had I wished forthat, I wouldn’t have had to leave England,” Violet joked. “But I do love dancing.”

“Good. Because I do too.”

“I hope the gowns I brought will suit.”

Dina waved a hand. “You would look radiant in a flour sack.”

Violet laughed, sobering the moment she saw her brother crossing the veranda toward them.

“Good morning, ladies. I trust I’m not intruding? Oh, my favorite.” He stole a scone from the tray and took a bite.

“Help yourself, Isaac.” Violet rolled her eyes. “Where’s David? Still indisposed?”

“No. He...” Isaac turned, searching the open courtyard and veranda. “He was right behind me. Damn him.” He tipped his hat.

“Don’t forget the gala tonight,” Violet called, but he was already halfway across the patio. “Curse him,” she muttered under her breath.

“Your brother is quite handsome.” Dina lifted her cup to her lips, which curled at Violet’s obvious horror. “Perhaps I shall ask him to dance tonight.”

“Do what you will,” Violet said, making a dedicated attempt to refrain from belittling her brother’s character. He was twenty-four but still heryoungerbrother. “Mind you, he’s a terrible dancer.”

“I’ve been warned.” Dina’s laugh warmed her heart. “Who is David?”

“My brother’s best friend. I’ve known him since we were small children.” Her companion’s eyes sparkled at the new information. Guilt twisted in Violet’s chest. She always feared David had harbored a secret fondness for her for years, although she’d never shown any encouragement of his flirtatious teasing. He was like a brother to her, nothing more.

“David is a wonderful dancer,” she added, stoking the flames of her new friend’s curiosity. “I’m sure the two of you will get along splendidly.”

“Is he as handsome as your brother?”

“Even more so.” Violet grinned. It was not a lie. David was handsome and charming, but he was also the rascal who put frogs in her bed and smeared mud on her lovely paintings.

“How delightful.” Dina clapped her hands with joy. “With the gala tonight, we should take the afternoon to prepare—a little pampering to put us in the right state of mind.”

“I’d hoped to venture out and see the shops...” Violet attempted to suppress her disappointment.

“Tomorrow, I will take you to the best shops in Cairo.” Dina winked. “Today, allow yourself to bask in indulgence. We shall sip wine and eat the finest chocolate. My stylist will work her magic on us both. Tonight, we will be the most tempting women in Cairo.”

“You say this as though I’m here to snare a husband, not to savor the delights of a new city.”

“It’s possible to doboth.”

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