Page 14 of Death and Desire

“I have no desire to find a husband at the moment.” Violet flagged the waiter down and ordered a gin cocktail.

“Make that two,” Dina said before the waiter left. She turned her full attention to Violet. “You’re here for two weeks. I will take you wherever you wish to go. Whatever you wish to see, we will see it.”

“Thank you.” Violet softened and relaxed in her seat.

“But you know I must ask.” Dina leaned close conspiratorially and dropped her voice. “Why such a vehement dislike of the prospect of marriage?”

“It’s not that I’m against the institution, but...” Her face warmed. She’d never vocalized her thoughts on the matter before, and her friendship with Dina was a fresh spring blossom. The weight of her concern might be overwhelming.

“But what?”

“I have no wish to shackle myself to someone for the sole purpose of bearing children and caring for the home.” She hazarded a glance over her shoulder, uncertain of whether her father would make an appearance at any moment. “There’s something more for me out there.”

“I understandexactlywhat you mean.” Dina nodded. “My father is quite distressed at my being twenty-three with no prospects of marriage. He’s relentless.”

Violet chuckled. “Precisely. I’m glad I don’t suffer this misfortune alone.”

With a coy smile, Dina softened her tone, so it drifted only between them. “We shall stand together in solidarity.”

Resting her hand on Dina’s, Violet beamed. “I knew we would be great friends.”

“If husband-hunting is off the table, what other suggestion do you have for us to pass the time in Cairo?” Dina sipped her drink.

“I have a list.” Violet pulled a small piece of paper from her pocket. “Here are the places I wish to visit.”

Dina took the slip and scanned it. “This shouldn’t be a problem. Perhaps along the way, a handsome gentleman will catch your eye.” She winked.

Violet waved a dismissive hand and laughed. “Do not jest about such things. I have more important things to do in Cario than fawn over eligible bachelors.”

“Who said anything about eligible bachelors?” Dina released a devilish grin. “It’s possible to admire the opposite sex without wanting to marry them.”

“You’re a horrible influence.” Violet laughed. “I love how your mind works.”

Together, they sipped cocktails and planned their itinerary, making notes to place inquiries for some of the locations listed. The pyramids, the museum, the markets, antiques dealers, and, of course, a tour on the Nile.

After brunch, Dina took Violet to a salon, where they spent much of the afternoon being pampered and continuing to discuss their sightseeing plans. By the time the gala was to begin, Violet could barely contain her excitement. So much promise of adventure.

Dina’s stylist had managed to wrangle her hair into an intricate style and highlighted herbest feature with an intricate kohl, her eyes glittering in the fading sunlight. The winged edges gave her a seductive appeal, she thought as she studied her reflection in the mirror.

Without waiting for an escort, Violet wandered the halls until the alluring strains of music drew her to the ballroom. When she stepped over the threshold, the gala was already in full swing.

She admired handsome gentlemen in pressed suits and lovely ladies dressed to the nines. As she moved through the crowd in search of Dina, her brother, and David, she spied her father in a far corner with a group of older men. Cigar smoke ringed their heads, and whiskey sloshed in their glasses. She pointedly ignored that side of the room, giving her father wide berth.

“Are you looking for someone?”

Violet turned, half expecting a snide American adventurer with cool, charismatic charm. She blinked twice at the man before she found the proper word.Devilish. He was downright handsome with his dark brown hair and sapphire eyes.

“Perhaps.” Violet smiled before turning away.

“Allow me to be of service.” He stepped back into her line of sight. His persistence proved irksome but not rude.

“Do you have a name, sir? Or shall I delegate one to you?”

“James Beaumond.” He inclined his head.

“Violet Connoly.” She offered her hand, and he took it, gently placing a kiss on her fingers. She suppressed an uneasy shiver at his touch, thankful for the people surrounding them. It wasn’t that she was uncomfortable, but there was something unsettling about him. Something she couldn’t uncover in a brief conversation.

“Whom do you seek, my lovely flower?”

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