Page 10 of Death and Desire

“While I tend to agree, the expediency of flying may prove to be something people appreciate more than a leisurely, winding train through mountains and a week at sea.”

Across the room, Violet spied her father sitting with a man around his same age. A young woman occupied the space beside them.

“Try not to be a nuisance.” Violet jabbed her brother in the ribs.

“Try not to cause an international incident,” he replied with a snort.

With great restraint, she managed not to stick her tongue out in childish retaliation. Her father rose, as did his guests, when they approached.

“Ibrahim, I would like you to meet my children—my daughter, Violet, and my son, Isaac.” He gestured to them individually. “Children, allow me to introduce Ibrahim el-Gendy and his daughter, Dina.”

“Good day,” Ibrahim said, his Arabic accent soothing and friendly. He leaned forward to take both of Violet’s hands and pressed an air kiss to each cheek. With dark hair and watchful eyes, he bore the look of a distinguished and well-established gentleman. He greeted Isaac in the same manner. “It is so wonderful to finally meet you both.”

“A pleasure, truly.” Violet’s smile widened. She offered a hand to Dina. “So lovely to meet you, Dina.”

“Likewise,” Dina said, her voice sweet and melodic.

Violet admired the other woman’s shoulder-length hair and her lovely pale pink gown. She didn’t look much older than Violet.

“Papa has told me this is your first time in Cairo?”

Violet and Dina settled into their seats at a little distance from their fathers. Isaac winked at Violet in reassurance before joining the older gentlemen’s conversation.

“Yes, it is.” Violet warmed at the ease that settled around her in Dina’s company. “I confess, though, I have dreamed of Egypt since I was a girl.”

“It can be a magical place.” Dina’s dark eyes sparkled.

Violet envied the sleek, fashionable cut of her companion’s dark hair. It framed her face, enhancing her beauty. She ran her fingers over the thick coil of her own auburn locks and sighed. What a relief it must be to have short hair in such heat.

“How long have you lived here?” Violet asked, pushing aside her wistful thoughts. A friendly conversation should be enough to ascertain whether her newfound companion would be amenable to her plans to tour Cairo without constraint.

“Ten years.” Dina waved to a passing waiter. “Two gimlets, please.” She turned back to Violet, her eyes wide. “Forgive me, that was presumptuous. Would you like something else?”

“No, what you ordered sounds delightful.” Violet leaned in conspiratorially. “I can tell we will be fast friends, Dina.”

“I feel the same.” Her companion laughed, humor highlighting her lovely complexion. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”

“None yet.” Violet kept her voice low. “I hope to see some of the sights of Cairo, learn some of Egypt’s history.”

“Don’t worry.” Dina winked. “While you’re here, you are my guest. I will show you all of my favorite places in Cairo.”

“That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”

“I should be thanking you. Papa rarely allows me to go out without a chaperone dogging my every step.” She motioned to Isaac and kept her voice low. “With such a handsome and capable escort, we’ll be free to tour the city.”

“My brother’s friend, David, will be joining us as well.” Violet rolled her eyes. “They’re both capable enough, I suppose.”

Dina’s gaze landed on the bracelet around Violet’s wrist. “Oh, this”—she touched a fingertip to the jewel—“is exquisite.”

“My mother gave it to me when I was a girl. She bought it during a trip here. It’s one of the reasons I became fascinated with Egypt. I’ve wanted to visit for years.” Violet lifted the bracelet to show her new friend. “I hope to learn more about it while I’m here. I’ve never been able to identify it.”

“It’s like no gem I’ve ever seen.” Dina shook her head, eyes wide with awe. “It must be rare indeed.”

“Those are my thoughts exactly.”

Dina’s brows drew together. “Keep it close. There are some who would steal such a treasure, if given the chance.”

Violet covered the jewel with her palm, allowing its persistent warmth to radiate through her. She’d forgotten how vulnerable she was now that she wasn’t in England...even with her father’s constant reminders. A pickpocket would gladly swipe such treasure, but she knew how to deter them.

---