Page 2 of At the Sheikh's Bidding
Rosana was more cautious than Janey. And she had good reason to be. Sifra bordered her own country, which she avoided as much as possible. She bit her lip for a moment, then lifted her chin and shot them a brief, guarded smile. “I will go, too. After all, my studies on royal traditions are directly relevant. I’m sure we’ll find the diamond as part of a crown, or throne, but unadorned, so as not to attract notice.” She nodded again, this time more strongly. “I doubt it will be fun, but it will be interesting. Count me in.”
“Brilliant!” said Leonora, filling up their glasses with another generous helping of brandy. “You won’t regret it.”
As Janey sat back and listened to Rosana describe Sifra, Janey’s mind strayed back to her father. She’d prove him wrong. When she achieved tenure at Oxford, she’d make sure he knew, despite not having seen him since she’d walked out of the family home ten years earlier. She didn’t want to see him again, that was for sure, not after everything he’d done, not after he’d controlled and belittled her every day of her young life. But shedidwant him to know that she wasn’t the stupid girl—more interested in surfing and shopping than school—he’d tried to make her believe she was. That she was worthy of respect… and love.
Yes, if all went well, in a few months’ time, she’d have everything she’d worked so hard to achieve, and she’d be seated at this same table as part of the two hundred-year anniversary, celebrating the offer of a tenured position. And, it would coincide with the equinox when the light flooded down from the light well in a series of prisms which never failed to impress.
Janey sighed with deep satisfaction. Yes, finding the diamond would secure everything she wanted. How hard could it be?
CHAPTER1
Four months later…
Dr. Janey Montgomerie gathered the satin skirts of her long evening dress and ran along the cloistered pathway toward the brightly lit pavilion from which the sound of music and laughter spilled. She was late. She hated being late. And, if it hadn’t been for bad weather at London’s Heathrow Airport, she wouldn’t be arriving at her friend’s wedding when the reception was all but over. She paused at the entrance to the room, and looked around the sea of faces, none of whom she recognized.
“Janey!”
Janey turned around to see a smiling Leonora stand up and wave.
She waved back and wove her way through the crowds. When Leonora had told her and Rosana that she’d failed to find the diamond, both of them had been sympathetic. But there was a part of Janey that was pleased. She couldn’t help it. It cleared the way for her to make an attempt, as well as adding to her research on harems. Now that she saw Leonora in the flesh, her guilt at her pleasure disappeared. Leonora looked the happiest she’d ever seen her, because she’d succeeded at something else instead—something neither Janey nor Rosana had known she’d wanted. Janey was glad for her friend even while she thought she was mad to surrender her independence for a man.
She watched as Leonora ducked her head and spoke into the ear of the man at her side. The ex-King Darrius, Janey presumed. The man who’d stolen Leonora’s heart and who’d, inadvertently, given Janey the opportunity to come to a country she’d only read about.
“Leonora,” Janey said, as she approached her and gave her friend a big hug. “I’m so sorry I’m late.”
“Not your fault,” said Leonora, with a sympathetic smile. “Nothing you could do about the weather.” She pointed to a seat beside her. “But you’re here now, which is all that counts.”
Darrius finished his conversation with his neighbor and turned to Janey with a welcoming smile.
“Welcome to Sifra,” he said, rising to his feet and shaking her hand. Janey couldn’t help thinking Leonora was a little less mad now she’d met the man. He was certainly impressive in every way.
“Thank you. I’ve read so much about it I can’t wait to look around.”
His smile widened. “You aresolike my wife.” Janey noticed Leonora’s eyes flash at the wordwife, as if her new status thrilled her. Janey didn’t get it. “She experiences life through books, as well.”
Leonora laughed at his teasing. “I used to, maybe. But Janey? No, you’re wrong there. Janey likes life outside the books, too, don’t you?”
“Sure do,” said Janey. “I love to swim, tramp and shop. Especially shop.”
Darrius raised an eyebrow. “Then I’m afraid you may find what my country offers is too limited for your taste.”
“I’m only here for a short while, and I can indulge myself in my other interests after I leave.”
“After you’ve found the diamond,” added Leonora. “Youhaveto succeed where I failed.”
“You consider you failed?” asked Darrius, raising an imperious eyebrow.
“Only in that one thing,” Leonora conceded. “And I have to say my interest has waned. I have other things on my mind now.”
“I’m very glad to hear it,” said Darrius with a hint of possession which rubbed Janey up the wrong way. She hated any suggestion of possession or control and couldn’t believe how Leonora’s smile subtly changed into something more knowing, and more sensual, before she dragged her gaze from Darrius back to Janey. Leonora sighed and her old smile returned.
“I reckon I know what you’re thinking, Janey.”
Janey hoped not. Because she could hardly recognize this woman in front of her. It wasn’t exactly that she was less strong, or less vibrant, just verydifferentsomehow. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Luckily, Leonora didn’t allow the pause to lengthen.
“I’ve changed. I’m not the woman I was. And thank God for that.”
“If change makes you look that happy, then it can only be good,” Janey conceded.
