The Perfect Wife

by Victoria Alexander

  Cairo itself was much more than even her fertile imagination could conjure. The city rose majestically from the flat of the delta like an improbable vision spun of golden light and magic. Minarets climbed heavenward, rising out of an ever-present blanket of smoke cast surely from the city’s cooking fires and not an enchanted mist sent from the gods to remind lowly mortals of the fragility of life and the splendor that was the pharaohs.

  The city was the crossroads of half the world. Caravans headed to India, Damascus, Timbuktu, and their trade was the lifeblood of the bazaars of Cairo, crowded with goods useless or priceless or both. Nicholas whisked their party through the streets so quickly, Wynne barely got a glimpse of the kaleidoscope of exotic sights and sounds. She was determined to explore this mystical city in depth before she left.

  They were to lodge in the European quarter. It was not substantially nicer than many neighborhoods they had traveled through, although perhaps better kept. It had the additional attraction of huge wooden doors that closed off the homes in times of plague or riot. But the expected accommodations were not available, and the company proceeded to Bulak, Cairo’s main port. Here the wealthy built grand summer palaces complete with oasis gardens offering cool, green sanctuaries from the sun and stifling heat.

  Nicholas had managed to procure a villa for their short stay. They had slept here last night and would begin the trek down the Nile as soon as he and Erick returned from acquiring the permits necessary in this country to so much as turn a spade in the sand, regardless of whether one searched for French gold or half-forgotten antiquities. In deference to the boy’s affliction, it was decided to forgo further water travel and instead follow alongside the river on solid ground. Sabrina and her daughter now busied themselves in their quarters. Wynne stood alone in the garden enjoying the tropical plantings and the soothing shade.

  Matt had told her of Sabrina’s quest, delighting Wynne that her first real adventure would indeed live up to her dreams. Matt too had fulfilled her fantasies. The American was the bold, brash embodiment of every hero she’d ever encountered in print. Daring and more than a little dangerous, her captain stoked fires of unforeseen fervor and unexplored emotion. Their days were filled with secret, urgent glances, their nights charged with forbidden passion and the glories of touch and taste and soul-searing sensation.

  Surely she was in love. Nothing else could explain the leaping of her heart or the unsettled tremors of her body whenever he so much as glanced her way. Still, it would not do to reveal her feelings to him. She’d read enough through the years to know the way to lose such a hero was to declare herself. Wynne did not dare hope their time together would be lengthy. He had already told her he would not accompany them into the desert. Her practical nature decreed she accept what they shared for the moment and not anticipate the future. She suspected their parting would be painful, but even agony was a small price to pay for this soaring emotion she had no doubt was love.

  His scent, of man and heat and desire, embraced her a scant second before his arms. She relaxed against him with a contented sigh.

  He murmured in her ear. “We don’t have to go with them, you know. We could stay here in Cairo. Just the two of us. It’s an exciting place, Wynne. A place just right for your adventures.”

  She laughed and twisted to face him. His blue eyes sparkled in the sun, and her stomach fluttered at the need emblazoned there. “But, Captain, even for a city as magnificent as this, I could not sacrifice such a venture. A search for lost treasure among the pyramids of Egypt? It is an opportunity that shall likely never come again.”

  “Couldn’t you give it up…” He paused and his gaze searched hers. “For me?”

  Her heart leaped to her throat, and she willed herself to remain calm. “I daresay you cannot wish to shepherd a spinster, a woman no longer in her youth, for very long.” The light words belied the yearning within her. “You would surely tire of the connection, and then we should part. And I would have missed the exceedingly grand adventure we are about to embark upon.”

  “Wynne, I—”

  “Wynne? Matt?” Sabrina’s call shattered the fragile moment, and they broke apart like children caught at mischief.

  No doubt Sabrina suspected what had passed between them. Wynne had caught her sister-in-law studying her with a considering expression in recent days. Sabrina had apparently not mentioned her observations to Nicholas. Her brother would not take their liaison well and would very likely call Matt out. Wynne did not know who would win such an encounter and had no desire to put it to the test.

  “There you are.” Sabrina rounded a curve in the path and approached. “Wynne, could you help Belinda? She is attempting to pack her bag and failing miserably. I cannot comprehend why she insisted on bringing the vast amount of clothing that she has. If we could convince her to abandon her gowns for the more practical guise of men’s apparel as you and I have, life would be much simpler for us all.”

  “I’ll see what assistance I can lend.” Wynne cast a last lingering look at Matt and hurried off.

  Matt stared after her, his manner moody and intense. Sabrina narrowed her eyes. “I have scarce had a moment alone with you in the past week. We must talk, Matt.”

  Matt’s gaze still focused on his last sight of Wynne. “Talk away, Bree. You have my undivided attention.”

  “Hardly.”

  His gaze flicked to hers and he sighed. “What is it?”

  “It’s Nicholas.” Sabrina drew a deep breath. “He knows, Matt.”

  Matt’s eyes hardened and he shrugged. “I’m not surprised. He was bound to find out sooner or later. I am somewhat amazed I haven’t heard any explosions. And so far he hasn’t threatened to kill me or worse.” His tone softened. “I would hate to do that to her.”

  Confusion underlay her words. “To her? To whom? What are you talking about?”

  Matt frowned and glared. “What are you talking about?”

  “I am talking about you and me and the past. I am talking about our previous involvement.” Sarcasm mingled with irritation and permeated her tone. “Perhaps you have forgotten our little business dealings? The cliffs? The sea? The midnight meetings? The unquestionable illegality of it all? Bloody hell, Matt, the smuggling. He knows about the smuggling. He does not yet know of my connection but he knows about you.”

  Relief colored Matt’s face. “So he knows. At this late date I doubt if there’s much he can do about it. We’re not on English soil and I’m not English.”

  Was Matt always this obtuse? Why could she not make him understand? She pulled a steadying breath and tried again. “Perhaps I have not explained this clearly. He knows about you because of the name of the ship.” She fired an angry glare at him. “The ship you so kindly named for me.”

  “You’ve never thanked me for that.” He grinned insolently.

  “And I never will. It has proven to be the root of all his suspicions.”

  “I still don’t understand—”

  “Matt, Nicholas was the agent. The government agent who nearly uncovered my operation.” She groaned. “The man I had bashed over the head, twice, and left on the beach.” Her voice rose. “The man I kissed in the cave.”

  The corners of his eyes crinkled. “You never told me you kissed him.”

  “Well, I did. It was an impulse, regrettable and foolish.” Sabrina folded her arms over her chest. Odd that Nicholas had not mentioned the kiss in recounting his tale. Why would he omit that one detail? She wrinkled her nose. “He no doubt thinks Lady B is not merely a criminal but a slut as well. He has spent the last ten years dwelling on his perceived failure to capture me.”

  Amazement stamped Matt’s face. “And this is the man you married?”

  She nodded miserably.

  “Bree, I—” He laughed, and she stared in disbelief. His laughter swelled and he doubled over, clutching his sides. Her irritation grew in proportion to his mirth. “You married the one man in all of England, possibly in the entire world, who would l
ike nothing better than to throw you in prison?” He wiped a gleeful tear from his eye. “Oh, that’s rich, Bree, that’s really rich.”

  Anger at his cavalier attitude surged through her. “I am not the only one keeping secrets from Nicholas. How do you think he’d react to the knowledge of your seducing his sister?”

  Matt stilled. “I love her, Bree.”

  Sabrina scoffed. “I find that difficult to believe. You are not the kind of man to fall head over heels for any woman. Wynne is lovely but her intelligence outshines her pretty face. I cannot believe such a woman would suit you.”

  A poignant smile touched his lips. “It does sound rather far-fetched but it’s true. She’s smart and beautiful and altogether remarkable, and I can’t see my life without her in it.” He sighed. “The problem is, I don’t think she can see her life with me in it.”

  “How very odd.” Sabrina pulled her brows together. “Most women so firmly on the shelf would be delighted by an offer from anyone, even you.”

  He shook his head. “I haven’t asked her but she’s already made it clear, she’s not interested in marriage. She has some foolish notions about traveling the world in search of adventure. I’m afraid I’m not in her plans.”

  “But you wish to be?” Sabrina said softly.

  His gaze met hers. His eyes echoed the blue of the sea, and Sabrina noted a haunted edge in their depths. “More than anything.” He laughed again; this time the sound rang bitter and harsh. “It’s ironic, isn’t it. Here in Cairo where everything, every product, every experience, and a fair number of human beings as well, has its price, I’ve recognized the one thing I want most in the world. And it’s not for purchase at any price.”

  He pulled his gaze from hers and stared off in the distance. “That’s why I’ve decided not to go with you, Bree. I don’t think I could stand watching her on her first adventure and knowing it’s all we’ll ever have.”

  “I’ve never known you to be a coward, Matt.”

  “It just seems best, that’s all,” he said, resignation and pain in his voice. Matt fell silent, and Sabrina was at a loss for words. He appeared so forlorn, she no longer doubted his sincerity. He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts and turned to her. “Does Nicholas love you, Bree?”

  She smiled wistfully. “I wish I knew. Sometimes, when I am in his arms, I think surely he must. But he is so accomplished with women, so experienced, he always knows what to say and precisely how to say it. I cannot trust any words of love he speaks; they fall far too freely from his lips.”

  “So you don’t know what he’d do if he discovered the notorious Lady B and his new wife are one and the same?”

  “The very thought terrifies me. I would prefer to live the rest of my life with this secret rather than confront his condemnation.” She paused and gathered her thoughts. “I would rather dwell in a fool’s world, hoping against hope, love for me would overcome his sense of duty and honor, than know for certain it would not.”

  “It was a long time ago,” Matt said gently. “Don’t you think he’s put all this behind him?”

  She shook her head sadly. “We spoke of it on board ship. He has not forgotten.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Or forgiven.”

  “I’ll keep your secret, Bree.”

  “I know you will, Matt.” She smiled through eyes blurred with unbidden tears. “You always have.”

  It was surely a land forged in hell, this hot, parched, bloody uncomfortable country. Dark-robed heathens swelled the streets of Cairo in an endless stream of what passed for humanity in this godforsaken land.

  Still, there was something to be said for the uncivilized world. A few meager coins bought loyalty and information. He’d had hirelings watching for Sabrina’s party since he had first arrived in the city. Now he not only knew of their preparations, he had learned their general direction of travel.

  His idiotic companions wanted to confront Wyldewood and Sabrina while they were all still in Cairo. But he’d argued that it would be far more advantageous to greet her away from the distractions and interruptions of the city. The others had agreed to bide their time and trail behind her party, waiting until the right moment for their encounter.

  They had come up with a far-fetched scheme for one of them to marry her and thereby save her reputation. At first it seemed ludicrous, but after due consideration, he realized it fit in nicely with his own plans. If he were to wed Lady Stanford, all she possessed, including the gold, would, of course, be his. And bedding the fair lady was a delightful bonus. The thought tempted him to laugh aloud with lecherous anticipation.

  It appeared even hell had its pleasures.

  “I shall not set so much as a foot upon that filthy beast.” Belinda glared with disgust at the kneeling camel, who returned her stare with an equally malevolent gaze.

  “I daresay it’s not your foot which should concern you most.” Erick’s mild observation earned him the withering look previously reserved for the creature in question.

  “Mother.” Belinda’s voice rose. “I cannot ride a camel, I simply cannot.”

  “You can and you shall,” Sabrina said in her best no-nonsense voice.

  Belinda crinkled her nose in a gesture startlingly similar to her mother’s. “He’s disgusting. Why can’t I ride a horse, Mother? Why must I risk life and limb on this brute?”

  “Do you see any horses?” Sabrina’s patience grew thin. Belinda shook her head. “Very well then. Get your lovely bottom on that animal, now.”

  Belinda stamped her foot and crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t see why I should. I have absolutely no desire to go traipsing about the desert chasing after some stupid artifacts.”

  “Artifacts?” Sabrina said, puzzled.

  Belinda nodded. “That’s what Erick said this is all about.”

  “Erick.” Sabrina turned to the young man, who appeared as if his fondest desire was to be anywhere except between mother and daughter. “What is this about artifacts?”

  Erick shrugged. “That’s what Father told the pasha’s clerk when he got the permit for us to dig. He told them we were all here on holiday and the ladies had taken it into their heads that they wanted to search for antiquities. He said in an effort to humor them, or rather you, he was more than willing to go to the trouble of procuring the permit.”

  “It seemed like a good story at the moment.” Nicholas and his sister joined the group gathered under the baleful gaze of the camel. “Given the vast numbers of Europeans in Egypt right now, it wasn’t even questioned.”

  Belinda sighed. “Really, Mother, I don’t know what possessed you to leave home and travel—”

  Sabrina grabbed her daughter’s arm and pulled her away from the others. “We’re not here for artifacts.”

  “We’re not?”

  “No.” Sabrina’s voice was scarce more than a whisper. “We’re looking for gold. The French left it here twenty years ago.”

  “Gold?” Belinda’s blue eyes widened in surprise. “Is it a great deal of gold?”

  Sabrina fairly hissed the answer. “Yes.”

  “Oh my.” Belinda paused for a moment, then squared her shoulders and met her mother’s gaze. “Very well, then. Shouldn’t we be off?” She pivoted on her fashionably booted heel, gestured to an attendant, and allowed herself to be boosted onto the odd arrangement of blankets and leather that comprised what passed for a saddle. The beast’s handler urged the animal to a standing position, and Belinda tottered far above them. She paled visibly but managed a weak smile. A surge of parental pride washed through Sabrina. Perhaps the child had inherited something from her after all.

  “Sabrina.” Nicholas steered her away from the forming caravan. “We don’t have to go through with this. You have no need of this gold. You are my wife now, and I have all the wealth you shall ever require.”

  She set her mouth in a stubborn line. “You said you’d come with me.”

  “Bloody hell, Sabrina, of course I’ll come with you.” His da
rk eyes stormed. “But the closer we get to this fiasco, the more ridiculous it becomes.” She tossed him an accusing gaze, and he rolled his eyes toward the heavens. “Very well, I surrender. I knew it was too much to hope that you had finally come to your senses.” He grabbed her arms, yanked her to him, and glared down at her. “Why do you want it, Sabrina? Why is this so important to you?”

  She raised her chin defiantly. He would never be able understand her need for financial independence, even from him. “It’s the quest, nothing more. I started this and I shall see it through to the end.” She returned his gaze without hesitation. In his eyes she read speculation and conjecture and knew instinctively he did not fully believe her. “Now then, where are the horses?”

  His eyes narrowed. “I’ll ask you the same thing you asked Belinda. Do you see any horses?”

  “Well, no, not here. But I assumed—”

  “I was unable to hire horses.” He released her and blew a long breath.

  “What do you mean, you were unable to hire horses? This is an enormous city. I’ve seen horses everywhere. You can’t tell me you couldn’t find a few pathetic horses.”

  “Blast it, Sabrina. I have spent a long, interminable morning dealing with this godforsaken country’s convoluted bureaucracy that makes even the worst ministry in the British government appear efficient. I then turned my attention to procuring what is needed for this venture of yours as quickly as humanly possible because of your insane need to proceed at once.” He clenched his teeth, and his eyes flashed fire. “I have found camels. I have hired attendants and handlers. I have, in short, done everything you have requested and more. Right now I am hot, I am irritated, and I am bloody tired.”

  “But horses, Nicholas,” she said meekly. “I really do believe we need horses.”

  “Why?”

  “Why?” A dozen reasons, none even remotely plausible, flashed through her mind. “Well, someone, I suggest you and I, needs to be able to forge ahead of the rest. To survey the surroundings, so to speak.”