The Christmas Rose

by Dilly Court

  ‘You don’t know my brother as I do.’ Jimmy turned his head away. ‘I’m afraid you’re in for a shock. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.’

  Chapter Sixteen

  Rose sent a cable containing her hastily written article to Arthur Radley. She had no means of knowing whether it was good or bad, but she had obtained stories that would wring the hearts of their readers, and she had not spared the details. The letter to Harry’s mother had been sent in the official mail bag, and Rose had had the satisfaction of seeing a genuine smile on Harry’s face when he told her that he was to be repatriated as soon as possible. She was planning to return to the hospital to visit Jimmy, and to speak to more of the wounded soldiers, when Desmond came rushing into the house with the news that the repairs to the railway line were complete, and they would be leaving for Cairo later that day. There was immediate panic, with Cecilia and her mother hurrying to their rooms to oversee the packing of their portmanteaux, while Hebony, the Egyptian maidservant, did her best to please both of them. Rose had only to throw a few things in her carpet bag and she was ready, but she insisted on going to the hospital to tell Jimmy that she was leaving.

  ‘I had a feeling that arguing with you would be useless.’ Desmond shook his head, but a wry smile curved his lips. ‘I’ve already arranged for Private Cook to take you to the hospital.’ He beckoned to Cook, who was standing to attention in the doorway. ‘I want you to accompany us to Cairo, Private. My daughter and Miss Munday will need a bodyguard and you’ve done well so far.’

  ‘Thank you, sir.’

  ‘I’ve already spoken to your commanding officer and we leave at noon, so no loitering, Rose.’

  ‘I’ll be as quick as I can, Mr Sheldon.’ She stepped outside to find a ragged boy holding the reins of two donkeys and she turned to Private Cook with a puzzled smile. ‘Are we riding to the hospital?’

  ‘It’ll be quicker than walking and we’re to meet the family at the railway station. It was Mr Sheldon’s idea, not mine, miss.’ He eyed her warily. ‘I suppose you can ride?’

  ‘Of course I can,’ Rose said scornfully. ‘I grew up in Australia. We rode everywhere on bigger animals than this.’ She hitched up her skirts and mounted the donkey, sitting astride regardless of her lace-trimmed petticoats. ‘Walk on, donkey,’ she said, clicking her tongue against her teeth and flicking the reins. She chuckled with delight as the donkey obliged and broke into a trot.

  ‘Hey, miss. Wait for me.’

  Rose glanced over her shoulder and she could see Private Cook sitting awkwardly on the animal, flapping the reins and urging the donkey to move. It was the first time she had really laughed for days and her sides were aching by the time she reached the hospital. She dismounted and waited patiently for him to arrive. He slid off the saddle and she thrust the reins into his hands.

  ‘Wait here for me, please. I’ll be as quick as I can.’

  ‘I should come in with you, miss. I was told to keep a close eye on you.’

  ‘I think it’s more important to guard the donkeys,’ Rose said firmly. ‘There might be thieves just waiting for their chance.’

  ‘They can steal the perishing animals as far as I’m concerned.’

  Rose could still hear him grumbling as she reached the hospital entrance, and she was smiling to herself as she opened the door and went inside, but when she asked to see Jimmy she was told that he had been discharged earlier that morning and had returned to his ship. The nurse explained politely that there had been a fresh outbreak of enteric disease, and beds were needed for the new arrivals, but when Rose asked if she might speak to some of the other patients her request was met with a firm refusal.

  ‘But Matron Harvey allowed me to interview some of the men who were on the mend,’ Rose protested.

  The nurse turned her head at the sound of approaching footsteps. ‘Here is Matron now. Perhaps you’d better ask her yourself.’

  ‘What do you want, Miss Munday?’ Matron Harvey demanded coldly. ‘Sub-Lieutenant Manning has been discharged, as I’m sure you know by now.’

  ‘Yes, I was told that, Matron. However, you allowed me to speak to some of the other patients yesterday …’

  ‘That was then,’ Matron Harvey said firmly. ‘The wards are closed to visitors, whoever they are, and no exceptions. We can’t risk contagion. You must leave immediately.’

  Faced with such opposition there was nothing that Rose could do other than to obey Matron’s orders. As she left the hospital she wondered if Sir Garnet Wolseley exercised as much authority over his men as the woman in the starched white cap and apron did over her patients and staff, and that in itself gave her an idea for another article. She found Private Cook leaning against the wall outside, smoking a ragged-looking cigarette, which he stubbed out hastily.

  ‘That was quick. I was expecting a long wait.’

  ‘Cholera,’ Rose said briefly. ‘Anyway, we’d best get to the railway station as we’re leaving for Cairo at noon.’

  Cecilia had made a point of sitting in the far corner of the railway compartment when they boarded the train. ‘I hope you aren’t carrying infection from the hospital, Rose.’

  ‘I’m not a leper,’ Rose said crossly. ‘Anyway, I wasn’t allowed into the ward, and I didn’t touch anything or anyone.’

  ‘Don’t talk about diseases.’ Elizabeth settled her full skirts around her as if making a little nest for herself. ‘Who knows what we’ll come across in Cairo? It might be in ruins like Alexandria.’

  ‘Not according to the reports I’ve received.’ Desmond folded the document he had been reading. ‘The Consulate in Cairo has been closed for several years so I am going to be very busy. It will certainly be a challenge.’

  ‘And you have to find us a decent place to live,’ Elizabeth said wearily. ‘I’m tired of camping in ruins, and I’m desperate for news of Eugene. He should be your priority, Desmond, or have you forgotten that you have a son?’

  ‘That’s not fair, Mama,’ Cecilia protested. ‘I’m sure that Papa has done everything he possibly can to get news of Gene.’

  ‘Of course I have, Beth,’ Desmond said patiently. ‘And I’ll liaise more fully with the military when we get to Cairo.’

  Rose would have liked to question him further, but she did not want to add to the obvious tension that existed between Eugene’s parents. She took her notebook and pencil from her reticule and began to write her final account of what she had seen and heard at the hospital, and details of their journey across the desert to Cairo. The mere fact that she was continuing Eugene’s work was some sort of comfort, and she was doing something that she hoped would please him, if he ever found out. She pushed such thoughts to the back of her mind.

  It was late afternoon when they arrived at Cairo station, and they were reunited with Private Cook, Hebony and Jabari, who had been travelling third class. It took three carriages to transport them and their luggage to Shepheard’s Hotel, where they would be staying until Desmond had found more suitable accommodation. Rose could not help but be impressed as she climbed the steps beneath a wide canopy, and was ushered into the grand entrance hall. The air was scented with an exotic perfume and potted palms swayed gently in the breeze created by young boys waving huge palm-leaf fans. The marble floors were scattered with Persian rugs and tall columns supported an ornate ceiling. The grand staircase was flanked by impressive life-sized bronze statues of nubile women clad in ancient Egyptian costumes, and, if there was poverty in the back streets, this was another world, one of privilege and opulence. Rose and Cecilia followed Desmond and Elizabeth as they were escorted to their rooms by immaculate, well-trained servants. Rose was relieved to find that she was sharing with Cecilia, and, as if by magic, their luggage was there, waiting for them.

  Rose sank down on a low sofa smothered in brightly coloured satin cushions. ‘This is such a grand place. It must cost a fortune to stay here, Cissie.’

  ‘Where else would one stay in Cairo?’ Cecilia said casually. She strolled round the
large, elegantly furnished room, examining the décor with a critical eye. ‘We’ve been here before, but this time I fear it will be for a short while only, more’s the pity. I love luxury, but I suppose Papa will rent a dreary house somewhere away from the city centre.’

  ‘Aren’t you worried about your brother? You haven’t mentioned him once.’

  ‘Gene can take care of himself.’ Cecilia shrugged and selected a bonbon from a silver dish on a side table. ‘I’m starving and I would love some mint tea. Let’s go down to the terrace and order something to eat and drink.’

  ‘What about your parents?’

  ‘They’ll go downstairs when they’re ready. I say we leave Hebony to unpack while we concentrate on enjoying ourselves. I spotted a rather attractive man in the foyer and he smiled at me. I’ll have a quick wash and tidy my hair and I’ll be ready for anything.’ Cecilia paused in the bedroom doorway, giving Rose a critical glance. ‘You might do the same, darling. You’ve got smuts on your nose and your hair is a bird’s nest.’

  The sofa was comfortable and Rose would have liked to lie back on the cushions and simply take in the unashamed luxury of her surroundings, but she raised herself and followed Cecilia into the bedroom. The colour theme of blue and gold was repeated in the curtains and the upholstery of the gilded chairs and stools. Rose was stunned by the size and elegance of their accommodation, but a cry from Cecilia made her rush into the bathroom. ‘What’s wrong, Cissie?’

  ‘Hot and cold running water. Such luxury – I haven’t even got that at home, at least not yet, but I’ll do my best to convince Papa that everyone who is anyone in London must have indoor plumbing.’

  Rose peered over her shoulder. ‘Such a lovely big bath, and just look at those glass jars and bottles. I wonder what’s in them.’

  ‘I’ll find out after dinner when I wallow in a tub filled with hot water. This bathroom is pure heaven, and so much nicer than the one I had when I stayed here last time.’ Cecilia primped in one of the tall mirrors. ‘Hurry up, Rose, there’s a dear.’

  Refreshed after their dusty train journey, with their hair neatly coiffed, Rose and Cecilia made their way downstairs to the terrace overlooking Ibrahim Pasha Street. Above their heads a colourful oriental canopy flapped gently like the sails of a ship catching the wind, and they were shown to a table surrounded by rattan chairs. Cecilia gave the waiter their order and then sat back, scanning the faces of the other guests as if searching for someone. Rose suspected that it was the handsome man who had caught Cissie’s eye, but she held her tongue, knowing that anything she said might be taken as criticism. Left to herself, she leaned over the balcony, taking in the sights and sounds of the busy street below, and was fascinated by the polyglot crowd of people going about their daily business. Dark-skinned men wearing baggy trousers and braided jackets walked side by side with Bedouins, looking picturesque in their flowing white robes and head-dresses secured with braids of camel hair. The poorer native women were clad from head to foot in black and heavily veiled, leaving only their eyes uncovered, while the wealthy women were dressed in bejewelled silk and rode on donkeys that were equally well turned out. In total contrast, beautiful barefoot children with lustrous dark eyes and glossy black hair begged for alms from affluent European visitors, while others offered to carry luggage or touted for business selling sticky sweets dusted with icing sugar or carved wooden camels, designed to catch the eye of travellers who were eager to take home a souvenir of Egypt. Rose breathed in the scent of sugar, oriental spices and the Egyptian tobacco smoke filtered through the hookahs in the café across the street. Other less savoury smells and clouds of irritating flies did nothing to lessen her fascination with this world so different from her own. The contrast between hot, dusty and wonderfully exotic Cairo and the snowy streets of a wintry London was both astounding and exciting.

  ‘Rose. I’m speaking to you.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t hear what you said.’

  ‘I don’t know what you find so interesting,’ Cecilia said crossly. ‘It’s a street just like any other except that the people dress differently.’

  ‘It’s wonderful.’ Rose clasped her hands together. ‘I never thought to see such sights, Cissie.’

  ‘You are such a child. Anyone would think you’d never left London, and yet you’ve lived on the other side of the world. You must have seen places even more exotic than this.’

  Rose thought for a moment, and then she shook her head. ‘I’ve seen mining camps and the bush, and I’ve gone ashore in different countries when the ship sailed into port, but this is quite different.’

  Cecilia sat back in her chair as the waiter served mint tea and another hurried up with a plate of small pastries soaked in honey and sprinkled with chopped nuts. She acknowledged their offer to fetch anything they required with a gracious nod of her head and waved them away.

  ‘Try one, Rose. I remember these from my last visit. I think they call them baklava and they’re terribly sweet, but quite delicious.’ Cecilia sipped her tea while Rose sampled one of the pastries.

  ‘You’re right. They are really tasty,’ Rose said, licking her lips. ‘Why aren’t you eating, Cissie? I thought you were hungry.’

  ‘I will, in a moment. I’m just looking for that person I saw in the foyer, but I fear he must have gone to his suite, or maybe he was just passing through.’

  Rose selected another pastry. ‘Maybe you’ll see him at dinner. I mustn’t eat too many of these or I’ll spoil my appetite, as Sadie would have said.’

  ‘Oh Lord, here come my parents. Now I’ll have to behave.’ Cecilia snatched up a pastry and popped it into her mouth.

  ‘So there you are.’ Elizabeth waited for her husband to pull up a chair for her and she subsided gracefully in a cloud of expensive perfume.

  Cecilia proffered the serving dish. ‘Would you like a piece of baklava, Mama?’

  ‘No, thank you, darling. I’m saving myself for dinner.’

  ‘Papa?’ Cecilia glanced at her father, who was standing behind his wife’s chair.

  ‘No, thank you, Cissie. I have to see the High Commissioner and then, if time permits, I’ll start looking for a suitable property. We can’t stay in this expensive hotel indefinitely.’

  Rose looked from one to the other; the conversation seemed so trivial. Eugene was still missing, and yet Mr and Mrs Sheldon were more concerned with where they would live and what was for dinner that evening, and Cissie was more interested in finding the man who had made such an impression on her earlier than searching for her brother.

  Rose excused herself saying that she needed to finish the article she had begun, and she was on her way towards the grand staircase when she almost collided with a handsome, olive-skinned gentleman. He apologised profusely.

  ‘I was admiring the statues,’ Rose said with a shy smile. ‘I wasn’t looking where I was going.’

  ‘It was my fault entirely.’ He spoke with a hint of an accent that Rose could not place, and he was handsome enough to be the man who had made such an impression on Cissie.

  ‘I should introduce myself,’ he said smoothly. ‘Seth Mallinson. I was military attaché to the former ambassador.’

  ‘Rose Munday, I’m here with Mr and Mrs Sheldon.’

  ‘Yes, I saw Desmond and his wife, and I thought I recognised their charming daughter.’

  ‘Yes, Cecilia is here, too. They’re on the terrace, if you want to make yourself known to them.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Munday. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.’ He clicked his heels together and inclined his head in a bow.

  Rose watched him walk off in the direction of the terrace and she smiled to herself as she imagined Cissie’s face when Seth Mallinson approached her parents. At least one member of the Sheldon family would be happy.

  Cecilia confirmed this when she came to their room to change for dinner. ‘He’s so charming, Rose, and he was very attentive. He has such marvellous dark eyes, like sloes and they twinkle when he
smiles.’ Cecilia sighed rapturously.

  ‘Yes, he is very charming,’ Rose said equably.

  ‘He’s invited us all to dine with him this evening.’ Cecilia rushed up to the mirror to peer at her reflection. ‘I look such a mess. Where is Hebony? Has she unpacked my clothes? I need to wear something special.’

  Rose stifled a chuckle. ‘But, Cissie, you don’t know anything about this man. He’s very handsome, but he might be married with children.’

  Cecilia turned to her, shaking her head. ‘No, he isn’t. Mama told me all about him. His father was a high-ranking officer in the Indian Army and his mother was an Indian princess. They eloped because both families were totally against their union. You know how people are about mixed marriages, Rose.’

  ‘No, not really. I don’t remember hearing anything about such things in Bendigo, but life is hard in the mining communities, and everyone just gets on with things the best way they can.’

  ‘Well, that’s as maybe,’ Cecilia said casually. ‘But I think Seth is the most interesting man I’ve ever met, and he’s single.’

  ‘What can I say? You know your own mind, Cissie. Maybe he can help us find Eugene.’

  ‘I hadn’t thought of that. Anyway, I’m going to have a bath and put on one of my most alluring gowns.’ Cecilia eyed Rose critically. ‘I hope you’ll make an effort, too. And please don’t mention that you’re working for a newspaper. Heaven knows what Seth would think of that.’

  ‘I’ll only speak when spoken to. Go and make yourself beautiful, Cissie. I hope he’s worth it.’ Rose eyed the gown that Hebony had laid out for her, reviving memories of the evening she had spent with Eugene and Cecilia at the Savoy Theatre. So much had changed since then and it had all started because Eugene wanted to train someone to use his new-fangled typewriting machine. She sighed as she unbuttoned her blouse and stepped out of her skirt. Tonight she would keep in the background and enjoy the luxury and exotic ambience of her surroundings, but tomorrow she would begin her quest in earnest and her first trip would be to the barracks at Kasr-el-Nil where she hoped to find Max. But the prospect of seeing him again was dulled by past events, and the feeling that he had let her down persisted, despite her efforts to rationalise her emotions.