Read Online Playing with Fire by Sandra Heath - Free Book Online Page B

hilltop behind it.”
    “Uncle Julian is quite devoted to the study of Ancient Egypt. Actually, he and the late Lord Sanderby—” She broke off, thinking that perhaps it would be indiscreet to mention the great quarrel.
    “Do go on,” Martin prompted, ducking as an overhanging branch swept along the cabin roof toward him.
    “I’m sure you don’t want to hear about the terrible professional jealousy that Lord Sanderby’s father displayed toward Uncle Julian.”
    “You cannot tantalize me with such a statement, and then decline to elaborate. It would be too cruel.”
    “Very well, I will bore you with all the details.” She told him all she knew about those long-ago events.
    Martin’s brows drew together as he listened, and when she finished he pulled a puzzled face. “You know, it all sounds strangely familiar. I’m sure I’ve heard the story before, and yet I cannot think where. Although….” He thought for a moment. “Actually, I think I overheard my mother telling my father. I was a child at the time.”
    “I believe it was quite a cause celebre for a while. Poor Uncle Julian is still very upset about it all even now, which may be….” She didn’t finish.
    “Which may be why he doesn’t approve of your cousin’s match?”
    Tansy nodded a little awkwardly, feeling she had elaborated a little too much. She shouldn’t have told him all she had.
    Martin smiled. “Please do not look so worried, for I assure you that I know when to keep a confidence. Nothing you have said will ever pass my lips.”
    Tusun came to join them, having accomplished his tasks for the time being. “The other ladies wish to stay in the cabins, Effendi,” he said. “Well, the young lady wishes to stay there, and the older one feels she must remain with her. There are many tears, you see.”
    Amanda making a fuss again, Tansy thought, far from displeased that her cousin was going to stay out of the way.
    Tusun leaned back against the cabin superstructure and gave them a smile of some satisfaction. “We have done it, eh, Effendi? We have rescued the ladies, stolen this fine canja, and escaped the French. All we need now is that God remains with us.”
    Martin grinned. “He will, Tusun.”
    “For that we must pray.” Tusun glanced at Tansy. “So, Effendi,” he went on to Martin, “you have another helper.”
    “And she’s far prettier than you, my friend,” Martin replied.
    “This I do not dispute.” The Mameluke gave Tansy a broad wink, then looked astern, where all that could be seen was an undisturbed forest of every lush green in creation. The dense cloak of delta vegetation hid even the great statue of Bastet, so tall on the summit of the temple mound. “The French will not give us trouble now; so we must plan what to do next, Effendi.”
    “I’m not so sure that we’ve seen the last of them. That officer was not the sort to give up his booty without a fight.” Martin grew pensive. “It’s my guess that he’ll anticipate us rejoining the main Rosetta channel. I have a feeling he’ll set an ambush somewhere close to Rosetta itself. At least, that’s my instinct.”
    “Then we must not use the Rosetta channel,” Tusun replied logically. “If we keep to watercourses that take us east, to one of the other main channels….”
    “The Rosetta is closer, and will take us more directly to the Lucina. Besides, the current is taking us without any need to hoist the sails, and I would rather follow the flow and lie low like this, than risk hoisting the sails to cross the delta against the water.”
    “So what can we do about the French, Effendi? If we must rejoin the main channel, then we must join it, and risk any ambush that may be set.” The Mameluke spread his hands.
    Martin nodded. “Yes, but we do not need to enter the Rosetta channel in daylight, do we? We can find a hiding place somewhere in all this damned vegetation, wait until night falls again, then make a run for the sea, and the