The Sheik and the Slave

“Where is our child, Katharine?” he asked.

Chapter 27

Sarah had stumbled upon Katharine in Mohammed’s arms and was shocked. She had asked that they leave the party and was taken aback at her sister-in-law’s behavior.

Sarah shook her head.

“I don’t understand you, Katharine. Do you want to be known as a flirt?” she asked.

Katharine looked away from her sister-in-law. Her heart was in turmoil and she was struggling to clear her thoughts. What was going on here? Why was Mohammed chasing her and touching her? He must surely know that she would never become a second wife. Shouldn’t he be with his wife and child? It made no sense.

“Katharine, I know you have been through much, but you must remember your station. I know you have spent time with Thomas. How will this look to him?”

Dear Thomas, Katharine thought. This was unfair to him. But she had never lied. She had been forthright and told him about her impending marriage to Mohammed. But then, the letter had arrived.

She closed her eyes. This was all wrong. And now Mohammed had finally asked the question she knew he would, about her precious son. He had abandoned them and now he wanted to know about him.

She swore silently and felt frustrated tears behind her eyes. Damn him!

***

Mohammed left the card party shortly after Katharine did. There had been a buzz in the room about Katharine being discovered in his arms. Several of the women had been jealous.

He was tired of London and its rules on every matter. He wanted to discover what had happened to change Katharine’s mind so decisively about the marriage. He returned to his room at The George and wrote to Lord Edward. He asked to be received the next afternoon; he would send the letter first thing in the morning. He had to uncover once and for all where he stood with Katharine. He knew Lord Edward to be an honorable man as well as a loving father to Katharine. But this was to be concluded tomorrow.

***

Abdullah prayed, touching his head to the mat. His illness had dissipated and he was well mended. The English food heavy with meats and bread had helped him gain strength.

He had remained at the inn where the captain had left him and recovered well.

He thought it fitting that an English Infidel had helped him improve so that he could now kill the witch. He knew that she was staying in London with her family because he had followed her.

He would make his move soon, and prayed about it.

His large hands itched to encircle her throat and choke the life from her body. He also kept his slender knife close by that had been used to end the half-breed?

?s life. It might be a more fitting end for the woman. He had come far and forsaken everyone at home and in the palace so that he might end the life of the one woman who would be the downfall of them all.

***

Lord Edward read the short letter with nothing short of astonishment. He sent a reply in agreement to Mohammed and waited impatiently to see what this man would have to say. He was truly baffled and contemplated their past conversations.

He had sat in this very room when the younger man had asked to settle a matter of the upmost importance. Mohammed had been firm yet cordial as he had asked for Edward’s forgiveness and agreed that he should have approached him long ago. He had wanted to marry his daughter.

Edward had always known that it would take a unique man to appreciate and accept Katharine’s strength and intelligence. Her beauty had been admired by many, but she was a special woman. He had been shocked when Mohammed approached him at first, but he had accepted it all until the note came from Arabia. He had been stunned at its contents and Katharine’s betrayal had been fiercely felt.

Edward honestly had no idea why the man wanted to meet with him, unless it was to apologize. He knew men of his faith had several wives, but he would never consent to Katharine being a second wife. He knew his daughter would be against such a match as well. He watched the clock and waited.

***

Katharine had been invited to tea with Lady Dunvale. She had invited her personally, and Katharine was pleased to join her.

Her dress was made from a light grey silk and covered in orange roses and vines over the skirt, stomacher and sleeves. The bodice was square cut, and she wore her favorite pearl colored square heels. Her hair was piled up and she only wore her pearl earrings and no necklace.

“Father, I’m going to tea at Lady Dunvale’s,” Katharine told him as she entered his sitting room.

“Enjoy yourself,” he replied.