The Sheik and the Slave

“I shall,” she said. She kissed him lightly on the cheek and left with her small bag.

***

An hour later, Edward heard the knock and knew his guest had arrived. He was anxious for the meeting and did not want to offend the young man, even though he had numerous questions to put to him.

Mohammed was admitted into the room wearing a light green frock coat, a light brown waistcoat and breeches, with his hair clubbed. He bowed slightly to Lord Edward.

“Lord Edward,” Mohammed said.

Lord Edward greeted Mohammed with a firm nod. They had been in this same room when they had discussed finding Katharine and when they had met to toast her return to them as Mohammed had set out for Arabia.

Mohammed found it strange that they were now in this room contemplating a marriage to his beloved that may never occur. He was completely baffled, but he would have his questions answered.

Lord Edward sized up the man before him and decided to jump to the heart of his concerns.

“I am rather surprised to see you here, sir,” Lord Edward said as he warmed his hands at the fire and eyed the younger man.

“I don’t know why that is, Lord Edward. We stood in this very room and I vowed to bring Katharine home to you, safe.”

Edward nodded.

“You did. However, she was delivered to us safely by the Mother Superior of the Abbey where she was dumped by the brute who kidnapped her.”

Mohammed’s eyes were wide.

“I knew nothing of the Abbey. Tell me.”

“After the mercenary kidnapped her, he tried to force himself upon her and a fight ensued. She began to bleed and he dumped her at the Abbey gates to rid himself of her quickly.”

Mohammed closed his eyes and thought, my darling Katharine. You have endured much. She should have been safe but for him; her association with his people had continually sought to harm her.

Mohammed stiffened as he asked, “She was bleeding?”

Edward nodded once.

He almost hesitated to ask the following question, fearful of the answer.

“Was the babe saved?”

“Yes,” Edward replied.

“The babe was saved?” Mohammed heard his voice crack as he asked again.

“Your son is alive and well.”

Mohammed almost felt the breath rush from his body as he heard the words. He had a son. His darling girl had given him a son. He felt his eyes water.

“My son,” he said.

“She has not named him, as she thought that right was yours as her husband and the father.”

Mohammed smiled.

“Katharine,” he said softly.

“Katharine endured a very serious surgery that was performed in Ireland by a man of the cloth but also a renowned medical man.”

Mohammed closed his eyes and said a quick prayer.