The Sheik's Son

“What happened?” he asked.

“It was so innocent. I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

Sebastian resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “What happened, Leila?”

“One of father’s business acquaintances came to stay with us. They were Turks.”

Sebastian knew exactly where this was headed. “Go on.”

“There was a son. He was so sweet and kind. One evening we went walking. The next thing I knew, he kissed me. And it wasn’t even a long kiss—just a kiss on the lips, more a peck. Bashasha saw it and tattled on me to Mother, who told Father.”

Sebastian shook his head. “Christ.”

“The son wanted to marry me and of course I said no,” she said, laughing. “Absolutely ridiculous.”

“I should have guessed. You behave highly improperly and they send you to me,” he said.

“I behave improperly? You whore around all of Paris like a rooster and that’s fine, but I’m improper?” she argued back.

“Leila, don’t compare men and women in this matter. Men can do things that women can’t do.”

“Yes, I see that. Behaving like a dog is so much more refined.”

“Women’s place is in the home.”

“You are so backwards!” she fired back.

“If you behaved and were proper, you would be married with children now,” Sebastian said calmly.

“Exactly what I don’t want,” she shot back at him. “I’m young and I want to enjoy life.”

“I know you brought along a maid for the journey, but I will also engage a French maid to help you dress and act as chaperone. One hint of problems or scandal and I ship you back to Arabia.”

“Well, thank you very much, Mohammed.” With that, Leila stood up and made her way upstairs to the bedroom he had prepared for her.

“Brat,” he said.

Chapter 5

The day of the cricket match was cool, with wispy clouds in the sky. Sophie chose a simple iridescent pink gown with lace at the elbow-length sleeves and a cream-colored petticoat showing through. Her hair was dressed simply, pinned back with one long curl coming forward. She knew the game would be outdoors but she wanted to look her best and hoped her dress wouldn’t be soiled from being outside. She

carried a small parasol in case of rain.

Her grandmother wore a steel-grey gown in the same fashion and her hair matched the dress, though it was in an older style than Sophie’s own gown. Eugenie, always one to show off her wealth, wore numerous rings, a necklace and bracelet.

Sophie preferred a simple style when she wore jewelry. Though her father had gifted her several fine pieces and even her late mother’s jewelry, which included a sapphire ring and ruby necklace, she wore them only on special occasions.

Jean Pierre had not been able to attend the cricket match as he was wrapped up in his work. He needed to focus and concentrate on his tasks, and so the two women would attend without him.

The carriage took Sophie and Eugenie to the Jardin du Luxembourg, which had once been a beautiful garden started by Marie de Medici in 1611. The garden had become somewhat neglected recently and had been sold by the king for development, but as of yet nothing had been built.

The Duke of Dorset had received permission to hold the cricket game on the grounds. It was a wide expanse of green lawns, a perfect setting for the activity. As the carriage moved toward the lawns, Sophie looked out of the carriage window to see several hundred people partaking in the game’s festivities.

She saw several ladies clustered together wearing pastel colors and carrying their parasols. She saw men dressed as prettily as the women, strolling together in unison. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the day and she was pleased that the duke had asked her to join in.

She noticed several large white tents set up along the perimeter of the lawns, with people moving in and out of them. She assumed that the tent might hold refreshments inside and asked her grandmother if she would like to stop.

“That sounds like an excellent idea, Sophie.” Eugenie knocked on the roof of the carriage to stop the driver.