The Sheik's Son

“How is married life, Sophie? Well?” Katharine asked, curious but not wanting to pry too much.

“It is good, madame. Sebastian is a kind man. You should be proud of him.”

“I am. He is his father’s son—a respectable man who knows his duty,” Katharine said while carefully watching the seamstress.

Leila sat on a chair on the raised pedestal wearing her wedding gown. “Ow!” she yelped.

“Remain still, Leila,” Katharine admonished her.

Sophie watched the scene and then asked quietly, “What is it like in Arabia?”

“Hot!” exclaimed both women.

Katharine laughed. “It is hard to describe to those who have never been. It is hot, but also magnificent and wild, as well as ordered. We live a privileged life at the palace.”

Sophie looked intently at her mother-in-law, who was still so lovely with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her daughter looked very similar, with blue eyes but dark brown hair. Katharine was a true English rose while her daughter was exotic and striking.

“I suppose I will be a grandmother again soon.” Katharine looked at both of the younger women.

Leila looked away while Sophie blushed lightly.

“I should like you to come to Arabia. There are very few Englishwomen about and I think no Frenchwomen at all,” Katharine mused.

“Was that hard to get used to?” Sophie asked.

“Indeed it was. From the moment I landed in Arabia, I was trying to get home to England. Then it all went wrong,” Katharine said.

“Wrong?” Sophie asked.

“Yes. I fell in love. And Arab men hold on to those they want.”

Sophie smiled shyly. “I suppose they do.”

Leila cried out again and Katharine narrowed her eyes at her.

“You have other children?” Sophie asked Katharine.

“Two daughters. Margaret lives in England with her family and Isabelle is here in France. She is to take the vow soon.”

“The vow?” Sophie frowned.

“Yes. She is in a religious house.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I never saw that coming, but then neither did I think my daughter would marry a Frenchman and my son a beautiful Frenchwoman. France has much to answer for,” she said and smiled.

“You and monsieur are very kind to host the upcoming ball for us,” she said.

“Nonsense, my dear. We are welcoming you into our family in front of Parisian society,” Katharine replied.

“I am looking forward to it. We both are,” Sophie said.

Leila yelped again and this time both Katharine and Sophie laughed.

“Silly child. Sit still,” her mother said.

***