Shadows of the Nile (17 page)

*

“We're going to have a knees-up, tonight.” Jan caught up with Aline as they went towards their cabins.

Aline laughed. “What does that mean?”

“Well,” Jan looked very mysterious, “we've been joined by a small crowd of Americans, just for a couple of days. So we're going to have a cocktail party and a belly dancer.”

“What!”

“Yes! I think we should look our best. I'll wear my pink dress and you wear your backless turquoise one. What do you say?”

“Sounds good to me!”

“I could do with a bit of fun. I might do a bit of belly dancing myself. With my clothes on, of course! See you later.”

Aline knew she should have said no, that she didn't have time to do anything after dinner. She had a lot of work. She had notes she needed to transcribe onto her laptop and she was getting behind. She'd have to leave the party early and work far into the night until she got it all done.

The Americans weren't at dinner. They were having something extra special at an upmarket hotel nearby.

“They aren't just an ordinary crowd,” Peter announced, having obtained information from Achmed. “There are twenty of them, and they are business people, some with their wives or husbands or partners or whatever you call them these days. I hope you've all noticed that I've put my very best suit on for the occasion and I might – I'm not saying I will – offer them some of my best cigars!”

*

The bar was full of people when they arrived. The Americans had already settled themselves and were cosily chatting, but they looked up when they saw they were being joined by another group, and one or two of them got up with big smiles.

“Look,” one of them said, “we've got our name badges on so you can see just who we are.”

“What a good idea,” Aline said. “Maybe we should have done the same. I'm Aline.” The others proceeded to call out their names.

Everyone then got up and started to mingle. Aline found herself next to a very attractive black woman, with hair that reminded her of the night sky just before morning. Her cream dress made her skin look even blacker.

Aline was puzzled. She was certain she'd seen her somewhere.

“I'm sorry, but you do seem familiar,” she said. “Do you think I could have met you before?”

“Oh, I've never been to the UK,” she answered, smiling. “I'm called Ebony.” She indicated her badge.

“Ebony?” Ebony… Eboni. Somehow familiar?

“Yes. My mom said I was so black I should be called after the notes on the piano!” She laughed.

Aline smiled. There was something about her. Where had she seen her? There was a recollection of her singing and playing something… the lyre?

“Do you sing?” Aline asked.

“A bit. I play the guitar and sing country. I've done one or two shows on TV so maybe that's where you've seen me. I hasten to add, though, I'm not at all famous. I'm a married mid-thirties mom, with three lovely kids, all left at home being minded by my nanny. That's my husband over there, the tall one with glasses; he runs a very successful computer company in the States. But that's enough about me; do tell me all about yourself.”

She took Aline's hand and the two sat down together. As Aline talked to her it was as if they'd known each other for ages.

“So you write. That's very interesting. Do you illustrate your work?” Ebony asked.

“No. I can draw a bit. I've sketched a few of the animals here, like some of the birds, and snakes. But I don't think the magazine will use them.”

Ebony smiled. “I'd like to see them,” she said warmly.

Jan suddenly joined them. “I think the belly dancer is coming on,” she said excitedly.

Aline only half-watched the girl gyrating. She knew Ebony from before and yet Ebony hadn't recognised her. Why?

She turned her attention back to the belly dancer. She was very good, with a big tummy, and a jewel in her navel. She wandered round the men and drew her scarf across their heads.

“You know something,” Jan said confidentially. “She's got a body stocking on. You can't see any bare flesh. I don't call that the real thing, do you?”

“You have a go, Aline,” teased Ebony. “You'd look really good in your long dress, slinking round all the males. Tell you what, we could do a double act! The two most attractive women in the world! Not only can we dance, but we can sing and we can draw. What do you say?”

“Yes, go on,” Jan giggled. “Show them how it's really done!”

“Well, I'll tell you what,” Aline said, with a smile. “You go first, Ebony! Then maybe I'll follow. Ah, that's a shame; the music's stopped and it looks like it's the end of the show. We'll have to do our double act another time.” All three of them laughed.

“I'm off to find a drink,” said Jan.

“See you later,” Ebony smiled. “Oh look, Aline, there's that perfumery woman, Nephthys. I think she's only just arrived. Do you know her?”

Aline glanced across. Nephthys as usual looked absolutely stunning. Her black strapless dress was very tight, very short and very low, showing off most of her breasts. Her hair was pulled up into a diamond clasp on top of her head. She wore no other jewellery.

“Not really.”

“Wow, how does she keep that dress up?” Ebony said, curious.

Nephthys had spotted them and headed their way.

“How nice to see you together,” she purred. “Aline and Ebony. Two countries united, Britain and the States. You know when I see you sitting there you do remind me of how your type of beautiful woman should look, very desirable and perhaps just a little demure. Well, of course, you're not really subservient, are you? That's just an act, isn't it? You two really must join me in Paris some time. I have some beautiful oils I could give you. Show you where to massage them onto your skin to the best advantage.”

“That would be nice,” murmured Ebony politely.

“Well, girls, I'd like to stay and chat some more, but I have a very important man waiting for me, and I can see him getting very impatient. I'll see you tomorrow before you go, Ebony, and Aline you too. You do look so sweet together.”

She slunk off towards one of the single men in the party and they left soon after.

“I have to admit she does know her business,” Ebony said. “She sold me a perfume the other day. Do you know, I'm sure it was some sort of aphrodisiac; my husband took one whiff of it and was bowled over.” She laughed.

“That doesn't surprise me. She has a vast knowledge of how to blend and use herbs and other things.”

“I sense you don't like her?” Ebony was amused. “Oh, let's not talk about her. Shall we go up to the top deck and look at the Nile, in all its dusky glory.”

*

It was quite dark outside when they got there but the deck lights were on, and the lights in the distance illuminated the Valley of the Kings.

“Have you ever been to Egypt before, Ebony?”

“No. I've always thought about it. It's so full of ancient history. But we haven't really seen anything of interest – it's just been a business trip. I've enjoyed it though, and maybe we'll come back. Except…” She looked a bit secretive and coy. “I'm expecting another baby.”

Aline looked down at Ebony's stomach. “You must be delighted! You don't show.”

“It's early days. You're right, we couldn't be more pleased. So it will be back home for me to wait for the little one, and to tell the truth I miss my children, and can't wait to see them. I love my home life, I couldn't have anything better. What about you, Aline? You say there isn't a man in your life. I find it so hard to believe.”

“There isn't anyone serious.” She glanced towards the Valley of the Kings.

Ebony slipped her arm round her waist. “You're much younger than me. I was married at about your age. I'm sure you'll suddenly find him, just as I did. I went to a party and there he was, just waiting for me. Talking of him, I'd better go and find him. We're turning in early. It's been a long day but I'll see you in the morning?”

“That'll be nice.”

The two women embraced each other.

Aline stood for a while after Ebony had gone. She didn't want to leave the deck. The lights from the Valley of the Kings were comforting. She looked forward to her visit there. For her that was the highlight of the tour. It was somewhere she'd always wanted to go.

As she got back to her cabin she thought about all the work she had to do to catch up with her articles. But she couldn't settle to it. All she could think of was Ebony. She remembered snatches of a young girl from long ago, her warmth, and the way she smiled. Aline knew she had been fond of her. Sadly, it was obvious Ebony had no recollection of them in the past. There was no flicker of recognition. For some reason the portal was firmly closed to her, and maybe would never be opened.

*

Aline waited on the top deck the next morning. She knew the Americans hadn't left, but they were having a late breakfast, and then a meeting in the bar to discuss where they were going on to. She wasn't certain Ebony would appear, but a light sound of feet on the steps and a merry face soon told her Ebony had escaped from the party.

“Hello, Aline! Where is everyone?”

“Hi! Well, I think a lot of my crowd have gone shopping and the others are playing table tennis or reading on the lower deck. They say it's too hot up here at the moment.”

“Let's get under the awning. I haven't got long but I did so want to see you before we go, and to give you my address in the States. We're in New York. You must come and look us up if you're ever out that way.”

“I'd love to!”

“Ah now! Look at you two again.” Nephthys had appeared quietly from the shadows. “I did so want to see you together just once more. I'm so pleased you're happy and settled, Ebony. I do hope Aline will find her man very soon. I expect she will.”

She sat down opposite them, a sardonic smile on her face. Her head was swathed in a turban and she wore a white towelling robe.

“Good morning, Nephthys,” Aline said, hoping she'd go away.

“Good morning, Aline. You're so polite. I do like your sexy black swimsuit. Will you get it wet, or is it just for effect? And Ebony, I have to say I love your simple white dress. I always think girls like you look good in thin white dresses.” Her eyes fixed on Aline.

She's goading me, thought Aline. Nephthys was wanting her to make Ebony aware of something. She kept quiet. She knew it was important not to rise to the bait. There was something Ebony shouldn't know.

“That's very kind of you to be so complimentary,” Ebony answered innocently. “I do try to have a bit of dress sense but I have to be guided sometimes.”

“I can always help you there,” Nephthys drawled. “Sometimes I advise my clients not only on ancient perfumes but also on ancient dress, which could be quite skimpy and left little to the imagination.”

“Good morning, ladies.”

Aline welcomed the sight of Achmed, who'd arrived just in time to defuse a tricky situation. A flicker of annoyance passed over Nephthys's face.

“I hope you don't mind me interrupting you but I have come to speak of the visit to the Valley of the Kings tomorrow. Nephthys, I believe you're not going?”

“No. I have business in Cairo.”

“So that's just you, Aline. It's another early start I'm afraid but we'll give you a call.”

“I'd like to have seen it,” Ebony said. “Many noble people were buried there, I believe.”

“That's true. Maybe if and when you come next time we could arrange a visit.”

“Yes. Mind you, I don't know when that will be.”

“Anyway it's not the sort of place any ordinary mortal would have been buried,” Nephthys interceded. “Not for the likes of people like you and Aline. You'd probably have been put in a hole in the sand and buried.”

“Well I'm glad I didn't live then,” Ebony answered. “I much prefer to live now.”

There was a pause.

“I think your party is leaving quite soon,” Achmed said. “Would you like me to come with you to find your husband?”

“That's very good of you.” Ebony jumped up. “Goodbye, Nephthys. Oh, and my dear Aline.” Aline stood up and they held each other in a tender embrace. “Here's my card. I don't know when I'll see you again but I've loved meeting you and I'm sure things will work out for you.”

As she walked off Aline had mixed feelings. Glad that Ebony was escaping from Nephthys and her claws, but sad that once again she was perhaps walking out of her life.

*

“Why don't you cry?” Nephthys said when they were alone. “That's twice you've lost her.”

“You…” Aline exploded quietly. “How dare you treat everyone in such an evil way! You tried to get someone to hurt me! Do you think you can just buy everything and everybody?”

“Just about,” Nephthys answered lazily. “Besides I don't know what you're talking about. It's an illusion; it's in your mind. It's your sexual frustration. Don't accuse me of things which aren't true or I'll sue you. I'd like to see you losing your job and rotting in an Egyptian jail; nothing would give me more pleasure. You could be dressed in rags once more, and looking like a tramp, but this time no one would rescue you. Do you think anyone would believe you, a halfwitted writer, against me, a successful and very desirable businesswoman? Let me tell you something, Aline. You stop your tricks with the snakes or I'll destroy you. I'll beat you until you tell me which herbs you use on the snakes. Ah, you squirm. You've seen people beaten, haven't you? That's what I'd do to you. I'd get one of my henchmen to give you a good flogging, to knock respect into you. Why don't you grovel at my feet and maybe – just maybe – I'll forgive you. Go on.”