When It's Perfect (37 page)

Sunshine illuminated it brilliantly. “It’s beautiful…”

He gently lifted her hand and slipped it on her finger. “To Egypt.”

“To Egypt,” she replied, nearly choking on the words, watching the jewels sparkle in the bright rays of light. “And a world without corsets.”

He laughed. “You’ll have to learn to create something more efficient.”

“Tablecloths?”

He pulled a face; his eyes opened wide. “For Egyptian ladies?”

“I can sew marvelous clothing, too, Marcus.” Her brows rose innocently. “They do wear clothing in Egypt, I hope.”

“I’ve never noticed,” he replied, pursing his lips.

She smiled, leaning against him, staring into the water fountain as he began to caress her back and neck with his long, strong fingers.

Seconds later, she breathed, “And your mother?”

He pulled her into him tightly and kissed the top of her head. “My mother is getting what she asked for, in every way.” He laid his cheek in her hair. “I know everything about Christine’s death, Mary. An accident in the hands of my mother.”

She stiffened, but didn’t back away or look up at him, satisfied simply to be in his embrace. “Tell me.”

He let out a long, slow breath. “I will. All of it. But not now. My mother is taking it very hard.” Skimming the pad of his thumb along her cheekbone, he added, “There’s so much. It’s… so complicated. Baudwin Fife will never have a straight nose again, however.”

She giggled, cupping her mouth. “Marcus, you didn’t.”

“Somebody had to,” he said defensively. “I only did what Christine couldn’t do the night he took advantage of her.”

Mary calmed in understanding, gazing at the trickling water in the fountain. “Your sister loved you, Marcus,” she whispered.

He tensed his arms around her but she held to him.

“Yes, she did, as I loved her.”

“You were right, you know,” she said seconds later, her eyes tearing again, her throat tight.

He ran his lips along her hairline, breathing deeply. “About what?”

“That everything will work out in the end.” At last she pulled back and gazed into his eyes once more, laying her palm on his cheek. “It has.”

“I know, my darling Mary,” he agreed softly. “I know.”

« ^

Cairo, Egypt

20 December 1855

Dearest Mother,

Thank you so much for your recent letters. I’m sorry I haven’t
been able to respond as often as I’d like, but I’ve been working
extremely hard of late. There have been some major hieroglyph
discoveries in Alexandria recently, and Mary and I will be
joining a group of American scholars after the new year as we
relocate to that great city. I am looking forward to it and will
write you of our progress.

I also want to share some splendid news. Mary is expecting
our first child in late summer. I’m thrilled, of course, and am
hoping for a girl to dote on. If we are blessed, we intend to name
her Christine. I hope you’ll be pleased with that decision. Mary
has been sewing for Egyptian ladies to pass the time, but quite
frankly, she prefers working with me. I’m sure you wouldn’t
approve, but she has such an appetite for learning that I’ve
begun to teach her to transcribe ancient texts. Of course, you
needn’t worry that I will take care of her and do what’s best for
the baby. By this time next year, you will be a grandmother.

We are enjoying each other and our marriage very much.

Please have no worries that everything in our lives will work out
as it should. I do miss you, and George, and was pleased to learn
he plans to marry next spring. The Lady Sarah Gregory is a
good choice, and God willing, there will soon be an heir.

Please keep writing. I look forward to each letter you send
and enjoy hearing from you. I hope you had a lovely Christmas.

Give my best to the Coswells when next you see them.

As ever,

Your loving son,

Marcus