Search results

"I never had any trouble keeping myself busy in a library. I had thought to go back into Paris and do a bit of shopping, but seeing that my need has been provided for," she indicated the red gown she was wearing, "that doesn't seem to be necessary. And if there's a meeting, I suspect it may have...

"Neither of you needed to wait on me, I know I must have slept quite late. Although I am glad to have the company, and the flowers," she added, taking a deep breath of their sweet fragrance. "What are your plans for the day, if I may be so bold? I assume Cal will be busy with business, he's...

"Oh, they're lovely, thank you!" she said, taking the bouquet, a mixture of stunning roses and wildflowers. "But what's this all about? You do cut quite a dashing figure this morning, I must say."

It was uncomfortably quiet alone in the room. It was stunning, with the bright sunlight streaming in through the windows and setting the dark wood paneling glowing. Long, cream-colored draperies kept the dark panels from making the room feel somber, instead providing a balancing contrast for the...

"I would, if you would be so kind to direct me," Abby smiled, taming the New Orleans accent in her French. She had been in many places before that had staff and servants, and she had never felt odd about it. But here... Perhaps it was because she was the only guest, and probably an object of...

As certain as she was that she must be the last one sleeping, it still didn't seem very polite to stick her nose into what were certain to be private, family rooms. Instead, she turned to the right and followed the staircase back down to the first floor.

Abby stretched, the pulled the covers up a bit tighter. For a moment, she hoped she might sleep a bit more, but the colored sunlight behind the draperies was enticing, and eventually she pushed back the covers and swung her feet to the floor. First order of business was a bath. Her own dress...

"No. No, thank you, you're very kind." The young lady curtsied and left the room, and Abby hoped that she had not been obliged to wait up for them to come home. Any other day Abby would have poked around the room, looking at this and that. But tonight she just picked up the nightdress that had...

"I was already going to do that. I know I slept on the way up, but just like you it was days without sleep and with very little food. I definitely need more rest." She pulled her feet up under her and leaned against Cal. "I may start now." She was quiet for a minute. "I'm glad we stumbled into...

Once they were settled inside the carriage, Abby leaned back and released a sigh. "I think I may have had a bit too much champagne," she laughed lightly. "Thank you. I needed that. What an amazing place, the show was wonderful."

Abby and Cal spent the next several hours inside the Moulin Rouge. After the famous can-can, a singer took the stage and favored them with several gorgeous ballads and a few bawdy tunes. Afterward, the music started up and the patrons started dancing. It was the first night in a long time that...

"I'm not sure which sounds better. Now, be a gentleman and help a Lady down," Abby said with a smile. When the carriage came to a full stop Cal stepped down and offered her a hand. Her ears were already filled with the music coming from inside. The faint smell of tobacco smoke and liquor...

"That sounds like just what I need. This week has been... long. And exhausting. And terrifying. To be here now seems almost unreal, and I'm going to enjoy every moment of it even if it turns out to be just a dream."

"Have you been here before?"

"I can do the shopping tomorrow, that was what I'd imagined anyway. Especially if you have to send the carriage back in any case. Let's go have fun."

"I really have no idea. Something with dancing and a show? The place where Pep and Maracita were going sounded wonderful, but I'm sure we'd want to let them have their own night. They did mention the Moulin Rouge."

"Dealing in gold, I take it." "So what do you have planned after I pick up what I need? Or is it a very great secret?"

"Oh, I had thought of coming back into the city tomorrow to do that. I had the impression you'd be busy for at least part of the day. Your anticipated meeting," she said. "But I certainly won't object to going now. I'll really just need some night clothes and a day dress."

"That sounds like a good idea to me. If you don't mind my saying, I'd think twice before deciding to ask Queen Neferka for work. I didn't spend much time with her, but there was something about her. She will be a shrewd, intelligent ruler. Egypt is in excellent hands, I think. But she seems...

"Go with China," she deadpanned. "It would keep you busy for quite a while." She waited a beat, then added, "You don't lack for options. But right now you don't even know what tomorrow will bring and you still have a diriigible to fly back to Egypt. I understand the urge to plan ahead, but...