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.She wanted to search for the perfect outfit to wear to a polo match.She did not need Rashid buying every stitch she wore.When Bethanne returned to the villa late in the afternoon, the driver must have had some way to notify Fatima.The older woman met her in the lobby, her face disapproving, her tone annoyed as she said something Bethanne didn’t understand.Probably chastising her for leaving her chaperone behind.To her surprise, Rashid al Harum came from the library.“Ah, the eternal pastime of women—shopping,” he said, studying the two bags with the shop’s name on the side.“Your stores had some fabulous sales,” she said.“Wait until you see the dress I bought for the polo match.I hope it’s suitable—the saleswoman said it was.” Conscious of the servants, she smiled brightly and hurried over to him, opening the bag a bit so he could peek in.He did so and smiled.Glancing at the staff, he stood aside.“Perhaps you’d join me in the salon.”“Happy to,” she said.He spoke to Fatima and the woman came to take Bethanne’s bags, then retreated.“Is anything wrong?” Bethanne asked once the two of them were alone in the salon.“Not at all.I have some spare time and came to see if you wanted to have lunch together.I have not forgotten you wanted to see some of my country.Where did you go this morning?”“To a place in the old town.I walked around a square there, saw a small market.Then went shopping for the dress.”“I’d be delighted to show you more of the old town, and some of the countryside north of the city, if you’d like.”“Yes.I would.I probably won’t get the chance to visit Quishari again after I leave.” Especially if she didn’t find her father, or convince Rashid he was innocent.“And I remember you like exploring new places,” he commented, studying her for a moment.“I’ll run upstairs and freshen up.I can be ready to leave in ten minutes.”“There’s no rush.”She smiled again and dashed up to her room.She should have been better prepared for Rashid, but had not expected him to disregard work to spend time with her.She was delighted, and hoped they’d find mutual interests for conversation.She could, of course, simply stare at him all day—but that would look odd.Rashid walked to the opened French doors.He gazed out at the gardens, but his thoughts centered on his American visitor.Bethanne fascinated him.Her profession was unusual for a woman.Yet whenever she was around him, she appeared very feminine.He liked looking at her with her fair skin, blue eyes and soft blond hair.Her casual manner could lead some to believe she was flighty—but he’d checked her record and it was spotless.He also found her enthusiasm refreshing after his own rather cynical outlook on life.Was that an American trait? Or her individual personality?Rashid knew several American businessmen.Had dined with them and their wives over the years.Most of them cultivated the same aloof cosmopolitan air that was so lacking in Bethanne.Maybe it was that difference that had him intrigued.His mother had called again that morning, bemoaning the fact Bethanne was visiting and that Haile had not come.When he’d told her he was just as well out of the deal, she’d appeared shocked.Questioning him further, she’d become angry when he’d said he wasn’t sure the arrangement had been suitable in the long run.He didn’t come out and tell her of firm plans with Bethanne, but let her believe there was a possibility.He almost laughed when his mother had tentatively suggested Bethanne wasn’t suitable and he should let her help him find the right bride.He knew he and Bethanne didn’t make a suitable pair.Yet, if he thought about it, she would probably have beautiful children.She was young, healthy, obviously intelligent.He stopped.It sounded as if he were seriously considering a relationship with her.He was not.His family would never overlook what her father had done.And after the aborted affair with Marguerite, he didn’t fully trust women.He would do better to focus on finalizing the details of the agreement with al Benqura.His mother had reminded him she expected a different guest, and so would others.“Until they see Bethanne.Then they’d know why she’s visiting,” he’d said, hoping to fob her off.It would certainly give a shot in the arm to the gossip circulating [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]