‘Why is he covered with that blanket?’ She placed her hand on the man’s forehead. ‘He is very hot. I think we should bathe him before we change the bandages.’

  ‘You will not object to such a task?’

  ‘Why should I?’ Harriet smiled. ‘I thought my duty in the infirmary was supposed to be a punishment?’

  ‘For some it would be. I once asked someone else to help me, but she was horrified. She wept and begged to be given some other punishment if she had offended me.’

  ‘And had she?’ Harriet asked as she fetched water from a jug, pouring it into a small metal bowl.

  ‘No, I merely needed help with one of the wounded.’

  ‘Do you often concern yourself with the sick?’ She had pulled back the covers, a little relieved when she saw that the man’s lower half was covered by a white loincloth. ‘You will permit me, my lord?’

  ‘Yes, of course. Do what you can for him please.’

  ‘Leave the door open so that the air can circulate. It is very warm in here.’

  Harriet smoothed the cool cloth over the man’s limbs. Kasim looked on thoughtfully, helping to turn the patient so that she could bathe his back.

  ‘I think the servants here would not have considered bathing Jason to cool him.’

  ‘A physician once advised it for my brother. I often did it for him, because he complained the nurse was too rough.’

  ‘I can see you are gentle.’

  Harriet finished her task. She turned her head and saw the speculative expression in his eyes. A little flush came to her cheeks and she dropped her gaze.

  ‘Shall we change the dressing now?’ ‘Yes, if you can bear it. His wound is not a pleasant sight.’

  Harriet waited as he cut the stained bandages away with a knife. The wound to the unconscious Jason’s leg was red and angry, but after looking at it carefully and gently prodding the flesh she thought it clean and said as much to Kasim.

  ‘Yes, I think you are right. It has begun to heal at last. If the fever would break, he might begin to recover,’ he said as the patient moaned and flung out his arms.

  ‘I think he was not helped by the warm room. Could not a mesh of some kind be fixed over the windows so that the shutters may be left open at night?’

  ‘Some kind of netting might be provided to stop the insects that are attracted to the lamps,’ Kasim said. ‘I will have the work set in hand as soon as the day begins. I had not fully understood the need to keep the patients cool.’ He had brought out salves and clean linen. She helped him by lifting the patient’s leg, but saw that he was well able to do whatever was necessary. ‘Now I need to give him some of the fever mixture the physician left. I need one part to three parts water.’ He mixed a dark liquid in a metal cup. ‘Will you see if he will drink if I lift him?’

  ‘Yes, certainly. He may not drink … unless we do this …’ She put her forefinger and thumb to Jason’s nose and pinched. He opened his mouth and the mixture went down.

  Kasim laughed. ‘I have not seen that done before. Jason often refuses to take his medicine.’

  ‘My brother was the same.’ Harriet smiled. ‘I think your friend is not as ill as you feared, my lord. He is settling now and should be better in a little.’

  ‘I thank you for your help, Harriet.’

  ‘It was nothing, my lord. I hope you will rest easier after this?’

  ‘Yes, I shall. We will leave him to rest. You should lie in in the morning. The children will not miss one day’s schooling.’

  ‘I shall visit our patient again after I break my fast and then I may spend an hour or so with Katrina—if you permit?’

  ‘Of course. You did not need to ask. There are rules we all must obey here, Harriet. If you follow them, you will be free to move within the palace more or less as you please, though there are certain areas where you should not go without permission.’

  ‘You are gracious, my lord. I shall try to observe all the rules, but you must instruct me.’

  ‘You are too meek, lady.’ His gaze was intent as he looked at her. ‘What are you planning? I am not sure I believe in this new Harriet.’

  ‘I was merely trying to show you that I have repented—as you instructed, my lord.’

  ‘I did not wish to crush your spirit.’

  ‘You have not, my lord.’ Harriet shot him a mischievous glance. ‘I thought you wished me to be submissive—was that not your intention? Is it not a woman’s place to obey her master?’

  ‘You mock me?’

  ‘I would rather call it teasing, my lord.’

  ‘Indeed?’ He smiled wryly. ‘I am given my own back, am I not? I believe that your punishment may not be enough. I may have to think of something more suitable.’

  ‘May I enquire the nature of this further punishment?’

  ‘No, Harriet, you may not. Be assured that it will fall when you least expect it.’

  She was betrayed into a laugh. ‘I do not know if that is meant to frighten me?’

  Kasim’s smile had vanished. ‘Why did you not wish to stay for the feasting last night? I thought you were unhappy … perhaps bored by the dancing?’

  ‘No, of course not. It was beautiful and the food was good …’ She shook her head. ‘I had something on my mind. It was foolish of me.’

  Kasim’s eyes narrowed. ‘You did not approve of the fighting either. The contests are a part of our culture. You must learn to enjoy these things, Harriet—or I fear your life will be very dull.’

  ‘I did not disapprove of the music or the fighting.’

  ‘But you closed your eyes while I was fighting. why?’ Kasim reached out and caught her wrist, forcing her to look at him. ‘Something is bothering you, Harriet. You must tell me!’

  ‘Please, let me go. You are hurting me.’

  ‘Nonsense! Don’t look at me like that,’ Kasim said and his intense look sent shivers down her spine. ‘Why could you not watch me? Were you afraid I should lose?’

  ‘I did not care if you lost …’ Her voice caught as she felt the pressure of his fingers increase. ‘I was afraid you might be hurt.’

  Kasim stared at her and then laughed and released her. ‘Has no one told you that I have won every year for the past eight years? You had no need to fear for me, lady. Besides, it was not a fight to the death. When we fight the fierce tribes from the north, then you may be concerned for me, but not in a contest amongst my friends.’

  ‘I see …’ Harriet turned her face aside, her heart racing as she saw something in his eyes. For a short time as they shared the nursing of Jason, she had felt close to him, but she must not be deceived! He had kept the women he favoured in his bed. ‘Yes, you have made friends here. You follow all their customs.’

  Kasim’s eyes narrowed. He looked at her for a moment longer and then smiled. ‘Do I, Harriet? What have you heard whispered of me I wonder? It is amazing how gossip spreads in the palace. You should not believe all the women tell you. They have nothing to do but spend their days in idle chatter.’

  ‘It was not a woman …’ Harriet blushed as he laughed huskily, clearly thinking her jealous and amused. ‘You need not explain to me. Besides, it had nothing to do with my headache.’

  ‘The celebrations continue tomorrow. Do you wish me to ask Kahlid if you may be excused?’

  ‘No, of course not. The celebrations are to mark the birth of Katrina’s son. Besides, it was quite enjoyable yesterday … some of the time.’

  ‘I am glad that you enjoyed some of the celebrations. Remember, it is unwise to listen to gossip. Anything you should know, I shall tell you.’

  Harriet inclined her head. She could never ask if what Hassan had told her was true, and she must learn to forget it. Yet she was aware of a stupid little pain in her heart, though she was ashamed of herself for feeling jealous of the girls who had welcomed her to their hearts so openly. Why should she care who he summoned to his bed?

  The trouble was, she was beginning to care too much.

  As soon as she had broken her fast later that morning, Harriet went to the infirmary. She had expected that she might encounter some strange looks or be questioned as to her business, but the bare-footed servants greeted her with smiles, seeming to know just who she was and why she had come. Going into the room where the patient she had tended earlier was lying propped up against some soft cushions, she discovered that he was awake and the fever had broken.

  He looked at her a little oddly, then apologised in broken English for having troubled her sleep the previous night.

  ‘My lord tell me the lady English come help me …’ he said and grinned at her. ‘My lord lucky devil … he say I no tell you, but is true.’

  ‘I am glad to see you recovered, sir,’ she told him. ‘Kasim was concerned for you, but I think your wound is recovering well.’

  ‘I soon better … thank you lady English …’

  ‘I shall come to see you tomorrow. I am glad to see you so much better.’

  Harriet toured the other ward, noting one or two changes that she thought could be made for the comfort of the patients. She would say nothing yet, but when she was serving her punishment here she would speak to Kasim about the mattresses, some of which looked as if they were fit only for the bonfire.

  After leaving the infirmary, she paid a quick visit to the schoolroom. She knew that one of the Caliph’s lesser wives would be with the children, but she wanted to see them for a few moments, because she was growing fond of them. As she entered the schoolroom, she found Lisbet, the pretty daughter of the Caliph’s third wife, crying. She clung to Harriet and complained of a stomach ache, but when nursed on Harriet’s lap while she read a story of fables to the children, her tears quietened and she was happy again when the bell sounded and the children were fetched by their nurses.

  Harriet had stopped only for half an hour, then hurried to Katrina’s apartments. When she entered, she discovered that a man she had never seen before was with the Caliph’s wife. From the flushed look on Katrina’s face, she guessed that something had upset her.

  ‘Excuse me, I should not have come without sending word.’

  ‘Do not go, Harriet. Jamail is my brother—and he is just leaving.’

  The man directed a look full of meaning at Katrina and then left the room without glancing at Harriet. She approached Katrina’s couch, feeling awkward. Was it within the rules for Katrina’s brother to be here with her alone?

  ‘Please do not tell Kasim my brother was here,’ Katrina said anxiously, confirming her doubts. ‘He should not have come. I did not wish it … he is reckless and he tries to bully me.’

  ‘You should have called the eunuchs, Katrina.’

  ‘It would cause trouble and I did not wish him punished, but I wish he would not say such things to me.’

  ‘What kind of things?’

  ‘He was trying to make me … he says I should persuade Kahlid that my son should be the heir, because I am of good family and Hassan’s mother was an Englishwoman. He says that if Hassan becomes Caliph one day the tribes will not accept him.’

  ‘If the Caliph heard him say such things he would be angry,’ Harriet said, anxious for her friend. ‘You must not allow him to speak to you like that, Katrina—even if you care for him.’

  ‘I do not. He is a bully and I wish he would not visit me. He has the right to visit sometimes, but I would prefer it to be when Kahlid is with me.’

  ‘Tell the eunuchs he is not to be admitted again—and if I were you, I should tell your husband what he said to you.’

  ‘I dare not.’ Katrina turned pale. ‘He would have Jamail captured and put to death—and he might punish me too. He loves Hassan and would protect him, though Jamail is right. Hassan will not be a popular ruler, because he is too hot-tempered.’

  ‘Be careful, Katrina. Someone may be listening. For your own sake you should speak to the Caliph.’

  ‘You will not tell Kasim?’

  ‘You know I would do nothing to harm you. I merely say that if it were me I would tell Kahlid. He would honour you for speaking honestly—and he would make sure that your brother could not distress you again.’

  ‘Perhaps …’ Katrina sighed. ‘I wish I were as brave as you, Harriet. Everyone admires you. Kahlid told me that you are like Anna—the wife he loved and honoured above all others.’

  ‘I am not very brave,’ Harriet said. ‘But you are my friend and I do not wish you to be in trouble.’

  ‘Let us talk of something else,’ Katrina said. ‘I have persuaded Kahlid that I am strong enough to watch the celebrations this afternoon. He says that I may as long as I do not tire myself. He says he has a special announcement to make. He would not tell me what, but I think it is important for he is anxious.’ Katrina sighed. ‘I think he is not well, but he will not admit it. If he should die … I should not want to return to my home. I would rather stay here, even if I must be in purdah.’

  ‘Do not talk of such things. They will only distress you,’ Harriet said. ‘I am sure there would always be a place for you as Ahmed’s mother.’

  ‘Perhaps …’ Katrina reached for her fan. ‘You should change for the celebrations, Harriet. I shall see you this afternoon.’

  Harriet had returned to her own apartments and changed into fresh clothes for the celebrations that afternoon. Summoned to the courtyard, she sat with Katrina under an awning nearer to the Caliph and apart from the other women. Harriet wondered why she had been given such an honour. Glancing at the Caliph, she saw him looking at her. He inclined his head and smiled, seeming to approve of her. Perhaps she had been forgiven for what she had done the night she took Marguerite’s place.

  The celebrations were much the same as the previous day. Dancing and demonstrations of various feats of skill were played out for the audience, and then the wrestling began. Once again Hassan took part and won easily. Next came the matched pairs of gladiatorial fighters. She was surprised when one of the Janissaries came and bowed to her and Katrina after he had won his bout.

  ‘I dedicate my win to the Lord Kasim’s English lady,’ he said in a loud voice. Cheers and laughter met his salutation, making her blush. ‘May you bear my lord a son with the heart of a lion.’

  Harriet felt her cheeks grow hot. She glanced at the Caliph and saw that he was nodding his head in agreement. For a moment she wanted to run from the courtyard, but she conquered her embarrassment and inclined her head, at which point there was wild cheering.

  Harriet knew that Katrina was looking at her with a smile of indulgence. Did they all believe that Kasim had taken her to his bed?

  ‘I have no doubt that the sons you bear Kasim will be lions,’ Katrina told her. ‘He is as brave and bold a warrior as he is a god of love … though do not tell Kahlid I said that, please. I am not supposed to listen to gossip, but the women whisper that he has the stamina of a lion.’

  Harriet made no comment. As yet Kasim had left her to sleep alone. She was not even certain that he desired her, though once or twice she had seen something in his eyes that made her heart race.

  As if on cue, Kasim walked into the arena. Her heart caught a beat as she saw that this time he was pitted against three opponents. Dear God! How could he possibly win against such odds? Her heart was in her mouth as the men circled him warily, but she forced herself to watch, her hands clenched in her lap, the nails digging into the palms as she willed herself to show no emotion. After a while, she began to realise that it was a display of skill rather than an actual fight. She breathed more easily as one of the opponents was forced to surrender, then the second lost his weapon and retired. Now it was only the last, but he was as skilled as Kasim and they were well matched, their fight seeming to go on interminably. Then, suddenly, Kasim slipped and the other warrior put his sword to his throat. The contest had ended according to the rules and Kasim had lost.

  Harriet’s heart jerked. Would he be upset or angry because he was no longer the supreme champion? She was surprised to see the two men embrace and then Kasim wrenched his spear from the ground and gave it to the man, who was clearly his friend. His words carried clearly to Harriet.

  ‘I give you best, Rachid. Take the gold spear. I pass on the champion’s mantle to you and applaud your skill.’

  ‘You will win it back next time …’

  Kasim shook his head. ‘There will not be a next time. I have decided to retire from the lists and leave the field to others.’

  There was a stunned silence and then cries of disappointment from the crowd.

  ‘No! No! No!’

  The slow chant went on until Kasim held up his hand. ‘Rachid is a worthy champion. There are others to take up the challenge. Next time I shall enter the wrestling. Your prince and I have a score to settle.’

  Hassan leapt to his feet, clearly excited. ‘Is that a challenge?’

  ‘If you will have it so.’ Kasim grinned at him, then looked at the Caliph. ‘Shall we settle it tomorrow, my lord?’

  ‘Yes, yes, yes.’ the crowd chanted, clearly intrigued by this new contest. ‘Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.’

  The Caliph deliberated and then rose to his feet, holding up a hand for silence. He looked at his son, then, for a long terrifying moment, at Harriet, then at Kasim.

  ‘The wrestling will be later this evening, when Kasim has had time to recover from his display of skill and courage. There will be three bouts—the winner will be crowned the lord of the feast and may command us all for one night. At the end of the wrestling, I shall make an important announcement.’

  Cheers of approval greeted his pronouncement, and the following, which was that they should all retire inside to eat and drink before the wrestling began.

  Hearing a little gasp, Harriet glanced at Katrina and saw that she looked pale. ‘Are you ill, my lady?’

  ‘I feel a little faint …’ Katrina moaned and then swooned against Harriet, who supported her as best she could.

  ‘The lady Katrina is faint,’ she cried. ‘Please, help …’

  She did not need to say more for Kasim was suddenly there. He took the lady Katrina into his arms and gave Harriet a meaningful stare.

 

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