You could never get used to the harsh dry sand that formed into curvatures and mounds, standing like mountains for miles and miles that touched the scorching sun. The suns rays dancing on the sand creating blurry landscapes and endless lands.
It has been said amongst the people of Egypt that although the cities are beautiful and wonderous, you never should travel alone in the desert without the knowledge of the land and skills to survive for if you did not have the knowledge or a mere guide, through the harsh planes, you were meeting with Anubis.
Many travellers have laid victim to the deserted planes and not returned. Some people say they see ghosts or the souls of those who have been forever lost, unable to return.
Egypt was always a second home to me. A beautiful paradise with culture. The forever long-lasting smells of spice and incense and the warm days with cold nights.
Egypt is where my father and I called home. It is where we both learnt hardships, built friendships, and went on an exciting adventure that lasted a lifetime.
I was only 18 when my father went to Egypt on his expedition in search of the infamous lost tomb of Tutankhamun.
Having admired my father since young, I followed my father's footsteps, using all the time spared from many sleepless nights in my father's study learning on the language, the history, and all my fathers' adventures.
My mother would scald me when I had my face in a book or slept through my classes.
Mother always said that a lady must be gracious and show her beauty not only from the inside but the outside too. A lady must be proper and always care for her husband, bearing children and caring for the family till old.
I hated how society overlooked women who had intelligence and in what they called an 'ideal' world, a women's role in life were to go to school only to learn the basic skills to cook, clean, give birth, raise children, and serve their husbands till the day they die. Of course, there are women now able to be employed but the jobs were limited to typewriters, clerks, and dry cleaners. Jobs that included study and hard labour were unheard of.
I wanted to become an archaeologist like my father. That required going to university and studying.
That was unheard of for a woman in a man society so of course my mother refused.
My father however, seeing how ambitious I was, allowed me to study under him in secret. Sometimes father would allow me to sit in his study and observe conversations with other archaeologists and members of the society and other times he even allowed me to read is journals or logs on previous expeditions. Mother would scale us both every time.
Of course, father would agree with mother to please her, but he knew that there was more to me then needle work and cooking lessons.
I had potential.
He knew that.
I will never forget the moment I found the bones of a bird in our garden.
How I delicately studied them with my little bushes made from cut strands of my own hair bonded by glue. And how my father came home that day from the office to find me in the garden covered in dirt on my new white dress, eyes beaming with excitement as I showed him my find.
My father from then on knew I was special.
In summer 1919, I boarded the early morning train in the countryside of England and, after a long journey on the Longevity, I managed to arrive on the port of Cairo, Egypt.
I was only 19 at the time, still young but full of potential and the will to learn. I did not remember much of the long journey other than the restless nights and the sound of the wheels click-clacking on the steel tracks. Still to this day somehow the pleasant sound feels soothing to me when I travel around Egypt.
After arriving at port, I walked off the ramp and onto the peer. With my small purse in hand and notebook I walk away from Longevity towards what looks like a small carriage pulled by horses. How I felt as if I were in one of my bothers westerns that he once read to me in attempts to get me to go to sleep. How he would imitate the sound of horses clobbering on and neighing as they pulled carriage or rode off into the desert, cowboy saddled up, guns blazing.
Audrey came quickly running down the ramp with briefcases in hand, attempting to pass the passengers as they walked down, trying to catch up.
'Madam! - Madam Michaels!' she shouted as passengers looked on as she franticly passed.
Finally reaching my side, gasping to breathe, she lowered her head and smiled.
'Apologies Madam, it seems I lost you on the way out when finding your luggage-.'
Taking my fan out from my purse I fanned my face.
'It seems our carriage is here Audrey; shall we go to father?' I responded.
Walking over to the carriage the gentleman came down from the front of the carriage to greet us.
'Hello madam, good travels?' His accent strong as he attempts to greet us with a smile. Wearing a wrap around his head and garments that resembled a robe.
'Yes, I am excited to see the valley as soon as possible, so lets' I reply climbing into the carriage with Audrey.
With a click and jump of the carriage it begun pulling and the ride begun to the valley of the kings.
How the journey there seemed longer than being aboard the ship. Hours went by as I continued logging in my journal of my travels and how Egypt was so different from what I called home back in England. Novel after novel I read again and again about the recent and past discoveries of the Egyptian treasures and kings. Stories of the lost tomb of Tutankhamun and his parents Akhenaten and Nefertiti. How the mystery is yet to be solved of the lost Pharaoh. My father always told me stories about the pharaohs of Egypt and how they were seen like kings to their people.
As we pulled up, I could hear the many voices coming from outside the carriage doors. Walking out into the harsh sun and sand, I walked over towards the group of tents, armies of men all gathered in places here and there. Some panning and pouring bucked after bucket of sand in attempts to find treasured golds, some pulling ropes and hurling pickaxes into the air before banging them against limestone.
Walking passed them I stop to see an old man, crippled and frail, holding a brush in his hand delicately pressing the bristles onto a strange, shaped object. Looking up he noticed my presence and smiled.
Raising his hand up he held the object in his bony fingers, offering it to me.
It appeared to look like an old wooden statue with intricate inscriptions on one side that appeared to be worn and broken apart and on the other, the smooth soft shapes that curved into what appeared to look like a human foot.
'Extraordinary' I whispered, smiling at the old man, and offering it back in return.
Letting out a laugh that sounded cracked and more of a moan he continued with his brushes brushing away the grains of dirt from the foot and wrapping it into white cloths away from other mounds of unexpected sand.
Standing upright I gave the man a little wave goodbye before continuing down the track towards the sound of men gathered.
Looking back once more at the man that couched down still brushing away at the clumps of sand, out of place amongst the younger more able men. He was so focused, taking his time with every stroke of the brush. His body so frail and hunched over as he sat in the only shade in the camp that was underneath a cloth with holes.
I felt a tug in my chest as I felt my heart squeeze and tighten at the old man in this harsh weather.
As if he noticed my eyes, he looked up at me from the distance, giving a wave he smiled, showing whatever teeth he had left, then watched on as I continued to walk.
Turning round I wave back, giving a light curtsey and continued walking.
'I believe I just made a friend.' I whispered to myself.
I approach the main tent where the sound of a hundred men gathers.
The sounds of discussion and argument behind the drapes excited me.
Opening the drape, I walk into the tent to meet what appeared to be a meeting of importance. Looking around I found father, deep in discussion, waving his hand around as he held a cigar in his hand, the smoke clouding the area as other men that were at the table also had cigars, sipping nips of gin.
Placing my briefcase down I sit on a stool nearby. Audrey came over towards me to assist to remove my headdress before running over to collect a glass of water. Sitting still watching on suddenly a group of four men paused, looking over towards me.
One of the men from the table walked over towards me, with a stained white shirt and braces, moustache wiry with red and black, slick hair that parted to one side, cigar in the mouth, he leans over towards me and clears his throat. Looking away as if showing no interest, I continue to sip my water.
'Can I help you ma 'dam?' He asked, husky in his voice but deep and charming.
'I'm here to see my father.' I replied, still not looking directly at the man.
He chuckled before standing upright, taking a puff from his cigar, and blowing the thick choaking cloud back towards me in sarcasm. Walking back towards the tables he speaks with father. Father then looks over to notice my presence and smiles. Wearing his copper vest with his watch chain dangling from his pocket and groomed, he comes over offering a hug with his arms stretched wide.
'My daughter.' He smiled. 'We were not expecting you for another week my dear. What a pleasant surprise.'
'Father, it is so nice to see you, it was a surprise of my unexpected visit. I hope I did not disturb you in your meeting.'
Father laughed.
'No, my dear daughter, we were just discussing the dig. You must see what we have recently discovered, although it is not much, were hoping to discover what we believe is a hidden tomb of a pharaoh.'
'How exciting, and who would this pharaoh be father?' I replied in excitement.
"Tutankhamun, The boy king.' He replied proudly, taking hold of my hand.
My eyes gleamed in excitement and my chest bubbled up like soda making my stomach heave.
'Father- this is truly spectacular and exciting; you must show me and introduce me to your colleges.'
Jumping like a child of excitement I walk over towards the table to greet the men. Covered in dirt and the smell of after-shave, the men tilted their beret, kissed my hand, and greeted with a 'good day.'
Suddenly, as though unexpected, the tents drapes burst open and a man came running in along with a group of others, laughing and joking around, covered in dirt, and sweat, they approached the table. Father who was nearby came and greeted the group of men, laughing and slapping backs, approaching me and the men.
One of the men in the group raises his head, still smiling and laughing, he comes over, kissing my hand. Surprised I jerk my hand back, startled at the gesture.
'Darling, you remember Thomas, yes? He came to visit us just last year in the country. He has come from America to help us uncover the tomb.' Father said as though to break the ice in the air.
Passing looks at one another I felt an overwhelming sensation as he continued to look up and down, pausing his eyes at my chest, feeling sick at the look of his face as father continued to talk but it appeared that Thomas's mind was elsewhere. Suddenly he interrupted father-
'Michaels, would it be alright if I escort Madam Jaylene to her tents. After all, it would not be right to allow my fiancé to go alone, she may get lost.' Thomas requested proudly.
Father cleared his throat and nodded his head-
'You're right Thomas, please ensure my daughter finds her sleeping arrangements suitable.' Father replied flustered.
Thomas merrily grabbed his coat and hat that sat on a bookshelf nearby, flinging his hat on his head and coat around his shoulder he gave a wink and held out his hand.
'Shall we my dear?' He asked
Walking past his hand I leave the tent flustered, Audrey lightly bowed to father and rushed out behind, juggling my briefcase in her hands. Thomas let out a little chuckle, tugging down on his hat before walking out proudly. Meeting me outside the tent, we walked on down a narrow path towards a group of small tents before reaching three large sized ones huddled in a circle. Stopping at one in the middle, Thomas crouches down and starts to untie the ribbons that kept it closed. Lifting the drape he walks inside for a moment, then comes out again with a smile on his face.
'This is yours.'
Walking inside I look around the tent to find one stretcher neatly made, a partition with bath and a small study space that had a worn desk and bookshelf.
'Your father insisted you have your own desk, he said you like to read, so I put in a bookshelf with some journals that you might find interesting. What do you think?' He said standing outside the tent.
Putting down my hat and brief case I look around. Audrey smiled, seeing my excitement.
Thomas then poked his head in slightly, smiling like a child.
'If you need anything I'm the next tent over.'
'Where will Audrey be staying?' I interrupted.
Audrey then walked towards the entrance and gave me a slight bow before leaving.
'Sir Thomas, please lead the way.' She asked.
Thomas's smile widened, placing his hands on his hips, looking at him sent a shiver down my spine.
'I'll see you soon my dear for supper.' He said walking off with Audrey.
Letting out a sigh I sit down on my stretcher with a thud. 'What have I got myself into' I thought.
The afternoon came and the campsite lit by candlelight glowed in the desert pane. Putting on my rouge I sit by my dresser, looking with focus at the mirror as I press powers onto my face. Audrey, standing nearby, holds onto my clutch in waiting when suddenly a man approaches the tent.
'Malady, I have come to escort you to the Inn.' Said the man awkwardly, clearing his throat in attempt to clear his muffled voice.
Draping me shall over my bare shoulders I met the man outside the tent. 'Fathers assistant' I thought.
'Good evening to you.' He said lightly tipping his hat.
'Good evening, I believe we haven't met?' Looking at him closely up and down.
'I am Henry Deidrick; I work with your father down at the station in town. Your family and I go back, He insisted that I escort you to town to the Inn. Our team are gathered and your father for the evening's festivities.' He explained, walking me over to the carriage.
'You say that we go back, but I don't remember meeting you, Mr. Deidrick.'
'Henry' He laughed, showing a quick smile. 'Just call me Henry'
Getting into the carriage we arrived at a small Bazaar on the outskirts of a small village not far from the Valley. Walking down the street we stop at the Inn. Men and women dressed in their whites and fine gowns stood around, sipping wine and beer with puffs of smoke coming from their cigarettes. The men, talking in smooth tongue and the women frilling their dresses in attempts to impress, laughing, and joking as a spicy upbeat sound from the band entices you inside. Guiding me in, Henry walks into the crowd of people, holding onto his arm I followed as the gaze of the men and women slowly turned into our direction. Whispers started to peak my ears as I passed-
'Look at her gown-Oh My!'
'Who is that?'
'She looks stunning'
'Who does she think she is?'
'Oh My! -Is that…'
Trying to switch off I just continued to smile and greet the other patrons until we reached a small round table near a window, Men and women gathered inside nearby chugging bear and playing cards.
Insisting that he will return, Henry then walks off, leaving me in the crowd.
Looking over towards where the music was played was a woman, dressed in a black gown, hair delicate with large curls that formed around her face like a picture frame, lipstick so deep red it was like she was a movie star. Embracing the microphone, she started to sing.
The men, continued galivanting around the room as they held their cigars and puffed balloons of smoke, laughing loudly, and talking to one another as if they were a mile away.
Watching on the woman sways to the sound of bass and piano, moving to the beat of the music, she sang deeply of love and lust, twirling and grinding onto the piano seductively.
Peering through the windows the desert sun settles behind the small town, buildings like hills catching shadows.
Taking hold of the glass of wine that sat on the table, I take a sip, still taking note that I am being watched.
'Are you the Lady Michaels?' spoke a man as he approached my table.
'Perhaps, depends on who is asking' I reply uneasy.
'Pardon me, May I introduce myself. I am Lord Carter, I work with your father and an archaeologist, head of the expedition in the Valley. Your father told me much about you I thought I would come and introduce myself. Your father told me you are fond of archaeology and would like to partake in the expedition. I must say, a woman to be into digging in dirt and getting into the muck of things just to find treasure is beyond me. I would expect a woman like yourself to be into far more interesting things that would be more suitable for a lady.'
Sitting down at the table he crossed his legs, placing his cane down.
Sitting upright I place my hands in my lap. A sudden wave of insecurity and anxiety overthrew me like a wave. Taking a sip, I attempt to lubricate my dry throat.
'My Lord, I am sure you understand how and why I am so interested in wanting to become an archaeologist. It is not only my dream; it is my passion to become one. The stories my father read to me as a child piqued my interest. I thought that such a thing did not exist, unearthing treasures from nearly the finest grains of sand. Such beauty that words cannot express. The sheer excitement and longing for history to be discovered by man that was once treasured many centuries ago. To a young woman like myself that was told that the best things you can do is to ensure you are a good wife and mother to healthy children, why, that is not a life, to have what my father has, it is truly something I have wanted my whole life. And being a woman, that is a curse, why sometimes I wish I were a man, that way I could live my life freely and do whatever I please.'
Feeling my body stiffen I take a deep breath and attempt to relax.
Carter looked on with a big smile. He then laughed with a cackle.
'Well, I will not argue if that is what you want. Its not going to be easy.' He explained, taking a swig at his whiskey. 'Just because you're a woman, doesn't mean your going to be treated differently to that of the other men who are trying their hardest to find treasure.'
'I didn't expect to be treated differently, my lord.' Feeling confident in my response.
Raising his glass after little thought he nodded his head in agreeance.
'Cheers then, in the hope of success to find the tomb.'
Raising my glass, we clink before taking a mouthful together.
Suddenly a hand landed on my shoulder, giving me a fright. Peering over my shoulder a man stood wearing a brown and white suit. Hair pulled back to the side and clean shaven, he smirked, chuffing a cigar.
'Carter, I hope your not trying to flirt with my Fiancé- it would make me very jealous in thought you were trying to gain another wife. It must tell your wife that you are thinking of replacing her.' The man said with a serious tone.
Thomas.
Fidgeting away from him, I push his hand away.
'We were merely discussing business Thomas, not that it should concern you.' I snapped.
Thomas laughed hysterically, taking a puff of his cigar, and sitting down on a chair he dragged from a nearby table full of patrons.
As though by chance, father came to the table, followed by another man and a beautiful young woman, not much older than me. Approaching the table they sit down amongst us, Father coming over towards me to give a light peck on my cheek.
'George-Almia, may I introduce my lovely daughter Catherine. She arrived from London this morning. She is to join in on the expedition in the Valley.' He said proudly, puffing his chest.
George gave a light bow. Almia's rouged smile widened, walking over to sit next to me. Her perfume smelt so sweet, her dark brown curls framed her face, eyes like two green emeralds. Taking hold of my arm she pulled me close with a tight squeeze.
'How delightful! Another woman in the camp, it has been too lonely that I have had to endure the men of the camp that now we have a woman I feel more relaxed. I hope that we can be friends Miss Catherine.' She spoke cheerfully.
Letting out a little giggle and smile in return, I squeeze her arm back.
'I must admit that it is a dream come true for us to be able to participate in such an interesting and enticing adventure to find treasure, do not you agree- 'Before Almia could continue, Thomas clears his throat and cuts in.
'Its not just treasure we are looking for here, it is the tomb of the lost pharaoh- The Boy King.' He explained, folding his arms.
'Yes, it is true, his tomb has yet to be discovered. We have found traces in other tombs of this 'Boy King' but so far, his tomb has yet to be located. We believe, like the other pharaohs and queens before him, he may be in the Valley.' Stated Carter.
Father then chuffed and smiled, holding his glass of whiskey he took a sip, amused with the discussion of us all gathered.
'If you have found evidence of the 'Boy King' in other tombs, why hasn't there been any instructions or clues as to where the tomb is?' I ask.
Thomas laughed.
'Do you seriously think that the ancient Egyptians were thoughtless? They did not leave any clues or hints to where they buried their royalty. If they did, thieves would have invaded their tombs after days of them being buried, and not to mention generations into the future, they would have made it too easy for people to loot. Egyptians are cleaver. They set traps and all different kinds of tricks to stop people from entering the tomb. Why, it would not surprise me that they have a snake pit around the tomb, or a curse.'
Thomas was serious, his stare was sharp and words sharper. It made me uneasy in to think I could be included in such a task. Was I fit to join in this expedition? Only on interest of reading stories in books was I able to come to Egypt to follow my dreams in one day becoming an Archaeologist.
Suddenly Almia grabbed my hand.
'That's why were all here, aren't we not?' She asked.
Nodding my head I looked into her worried eyes, giving her a quick smile, she exhaled in relief.
'With that said, may we discover the unimaginable, and may we all be safe throughout this unexpected journey and no matter what, we are all here for the adventure of a lifetime.' Said father raising his glass.
'AMEN!'
As time went late into the night, many laughs and stories were shared in amongst company as the music, smell of cuisine and wine filled the room. Before long, patrons started to leave the venue and seats begun to empty. The man that was once standing outside by carriage came inside, approaching our table, he was filled with worry and seriousness. Noticing him standing close, we all paused and stared as he waited for a response.
'Lords and Ladies, it seems we have reports of there being a sandstorm in the desert that is making heading back to the valley difficult. We may not be able to travel back to the Valley tonight.' He spoke hesitantly.
Suddenly we paused looking at each other, then back at the man.
'Are you telling us we must stay in the village still the sandstorm subsides? That could take hours, its nearly morning.' Thomas protests.
Father then walked off towards the main entrance. He peers off into the distance, watching the dark clouds cover the night, slowly blanketing the once stary night and creeping closer towards the venue.
'We will stay here for the night and head out in the morning to the Valley. There is no point in arguing about it and going out there, its suicide to battle a storm.' Father exclaimed.
We all nodded in agreeance.
'What of the camp then?' asked Almia.
'It will be alright, nothing but a little sand will kick around the camp, it will clear in the morning.' Carter advised, as if he had experienced this before.
Feeling an ominous stare beside me, I looked over to see Thomas staring intently in my direction. Looking at this face he was flushed, red from the drink, holding his cigar in one hand as the ash slowly fell onto his shoe. Quickly looking away out the window, he chuckled to himself, taking a long drag of this cigar, and looking the other way.
Feeling uncomfortable, I stand up quickly, walking over towards the flight of stairs. Quickly looking back, I give a wave.
"I wish to retire for the evening, I will head in first, I bid you all a goodnight.'
Quickly racing up the stars I hear the others move, talking amongst themselves, then I hear father shouting out 'Goodnight, dear' and a sound of footsteps coming my direction.
'Wait up- Catherine.' Thomas said following behind.
Quick- I must be.
Placing the key into the door, I push the door of the room open, quickly shutting it behind me. As I do, I hear a bang coming from the other side. Thomas's had knock on the door with a thud. He was too late.
'Good night, Thomas.' I shouted.
Thomas then laughed, attempting to catch his breath, he leans onto the door.
'Catherine, do not you think you owe me a night, considering my fiancé. I have not seen you in so long, I have missed you.' He gasps.
'Leave me be Thomas. You heard father, early morning trip back to the Valley. Return to your room and rest.'
Thomas then smiles, feeling the doors grooves with his hands, kissing the surface with his intoxicated lips.
'You'll have to give up eventually.' He whispered.
Placing the locks on I walk away from the door, slumping down onto the bed, feeling my legs give in to the weight of my body. Listening for the sound, Thomas then gets himself up and slowly walks down the corridor, his footsteps can be heard thumping down before a click and bang of a door closing.
'What does father see in that man...?' I mumble to myself.
Throwing my body back I curl myself in between the sheets, pushing my heels off my feet and onto the floor.
I can remember the time when I first met Thomas.
It was summer, I was sixteen, having just returned from St. Mulberry's school, when I received an injustice of Mrs. Downes giving me lashings of the stick across my hands, followed by detention for falling asleep during class.
I remember father coming home with a young man. He was older than me, just a little older than my sister, he was standing in my father's study. Wearing a black and red suit, hair combed back, shiny black shoes. He was sipping on my father's whiskey, looking out the window.
Father was walking down the stairs when I came in. Mother, telling me to go upstairs to wash my face and put one of her dresses on that she had worn once when she was young and to come down quick for dinner.
'We have a guest. One of your fathers' colleagues. He is a gentleman you see, from America. Go upstairs and put on that dress!' She demanded.
I remember passing my sisters room as I reached my own. My sister was four years older than me and preferred her own presence. She liked to wear the finest things and liked to dress herself to impress every man she fancied. She would curl her hair, wear frilly dresses, and put on deep rouge on her lips to make them a deep red. She had black curls that she had placed around her face. She was all my mother wanted her to be.
Going into my room, I changed my dress and walked down the corridor. There, Thomas stood meeting me halfway at the stairs. Smiling he offered me his hand before coming down. Looking at him and his hand, I continued walking down the stairs towards the dinning area. Thomas slowly walked down, smiling and chuckling to himself.
What a strange man, I thought at the time.
Sitting down at the table, I remember mother grumbling to me about posture and mannerisms. Father then introduced Thomas before sitting down, having Thomas sit opposite of me next to my sister. Remembering her face, all she could do was smile and giggle, as he looked at her up and down, focusing his eyes on places where she knew he would look. As if she was flaunting it on purpose, she pushed out her chest. It made me sick watching it all from across the table.
Father, blind to all of it, was happily drinking his wine and having his fill of mutton for dinner. Father spoke of the adventures and experiences he had in the states and how he met Thomas at one of the banks in a town called Louisiana. My father always went away on business, even when I was born. He would go sometimes months at a time. He would travel to many places, and wherever he went, he always managed to keep a diary with him to write about his travels. I used to cry whenever he left us, and always looked forward to receiving his letters.
My mother, having the maids cook a grand feast, was proud and gracious to Thomas as we entered the dining room. Mother had her fine China and candles delicately placed on the table. Hard to believe she only takes her fine treasures out on special occasions- was this one of those times? I thought.
Thomas watched us bicker and laugh, focusing his attention more at my mother tending to my father as he attempts to eat and drink his wine at the same time, mother on standby taking her napkin and wiping his moustache, saying to him in a wine 'Dear we have guests.'
My father would just laugh.
Holding up his glass, Thomas smiled.
'How beautiful you are. Why, if only I was lucky of a man like you Michael, Id treasures my wife wholeheartedly.'
Father gave mother a little squeeze of her hand before looking at my sister and me.
'You are not married, my lord?' asked mother.
'No Ma'am, I am a bachelor. My mother insisted I marry to a young woman in my hometown, but my hobbies kept me to busy. However, since I have become more adventurous and sociable, surely a young lady may cross my path to whom I one day marry.' Thomas took a sip of his wine.
Mother looked at me cunningly then back at Thomas.
'My-my, we best find you a young lady.'
My sister perked herself up in her chair, beaming at mother for a suggestion. Looking at her made me laugh, spitting my food out of my mouth.
As the night continued Thomas stayed with us in the country for two whole weeks, working with father in his study. As I would journey to school and back, I would find him in different places of the house. Sometimes sitting in the downstairs sunroom, or up in his bedroom with the door wide open reading a book by the fire. I remember one night, I will not forget, there was a strange noise coming from my sister's room. It sounded very subtle and quiet. It continued for some time then stopped. Before long I would hear a door close and footsteps coming back down the corridor. Getting up to look at the clock, every night it would be around four to five o'clock in the morning, just before the maids got up, that I would hear the strange noise.
I often wondered if Thomas had visited my sister during the night or that my sister started to sleepwalk when Thomas came to visit. The way she was fixated on him made me want to puke.
I mastered up the courage one night to take a peep in the corridor during the time of four thirty in the morning.
Putting on my robe, I quietly opened the door, peeping through the crack. As if someone had the fire going, small flickers of light danced on a thin beam line starting from down the corridor where my sister's room had the door slightly ajar, up the opposite wall. Leaving my room, I slowly followed the light, ensuring that I would not be seen, casually looking behind to see if I were followed.
Finally stopping at the room beside my sisters, I crouched down onto the floor, listening intently for that strange sound, or the voice of my sister. Suddenly, I heard the voice of a man, talking in low quiet tones, speaking softly to not be heard. He then paused. Another voice started to speak, this time a little louder than the other.
'I love you- you must love me.'
The voice sounded desperate, lost and out of breath.
Peering into the room I found two figures, eloped in an embrace on the floor.
Quickly turning away, I felt my face flush.
'My sister—and that man…' I whispered, covering my mouth in attempt in entrapping the sound.
Suddenly there was a kafuffle and rustling in the room followed by footsteps getting closer towards the door where I sat hiding... In a panic I quickly ran to my bedroom, closing the door quietly before jumping into my bed to pull up the covers in hope that I was not seen.
After that night I did not hear anything in the middle of the night. In fact, throughout the whole trip, my sister and Thomas did not look at another let alone be in each other's presence, always having an excuse to avoid each other. I often wondered If I did not see them both together would they have married.
It was not till the last night of Thomas's visit that mother and Father had a celebration. Members of the bank and community, friends of the family- even the maids family came to the event. At the time I was not so sure as to why we had a celebration unit my father raised his glass to make a toast, everyone gathered in mothers newly cleaned and arranged parlour.
'Hello to all my friends. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with me and the family.'- He exclaimed loudly, standing by the fireplace, 'I would like to introduce my esteemed colleague Mr. Thomas Duncan. He and I are expected to go to Egypt in the next coming days to join or crew on an expedition. In the meantime, I would like all you to raise a toast, to my daughter's engagement.' Father paused as I looked over to my sister, watching her surprised and full of joy as she smiled, then back at my mother and father both looking at me, then back at Thomas and the people. 'My Daughter Catherine, my sweet daughter- and Thomas… Cheers to them both!'
My mouth dropped.
My sister stopped her feet before running away upstairs.
Mother and father looked at me and smiled.
'Me Engaged-Mother, Father you've got to be joking?' I asked, desperate.
Mother clicked her tongue.
'You are ready my child, he is a fine man. If anything, it will stop you from acting like a child and grow up.' Mother argued.
'But I barely know him, he has been here for two weeks and not once have we been together. I do not understand. What about...'
Before I could go on any further, Thomas stood into the conversation. Taking hold of my mother's hand he lightly pecked, then shook my father's hand. Watching on, I felt a cloud over me, thundering in rage and pouring down with sadness as it overwhelmed me like the coming tide. How could my family do such a thing? What have I done to receive this treatment?
Mother then continued.
'We are so happy to receive such exciting news and that you have chosen our beautiful daughter, Mr. Duncan. I hope that she does not cause you much trouble, she truly has such energy and very gracious.'
Sugar coating the moment in attempts to make light of what was said, mother laughed, trying to hide her frustrations.
Father cleared his throat.
'Y-Yes, it is hard to believe my little angel is all grown up, getting wed.'
Watching on made me sick.
'Your daughter is, such a special young lady.' Thomas agreed looking at me whilst taking a sip of his brandy. 'What with the expedition, we must marry soon.'
"My goodness, your head over heals already, surely you would like to plan such occasion. Aren't you not going in a mere few days to Egypt? A wedding takes time to plan.' Mother exclaimed in excitement.
Feeling the urge to scream I quickly interrupt before it is too late-
'Father, may I speak with you privately?' I ask, desperate.
Feeling mothers devilish gaze fixated onto me as I try to end such a 'pleasant' conversation, I link arms with father and walk off upstairs.
'Oh Thomas, please do look after my young daughter, She's such a handful at times.' Mother gasps.
'Don't you worry, ma'am, I never strike out of a challenge, especially when there's love involved.'
Mother just swooned, taking out her fan to try gasp for air.
Father and I reached the study, closing the door behind me I run over and squeeze him tightly.
'Father- why must you do this to me, you know I won't be happy.' I cry
Father squeezed me tightly back before kneeling onto the floor.
'Sweetheart, its mine, and your mothers dream for you to marry and be happy. We want what is best for you. Thomas is a great man; I owe him my life. You are a grown woman now, not a child anymore. It is time to put away your stories and focus on being a wonderful wife to Thomas, and to someday have children of your own.'
'Wife-Children of my own! - What about all the adventures, the promises you made to me about going to Egypt with you? To join you on your expeditions?'
My father was great at persuasions. Far better than any lawyer or politician that ever lived.
But I was his daughter.
He knew better.
He knew that whenever it came to a discussion or the means to get out of something with protest, he would never win.
Father scratched his head and fiddled with his moustache, moaning and groaning.
'Your mother isn't going to like me' he said cracking a grin.
Before he could say anymore, I jumped and wrapped my arms around him, happy with joy.
'I will need to talk to your mother. It is not going to be easy.'
'Oh, thank you, thank you.' I smiled.
'However, you must marry Thomas.' Father pulled me away from him, face serious. 'We will have to arrange something.'
Suddenly the door opens, mother walks in through the door, furious.
'Catherine! How dare you leave the party like that!' Mother exploded. 'You are my daughter, it is your duty as a woman in this family to marry a suitable young man that will support you and love you, give you children and a roof over your head. Your father and I have agreed with Mr. Duncan's proposal and that is final. You will be married to Mr. Duncan by the end of next week.'
'But mother I…' I pleaded, still holding onto father.
Father then stood up, looking directly at mother then back at me, letting me go and leaving me standing alone. Father then cleared his throat and sat down on the lounge nearby, taking his brandy and sipping slowly, watching on.
Mother then walks over towards me, in rage, she began raising her hand and with one swoop, strikes across my face.
'How dare you talk back at me, after all your father and I have done for you.' She yelled. Her voice echoing in the room.
'What happened to going with father on the expedition?' I choaked, trying not to react to my throbbing face.
Mother slammed her hand on a nearby stack of books that sat on the study nearby.
'We did not agree on that! Being an explorer like your father is not a profession for a woman, especially one that spends her days reading boorish fantasies instead of focusing on her studies that your father and I have worked hard desperately for you to do.'
Before it could continue, Thomas then entered the room, with a big smile he walked over and poured himself a glass.
'I hope I'm not interrupting, but your guests have been looking for you, Ma'am, Michaels.'
Father stood up, taking the final swig of his glass, and begun walking towards the door. Before he left, father walked over to mother and gave a light peck, whispering into her ear, then leaving the room.
Leaving us alone in the room, Mother and I stood staring at one another. Sighing she slowly walked over to the door, closing it behind her, leaving me all alone.
I then started to cry in a whale. Overflowing tears dripped down me redden swollen cheeks onto my dress soaking like the rain.
Mother never appreciated me, nor did she accept what I liked, how I saw the world and what I thought goes.
Mother never did until her last dying breath.
Mother always said that I lived in a fantasy, a pipe dream and that I would never come out of and that I would never come to terms with reality.
A week had passed, and the hopes of a wedding did not come. My mother refused to talk to me over a period of three weeks. My father, having left on the end of that week, he only gave a wave and a promise that one day soon I would join him in Egypt.
After a little while, when my mother started to talk to me again, she would say that if I did not appease her, I would never set foot in Egypt to join my father. Somehow, I felt like it was her only way of telling me what to do and how to control me.
Father would also send me letters from time to time. Each time he sent me a letter, he would write about what happened at the camp and how they managed to find different artifacts or even talk about the things he saw during his travels.
Whilst father was away, it made time without him difficult as I had to obey my mother more and more and do what I loved less.
I will not forget that day when my mother received a telegram from father.
That was when I decided to go to Egypt.