Rina opened her parasol exceptionally delicately as she looked at Cairo from the deck of the ship. Finally, they had arrived in Egypt, although Jack had made time go quickly. Being in his arms was exceedingly addictive and she was quite sure that she might just be madly in love. Not that she’d tell him anytime soon, at least until she was sure of how Jack felt. She felt like she may just keep her feelings inside. For once in her life, she had prudence ?

Moreover, there was so much to do besides watching Jack in his diplomatic clothing. For instance, the market seemed to sing a siren song to her as many things caught her eye. She would absolutely do some shopping and buy some native clothing first. There must be something cooler to wear in the blazing hot sun. She was not going to be one of these women who stuck to English clothing in bad weather.

The weather made her think about taking a trip down the Nile. Bertie and Alix hadn’t specified how long she should stay and a trip like that would be the chance of a lifetime. She would buy a ticket after shopping. Perhaps Jack might like to accompany her, even if no spying would occur. Pure enjoyment and lovemaking would be on the menu.

Alexandria ! She would have to visit Alexandria. The city was so beautiful and magical, or it had been to a child. More shopping and the perfect place to start her journey down the Nile, or was it up the Nile ? She never had been sure which was which. It was extremely complicated.

She smiled at Jack as he escorted her off the boat. Oddly enough, she didn’t have sea legs, but she did have an appetite. Her eyes quickly located a restaurant and she pulled Jack in the right direction. He had to be hungry as well and the smells from the café was beyond wonderful. Besides, food was always a good way to understand local culture.

Rina demolished her plate of lamb and then took some dates and apricots from a shared plate. She sighed, not wanting to know Jack’s plans after the Tears were delivered. There was probably some woman waiting. Hell, there were probably women in every port. Best not to think about it because the subject might make her cry in public.

Instead, Rina started a mental shopping list in her mind to distract herself. She wanted a jinn-like lamp, nice silk clothing, some rugs, and a wonderful perfume. She was going to redecorate her bedroom to look like something out of the Arabian Tales. No one she knew had anything like it, so she’d be the first and be the envy of all the people she brought to see her inner chambers.

Thinking about her bedroom made her think of Jack as a sultan in some made up desert fantasy. She could be an odalisque who peeled grapes for her lover. That would be quite fun, but she really needed to stop thinking about Jack. Finishing the mission would be a nice balm for a wounded heart.

They walked to the Government House slowly, since Rina wanted to make sure she was properly dressed and her clothes had no wrinkles. Once the Tears of Isis were safely in her purse, she strolled into the official office as if she belonged there. Then again, Rina felt she belonged anywhere. However, she was an aristocrat. She belonged anywhere she wanted, or so she had been taught. She smiled warmly at the man at the desk.

“I believe you were waiting for these. You can cable Their Royal Majesties that the package arrived safely as did their courier. I trust that’s everything ?”

The undersecretary examined them before nodding his head. With a smile, he suggested a lovely hotel and recommended a trip to the bazaar for some very interesting things. From what Rina heard, anything could be found there. Of course, anything could happen in the lovely hotel too.

“Look, Jack, there are monkeys ! I just have to get one, but I think it would hate the trip home. I should just mail it home and get the little darling when we get home. Lily and Papa shouldn’t have a problem. As a matter of fact, I’ll just ship them to London. It’ll take a long time, but we won’t have to carry things around.”

She looked at Jack, who had linked her arm around his and leaned on his shoulder for a few minutes. The Arabian robes she had bought were so cooling and so lovely, even if they covered up almost anything. The embroidery was so impressive that it made up for all the material. Of course, she had also bought several handmade rugs, like she had in mind. The giant one would look just perfect in her father’s study.

There were so many baubles and beads that her head was turned at each slow pace. It was heaven for a shopper. There must have been one of everything in the world. Rina was taking her time. She had to smell every spice and perfume, not to mention holding a million pieces of jewelry up to the sun. It was if she couldn’t pass up a chance to buy lapis and malachite.

Also tempting Rina were the food stalls. She always had a healthy appetite and each stall called to her. She pronounced even the locusts tasty, if not a bit too crunchy. Countess or not, she washed down her food with some wonderful beer. Egyptian beer was so tasty to her and so, she bought two rounds to share with Jack, who was certainly being very patient.

“Shall we visit the wine vendors next, Jack ? I could use something down my throat. My mouth feels like it’s full of sand. I bet they have some wonderful vintages to send home and more for us to celebrate our success. We’re heroes and we deserve some celebration time.

Besides, Egyptian wines have an ancient history. We could drink wine from the same grapes Cleopatra did. Oh, do say yes and I’ll show you the dancing outfit I bought while you weren’t looking. It’s absolutely indecent, so you’ll love it.”