Bought for the Harem, page 9
‘She is very young, but she learns our ways easily. I have had reports of her and they are mostly good. She is certainly English and of good family, as your mother was—but come and see for yourself. She is in the gardens with my women.’
Hassan followed his father to the window that looked out over the harem gardens. No other man was ever allowed this privilege, but his father was generous. Hassan had often been allowed to choose when new women were brought to the palace. His father had many women in his harem, though he sent for only a few, preferring to spend his evenings with his chief wife when she was well.
‘Which one is she?’ Hassan asked as he saw several women playing and laughing in the gardens. His father came to stand by his side, watching for a moment and smiling as he watched some women splashing each other with water from the fountain.
‘The one wearing pale blue. She has long blonde hair and her eyes are blue, I think, though I have not been close enough to see if they are more blue than green.’
Hassan watched as the woman splashed water at the monkey, who had come to investigate. She screamed with laughter and looked up towards their window as the monkey scrambled up a vine. Because of the pierced screen over the window she could not see that she was being watched and for a moment Hassan had a clear view of her lovely face.
‘She is lovely. Young and without artifice. I think she will make me a fine wife, Father. You are certain she is English?’
‘Yes. I gave Kasim orders to find a beautiful and intelligent English woman and he brought this one for you. There is another who helps to care for the children. She is clever, but not as beautiful. I think this is the right bride for you, my son.’
‘Yes, she is.’ Hassan looked pleased. ‘How soon can the marriage be arranged? Must she be taught the faith before we marry?’
‘I think it is too soon. She is not yet accustomed to all our ways. I believe the marriage should be quite soon … perhaps tomorrow? This evening I have a meeting with one of the hill tribesmen, but tomorrow evening will be your wedding and the following day a celebration.’
‘Tomorrow evening I shall be married.’ Hassan nodded his agreement. ‘I need to find a gift for her, Father. Tomorrow I shall go to the merchants and see what I can find that will please her.’
‘There are many items of value in my treasure chests. You may choose something from there if you wish.’
‘Perhaps a jewel,’ Hassan agreed. ‘But I was thinking of something different. She seems to like playing with the monkey. I must get her a pet of her own for she is innocent and I would not have her sad to leave your harem and her friends.’
‘The other woman is her friend,’ Kahlid said. ‘She is not beautiful, but you might think of taking her into your harem as a companion for your wife. However, I would suggest that you wait a while. Let your bride become accustomed to marriage before you bring them together again. Women need to be tamed, my son, but you must use a velvet glove, not a whip. Especially with English women, who are naturally stubborn and wilful. Your mother resisted me for a long time, but in the end I won her.’
‘I shall be patient,’ Hassan told him and smiled. ‘I would have my wife love me as much as my mother loved you.’
The day had passed swiftly; Harriet had spent the afternoon reading poetry to Katrina. Her friend had been too lazy and unwell to read herself and she had not wanted to part from Harriet when it was time for her to leave.
‘I do not see why you have to go back there every night,’ she said and sighed. ‘You could have an apartment near me and then we could talk for as long as we wished.’
‘That would be pleasant,’ Harriet agreed. ‘Yet my cousin will be happy to see me when I return.’
‘Your cousin …’ Katrina pouted, obviously not pleased with her answer. ‘You will not see her very often soon for she will be in another part of the palace. Prince Hassan is home now and she will be sent to his harem.’
Harriet held her tongue. She longed to deny Katrina’s words, but did not wish to distress her.
However, her mind dwelled on what her friend had said as she made her way back to the harem through the gardens that evening. She had known that it would happen one day, but after the visit to the bazaar she had hoped they might escape before it happened.
‘Lady Harriet …’ Harriet froze as she heard the voice speak softly to her in English. ‘Do not turn. No one must know I am here or I am dead.’
‘What do you want?’ Harriet asked, her voice barely above a whisper. ‘How did you come here? It is forbidden.’
‘Ask no questions. When you are both safe all will be revealed. You must bring Mistress Marguerite here tomorrow evening just as dusk falls. Beyond the fountain and the bed of oleanders is a small gate used by the gardeners. It will be unlocked for two hours after dusk. After that it will be locked again so that the escape route is disguised. If you are prevented tomorrow, I shall get another message to you.’
‘What is outside the gate?’
‘Someone who knows the secret ways will be waiting for you. Go now or you will be noticed.’
‘Thank you. We shall be there.’
Harriet resisted the temptation to turn her head. Whoever had come here to deliver the message was a very brave man. If he were discovered, he would almost certainly be punished and put to death. The Caliph’s harem was forbidden to all but the eunuchs and the Caliph himself.
Could the messenger be a eunuch himself? Harriet wondered about it as she entered the coolness of the harem. The communal courtyard, which led from Katrina’s gardens to the more private rooms, was deserted, as it usually was at this hour. Very soon now the gates that connected to this garden would be locked. There would be only a small window of time when they could make their escape. Harriet was on fire to tell Marguerite that she had to wait only one more day and then she would be free, but wisely she kept her excitement inside. To confide the secret too soon might be risky. She would wait until the last moment and then whisper it to her cousin when they were in the garden. It was the one place where they could find a secluded spot where they could not be heard.
‘You have been gone the whole day,’ Marguerite complained as Harriet entered the sleeping quarters they shared. Her tone was accusing, almost resentful. ‘I get so bored when you are not here, Harry. I wish I could come with you.’
‘Perhaps you will soon.’ ‘What do you mean?’
‘I shall ask if you may join me in the schoolroom—if you would like that?’
‘Oh …’ Marguerite shook her head. ‘You are teaching them English, aren’t you? I have been trying to improve my French, but it is too difficult.’
‘What do you amuse yourself with all day?’
‘I play with the monkey, dance and bathe …’ Marguerite yawned. ‘I long to walk and ride as we used to, Harry—don’t you?’
‘Yes, I do, but do not despair, my love. Whatever happens we must not give up hope.’
Harriet wished that she could tell her the thrilling news, but someone might even now be watching and listening.
Harriet was on edge the next day. Kasim hardly spoke when he took her from the harem to the children’s quarters, though when he left her he gave her an odd look that she could not interpret—almost as if he were asking her to forgive him for something. No, that must be her imagination! He was proud and arrogant and without compassion. She had been wrong to let herself begin to enjoy his company. Harriet shut out the thoughts that told her she was lying to herself, that she had begun to look forward to the time they spent together each day. She would not miss his company. Once she was home with her dogs and her horses she would be perfectly happy. Memories of dark lonely nights that had seemed long after her father’s death were dismissed ruthlessly. She refused to admit even to herself that she found life here more pleasant than she could ever have expected.
Teaching the children was something that Harriet normally enjoyed, but that morning she could not concentrate. She knew that she would find it impossible to spend the afternoon with Katrina; after they had eaten a meal of figs, peaches and some soft cheese mixed with honey and dates, she asked Katrina if she might leave her earlier than usual.
‘Yes, I must let you go,’ Katrina said and her eyes gleamed. ‘It is the last night you will need to leave me, because I have arranged for you to have adjoining apartments. Go then, Harriet. You will wish to spend a few hours with your cousin before she leaves for the prince’s harem.’
Harriet stared at her in dismay. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I could not tell you,’ Katrina said. ‘This evening Marguerite will be taken to the prince and then you will only see her on special days when the harems are allowed to mix for a celebration.’
‘Marguerite is to be …’ Harriet felt the horror wash over her. All the plans made for their escape would come to nothing if Marguerite were to be moved before that evening. ‘Thank you for telling me. I must go to her at once.’
‘Forgive me.’ Katrina called after her, but Harriet did not answer.
She was angry, her mind working furiously—even angrier with Kasim than her friend, because he had known what was happening and he had held it from her. Small wonder, then, that he had looked guilty! How could he let it happen without telling her? It was typical of the way these people behaved. They had no right to treat their slaves as if they had no feelings. Marguerite would have been told what was happening by now and she would be distraught.
Hurrying into the harem courtyard, Harriet asked Fortunata where Marguerite was and received a mocking smile in reply.
‘She has been given to the prince. I remain the Caliph’s favourite.’ A malicious smile hovered about the woman’s lips.
‘She has gone already?’
‘She is being bathed and prepared now. You may join her if you wish.’
Harriet hurried to the bathing pool. Marguerite was surrounded by several of the women. Her hair was being brushed and it was clear that she had been bathed, her hands and feet were being rubbed with perfumed oils and a beautiful costume of red silk with gold beads was waiting for her.
‘Harry!’ Marguerite jumped to her feet, pushing the other women away. She was clearly distressed, her eyes filled with tears. ‘I am going to be given to the prince this evening!’
‘Yes, I know. I have come to spend some time with you.’ She put her arms about Marguerite, feeling her tremble.
‘Help me … please help me. I don’t know what to do. I want to die.’
‘Hush, my love,’ Harriet whispered against her ear. ‘I shall help you, but you must do as I say. Say nothing, but follow my lead.’
Marguerite drew back and looked at her. Harriet arched her brows and she smiled wanly. ‘I shall,’ she mouthed back, but the words could not be heard by anyone else. It was a way of talking to each other they had devised so that they would not be overheard.
Harriet took her hand. She squeezed it and turned to Mellina, who was watching them. ‘My cousin is nervous. I shall stay with her and help you dress and anoint her with the oils—and she will become calmer. In return you will allow us to spend a little time in private to say our farewells.’ She felt Marguerite’s start of surprise, but squeezed her hand again. Marguerite squeezed back, but did not speak.
‘We must paint her hands and feet,’ Mellina said as Marguerite sat down on the stool again.
‘Oh, I like that,’ Harriet exclaimed as the women began to paint little scrolls on Marguerite’s feet and hands. ‘May I have mine done too, please?’
Mellina hesitated and then smiled. ‘It may be your only chance,’ she said. ‘For it is only for special occasions. Yes, Sevine may do yours.’
Harriet sat on a stool next to Marguerite and held out her hands and then her feet, exclaiming with delight as Sevine produced the same patterns for her as for her cousin. The other women were giggling amongst themselves and whispering, but Harriet kept a smile on her face. Each time the women used an oil or a perfume on Marguerite, she asked for some too. It was almost time for the evening meal when Marguerite was finally wrapped in an enveloping garment that covered her from head to toe, her face hidden by a veil.
‘She is finished,’ Mellina said. ‘You may go to your room and wait for the summons. I shall make sure that you are not disturbed until the time has come for her to leave.’
‘Come, Marguerite.’
Harriet took her hand. She held fast to her cousin, walking at a normal pace towards their sleeping quarters, though her heart was beating rapidly and she wanted to run. Time was so short! Once inside the little room, she closed the door and moved a table made of hardwood inlaid with ivory in front of it and then went to what looked like a piece of carved wood on the wall and hung a piece of clothing over it. Marguerite opened her mouth to speak, but Harriet shook her head. Putting a finger to her lips, she wrote something on a slate she had brought from the schoolroom.
Change clothes with me as quickly as you can!
Marguerite stared at her and then began to undress. Harriet did the same. She dressed in Marguerite’s clothes and then wrote hastily on the slate.
Behind the fountain in Katrina’s garden is a bed of oleanders. There is a gate. Tonight it will be open between dusk and the evening bell. Someone will be waiting. You must go quickly. Do not speak to anyone. If they ask something, you must just walk towards Katrina’s apartments and then go back to the gate. Do you understand?
Marguerite nodded. What about you? she wrote, then took Harriet’s arm, looking into her face. ‘How can I escape without you?’ she mouthed.
‘You must go or it will be too late. The prince will not want me,’ Harriet whispered. ‘Tell your father that I shall wait for another message.’
‘You were contacted by my father?’ Marguerite’s voice rose. She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘Sorry …’ she whispered. ‘When?’
‘Yesterday, but I was afraid we should be heard. You must go now, Marguerite. Keep your head down and your face covered as you leave here. The courtyard will be empty, for everyone will be at supper.’
‘But you …’ Marguerite was tearful, unwilling to leave her. ‘Why can you not come too?’
‘They will come to fetch you at any minute. If you were not here, they would search for you. As you leave here, cover your hair and face and pretend that you are weeping. Go as quickly as you can. They will think that I have gone to Katrina for comfort.’
Marguerite flung her arms about her, clinging to her. ‘My best of friends, I am afraid for you. They will punish you.’
‘Katrina loves me as a sister. I shall not be treated harshly. Go quickly or it will be too late!’
Marguerite hugged her once more and then they pulled the table back. She covered her face with her hands and, beginning to sob, ran from the room towards the communal courtyard.
Harriet cleaned the slate and then sat down to wait. Her mouth was dry and her hands were trembling. She prayed that Marguerite would not be questioned.
Let her escape. Please let her escape, she prayed silently. I can bear whatever they do to me, but please let her escape.
Chapter Six
Harriet stood up as the door opened some twenty minutes or so later. She was enveloped from head to toe in a silky red wrap that hid everything but her feet, her hands and wrists bejewelled with the rings and bracelets that Marguerite had been wearing when she was brought here. Her head was covered with the same heavy silk and there was a thick veil over her face.
Her eyes! She had forgotten that they had different coloured eyes! Harriet tensed with fright. Mellina would know at once and they would set up a search for Marguerite. It had all been for nothing and they might both be punished.
As the two eunuchs entered her room, Harriet’s heart did a somersault of fear. They were big powerful men—but in an instant she realised that she had never seen either of them before. They would not know her. She realised that they must have been sent in case she fought against being taken to the prince. Harriet gave a little sob of fear. It was what Marguerite would have done and yet it was not all pretence. She bent her head, making no resistance as they took an arm each and propelled her from the room.
None of the women were about as they left her room and walked down the passage leading to the main harem door. They must have imagined Marguerite would scream and cry at being torn from her and forced to become the prince’s plaything; perhaps in sympathy they had kept out of her way.
If Harriet had been in her place, she would have felt much the same. She was nervous now, her heart beating so fast that she could scarcely breathe, but she did not fear that she was about to be ravished. When the prince saw her face he would send her away. She hoped he would just send her back to the harem, but a little voice at the back of her mind kept telling her it would not be that easy. It was almost certain that she would face some form of punishment.
It did not matter. Harriet would face whatever they did to her if only Marguerite escaped!
Marguerite was sobbing as she ran through the empty courtyard and into the garden. She had been told that she must not walk here unless invited; although it connected with the harem it was for Katrina’s private use. Her fear of discovery made her brave and she entered the garden, looking for the fountain Harriet had described.
Harry! What would happen to her when they discovered what had happened? Marguerite had spent more time in the harem than her cousin and even though her French was not good she had gathered enough to know that the punishment for trying to escape was harsh. Harriet would be blamed for changing places with her.
She ought not to have left her! Marguerite paused as she reached the bed of oleanders, feeling guilty. Should she go back? No, she could not bear it if she were forced to lie in the prince’s bed, even though some of the women had envied her.
Breathing deeply, she made her way through the oleanders just as dusk was falling. Harriet had told her this plan was devised by Marguerite’s father. Soon she could be with him. She would be safe and free—and they would make a new plan to rescue Harriet.
