Amanda Grange & Jacqueline Webb Read Online Free PDF

sitting down on the Louis Quinze chair.
    â€œYes, we met him too,” Elizabeth admitted, sitting down opposite him. “Beth, go and ask Molly to bring in some tea.”
    â€œHe told me,” Edward said, sitting forward, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. “He said he had been impressed by my family and that he was further impressed by my knowledge of Egypt’s history and legends. We talked for hours, Elizabeth. I cannot tell you how marvellous it was.”
    â€œHow marvellous what was, Edward?”
    Darcy’s voice from the French windows interrupted their conversation and Edward jumped up, unable to keep still for long in his passions.
    â€œMy talk with Sir Matthew Rosen. We discussed his forthcoming trip to Egypt at length, and in exchange for my sponsorship, he has agreed to allow me access to his dig. Can you believe it? I will sail for Cairo as soon as I can make my arrangements. I can hardly wait.”
    â€œYou must be so excited,” Elizabeth said, watching the young man pace the room. “I confess to envying you such a thrilling journey.”
    â€œI have waited all my life for this chance,” Edward said. “Ever since my father told me of his adventures, I have dreamed of seeing Egypt for myself. To sail down that ancient river on a felucca among the crocodiles, to visit the pyramids under the moon, to experience for myself the Valley of the Kings. It is all I have ever wanted.”
    â€œThen we are both happy for you, Edward,” Elizabeth said warmly. “And your father will be, too. You must write to him tonight.”
    Edward’s expression of unalloyed delight faded somewhat.
    â€œYes,” he said colourlessly. “I shall write directly after dinner.”
    â€œEdward, he does know about your plans, does he not?” Darcy asked.
    Edward turned away from his cousin.
    â€œHe knows of my enthusiasms,” he said. “He knows it has been my dearest wish since childhood to visit the land of the pharaohs. But if you are asking, Will he be pleased to hear that his youngest son will be leaving England in the next few weeks to take part in an archaeological trip to the Dark Continent? Then no, I fear that he will not be as delighted as you are at my good fortune. After all,” he added bitterly, “I am the son of an earl. It is my duty to join either the army, the navy, or the church, not waste my time digging up bits of old pottery in the sands of a foreign country.”
    â€œI am sure that’s not how your father views your interest at all,” said Elizabeth, but Edward shook his head.
    â€œIf only that were true, but he has done everything he can to dissuade me from this course.”
    â€œThen perhaps you should listen to him,” Darcy said. “Such an undertaking is full of dangers as well as excitements, and he knows more than most the price of such adventures.”
    Edward glanced up, anger and resentment in his eyes and Elizabeth was reminded that Edward was still very young, barely past twenty-three.
    â€œIt is no more dangerous than joining the army, and I could do that with his blessing,” Edward said.
    â€œI’m sure that once your father realises how important this trip is to you, he will understand. Sometimes, in concerning themselves with safety, fathers can forget the exhilaration of the new. Is that not so, Fitzwilliam?” she added as the maid appeared with the tea.
    â€œPerhaps so,” he replied as the children rushed in again, attracted by the plate of cakes which the cook never failed to add.
    But as he watched Elizabeth dispense tea and pastries to the various parties, his expression became thoughtful as an idea began to form in his mind.
    ***
    Elizabeth dismissed her maid and began to prepare for bed. She removed the combs from her long dark hair and picked up an elegant silver-backed brush as Darcy entered the room.
    â€œHas Edward retired for the night as well?” she