Scorpion Sunset Read Online Free PDF Page A

her. ‘She’s so tired she hasn’t opened her eyes, the angel. Come, it’s cold. Sit next to us, Rebeka. Have you heard the story of the Golden Bird?’
    Rebeka had, many times, but she shook her head, curled close to her sister, and prepared to listen.
    Basra Club, Basra
    May 1916
    â€˜Any complaints about the dinner?’ David asked Georgiana.
    â€˜None, but as all you did was order the food I hardly think you can give yourself an accolade.’ Georgiana sat back in her chair and sipped her glass of wine.
    â€˜Can I order us brandies without running the risk of you calling me a drunkard again?’
    â€˜Brandy can affect the body in so many ways. I’d rather visit that bedroom first.’
    â€˜You’re very direct, Dr Downe.’
    â€˜I’ve discovered honesty saves time, especially in war when there are so few leisure hours to enjoy the limited pleasures that are available.’
    David stared at her.
    â€˜Lost for words, Major Knight?’
    â€˜Out of my depth. I’m used to …’
    â€˜Please continue.’
    â€˜I don’t want to risk offending you, Dr Downe.’
    â€˜In that case let me guess. You were about to say, honest whores and dishonest husband-seekers.’
    â€˜You don’t appear to fall into either category.’
    â€˜How discerning of you.’
    â€˜You’re not looking for a husband?’
    â€˜Absolutely not. I lost a wonderful one to the war. Gwilym was perfect in every way and irreplaceable. Besides, the demands of my present post as a doctor in the Lansing allow me so little free time a husband would prove an encumbrance at the moment. However, I do like sex.’ She left the table, went into the bedroom, and pressed down on the mattress. ‘Seems comfortable. What do you say we give it a try?’ She removed her wire-rimmed spectacles and placed them on a side table.
    He tugged at the buckle on his belt. Before he’d succeeded in unfastening it, she’d unbuttoned the pearls that decorated the shoulders of her cream lace dress and allowed it to fall to the floor. She stepped out of it, picked it up, and folded it on to a chair. Her chemise and drawers followed.
    â€˜Stockings on or off?’ she rested her right foot on the chair and pulled at her garter.
    He stared at her.
    â€˜You have no preference? About the stockings,’ she added when he failed to reply.
    He found his voice and murmured. ‘You don’t wear a corset.’
    â€˜You prefer your women in corsets?’
    â€˜Yes … no …’ he stammered
    â€˜Stockings are at such a premium in wartime I think I’ll take them off rather than risk tearing them.’
    â€˜Georgiana …’
    â€˜I find formality to be out of place in the bedroom, David. Please, call me Georgie.’ She knelt on the bed and unbuttoned his trousers.
    Afterwards David propped himself up on his elbow and looked down at Georgiana. ‘I dread the reply but I have to ask. Did I rise to your expectations?’
    â€˜You’ll do.’
    â€˜Until you find something better?’
    â€˜That goes without saying, but I have so little time to look for something better, a more apt maxim might be, “until one of us moves on”.’
    â€˜You’re thinking of going somewhere?’ He rearranged the pillows, lay back, and lifted her head on to his chest.
    â€˜Not immediately. But I have some control over my life and where I work. You, however, are army property – I believe the term Harry used was “one hundred per cent military for the use of”.’
    â€˜Unfortunately Harry was right. No soldier is in control of his own fate. I go where I’m sent. But while I remain in Basra I would like to repeat this evening as often as feasible.’
    â€˜That would be fun. You can order that brandy now.’
    â€˜If it’s all the same to you I’d prefer to stay here a while longer. You?’