The Sheik's Son(12)

Eugenie cast a glance at her granddaughter. “Yes.”

“So we must hope for their sake that the world changes and enables them to achieve what they want,” Madame Necker said. “As women, the home and family is an important part of our world. But why wish them only that when the entire world can be theirs?”

“Things were so simple when I was a girl. My only hope was that I married well and that he was a good man. I was lucky. He was both. Now women want so much more,” Eugenie muttered.

Suzanne smiled. “Yes, they do. And we should encourage them.”

Sophie smiled in return. Madame Necker was indeed a modern woman with ideas that would change the world.





Chapter 4

Sebastian had received the two letters together. One was from his mother. She wrote about his homeland and the goings-on of people he knew. She wished him well and sent her love.

The second was a letter from his father. He started at the cursive handwriting in Arabic which he always associated with his father. It was a lovely language and he had the writing of a scribe. It wasn’t until the latter part of the letter that he groaned.

His younger sister was named Noor Margaret; she was married with two small children and lived in England with her husband. Their parents had been very matter-of-fact in their names: Each child had an English name and an Arab one.

Sebastian’s full name was Mohammed Sayed Sebastian. He was named Mohammed after his father and grandfather, but in Europe he went by Sebastian.

His second sister, who was younger than Noor, was Asrar Isabelle. Asrar had always been a quiet, studious woman, even as a small child. Though raised in the Islamic faith, her dream was to take vows to become a nun and live in the monastery in France.

The baby of the family was the basis of the letter he had received from his father. Leila Eleanor was 18 years old and a nightmare. She had grown up spoiled and wild. She had her father’s dark hair and her mother’s blue eyes. She was a beauty and already two men had approached Mohammed to marry her. She had refused them both.

Mohammed had written to say that he was sending Leila to Sebastian. He wanted her to experience society, meet new people and, most importantly, her brother was to look after her.

***

“Jesus, that’s awful,” Andrew spoke into his wine.

Sebastian had joined his two friends at the local tavern and informed them that he was soon to play nursemaid to his baby sister Leila. They were seated in the corner on two wooden benches with a table between them.

“As if I don’t have enough to worry about,” Sebastian said.

Etienne eyed the blonde barmaid hotly before asking, “What is she like?”

“She’s a spoiled brat.”

Both men laughed.

“I mean, she’s Leila. She is spoiled, but then, she is the baby. She’s had several admirers but has turned them down.”

“Your father doesn’t wish her to marry?” Etienne asked.

“It’s not that.” Sebastian knew his father wanted all his children to marry for love, as he had done. If Leila did not wish to marry, he would not force his youngest child to do so. “My father won’t force her to marry.”

“Are you going to the cricket game Saturday?” Andrew asked, changing the subject as he downed his red wine.

“Because I must,” Etienne replied.

Sebastian also nodded, but agreed entirely with Etienne. Cricket was a bore, but unfortunately, it was one of Dorset’s passions.

“Well, at least Dorset will ensure that along with the game, there will be women in abundance as well,” Andrew said.

“Indeed. Dorset likes his cricket as well as his women,” Sebastian added.

Dorset’s current mistress was the ballerina Giovanna Zanerini, who had danced at the Opera by invitation and was mother to their son. Though he had brought her to Paris, he continued to see other women.

“I believe he has invited Madame Necker and her daughter Germaine to attend.” Etienne sipped his wine as he glanced at Sebastian.

“Bloody hell!” Sebastian swore.

Though he admired the intellectual circle that Dorset circulated in, the bluestocking women in the salon set were famous for their outrageous opinions. In addition, young Germaine Necker seemed to have a crush on Sebastian and had even tried to steal a kiss at one ball. She had been very drunk at the time.

Sebastian did his best to avoid her. She was a sweet girl, but too educated and too opinionated for his tastes.

“There was a delicious auburn-haired beauty at Madame Necker’s last salon meeting. Did you see her?” Andrew asked.

“No,” Etienne replied.

Sebastian shook his head. “Well, I have several weeks before the brat arrives. I had better make sure a room is ready for her highness.”