Charis (7 page)

Ben smiled. “And now?” he asked.

“Oh, I haven't seen him since I was sixteen,” she said.

“When was the last time?” he wanted to know.

“At my last day at school - our annual prize giving. It was
Jennifer's last day, too, so all her family were out in force. I was asked to
play a solo on the piano and I also received an award for some history thing
I'd done. Oh, and it was announced about my Oxford placement. Afterwards, Ben
congratulated me and told me I was a very clever and talented young lady and he
kissed me on the cheek.” She smiled at the memory. “For weeks I would touch my
cheek and remember.” And she put her hand up to her cheek as though remembering
his kiss again.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence watching the fields and
houses go by, Ben's fingers caressing her arm. She didn't notice his expression
as he looked at her.

“Would that be Sir Giles Covington?” he asked.

“Yes,” she replied, looking up at him, a surprised expression on her
face. “Do you know the family?”

“I think you could say that I am somewhat acquainted with them.”

“How does an Arab prince know a family like that?”

“I was educated in England and went to school with Jennifer's
brothers. It's not
such
a coincidence as you might think.”

“You've been to their house at Willow Bend then?”

“On occasion, yes.”

“Promise me something?” she asked.

“For you? Anything,” he smiled.

“Well, if you ever see the
other
Ben again, please don't tell
him any of this.”

“Oh I won't have to tell him…he'll already know,” he told her.  And
as she looked up at him again, embarrassed at the thought, he said, “Young men
always know if a girl is keen on them. Why don't you want him to know? He'd be
flattered.”

“I'd be mortified.” 

But he just smiled and held her a little tighter and suddenly they’d
arrived at their destination.

*****

The first thing they did was to check into a hotel. Their room was
luxurious and elegantly decorated but they didn’t stay long. Ben took Charis
out to explore the city until it was time for dinner. She loved the market,
looking at all the trinkets and interesting things for sale. Ben tried to buy
her gifts but she refused everything.

Dinner was delicious. They dined at a French restaurant and as they
both spoke French, Ben better than Charis, they had no trouble ordering their
meal. He asked if she would like wine to drink and when she said she didn't
drink he seemed pleased and told her that he didn't either.

After dinner they ventured to a nightclub he’d heard of and she was relieved
she’d packed a suitable dress. She looked lovely; the dark blue of the dress
not only brought out the colour of her eyes, but showed up her fair, clear
skin. She’d put her hair up, showing the shape of her face, and unusually for
her, had put on a little make up around her eyes. As they danced, Ben held her
close and she felt both safe and comfortable in his arms…as though she belonged
there.

They hadn’t been dancing for very long when he whispered to her, “I
can't take any more of this. Charis, do you mind if we go back to our hotel
now? I want you all to myself,” so they quickly returned to their hotel room.
The door had barely closed before she was in his arms and he was kissing her and
holding her as though he would never let her go.

When Ben awoke the next morning, he watched her sleeping soundly beside
him. He studied her face, her long eyelashes dark against her fair skin, the
shape of her cheeks, and the way her hair curled lightly around her face. He
thought about her when she was very young and remembered well the little girl
she’d described when she'd spoken of her childhood the day before. He remembered
the day she’d recalled, when he’d taken her for a walk as his father's deputy.
It was on that walk that he first realised how lovely she was and wondered how
beautiful she would become when she grew up. He had another memory that she
hadn't mentioned. She’d fallen and hurt her ankle, badly enough that she
couldn't walk on it. His mother had called him to come quickly and he'd carried
her to the house and then examined her ankle. He decided it was just badly
sprained and wrapped it for her. She’d been so brave because it must have been
very painful, but she didn't cry or make any fuss.

He remembered, too, the day he’d kissed her on the cheek. He thought
at the time that he ought to keep an eye on this young lady because she was
going to be very special when she was older. How right he’d been! Ben regretted
that he’d lost track of her while he was so busy with his medical studies. Maybe
if he had, she could have avoided all the trouble with Mildred and Henry. He
didn't quite know what to tell her…how she'd react to him being the Ben she
knew all those years ago. He knew that he was already deeply in love with her
but he didn't want her memories of him from before to influence her feelings
for him now.  He wanted her to love him for who he had become. In the end, he
decided to say nothing yet…to take it step by step.

She stirred, putting an end to his thoughts and memories of her. When
she opened her eyes and smiled at him he felt an overwhelming love for her…a
yearning he’d never felt before. He kissed her tenderly on her forehead. 

“Good morning, my little one,” he said, his fingers softly caressing
her cheek.

“Last night was not a dream then?” she asked.

“If you have dreams like that, my girl, you are wicked,” he told her
in a shocked voice, but a decided twinkle in his eye. She giggled and he
whispered in her ear, “Do you want some more then?”

She nodded and whispered in reply, “Last night was magical.”

“Not just wicked but insatiable and completely and utterly adorable,”
he smiled as he took her tenderly in his arms again.

*****

They spent the day exploring the pyramids. Ben had visited before
and proved to be an interesting and informative guide. He was impressed with
her historical knowledge and the intelligent questions she asked, although she
expressed surprise at the pyramids’ size as they towered above her. Even though
she could see in photographs they were big, in real life they seemed massive.

The day passed quickly and before long they were back on Ravi's boat
for their return journey. This time they settled in the back of the boat, sitting
quietly, enjoying the peace of the evening and content in each other's company.
Charis broke the silence first and commented on how different everything was
from home and it started them talking about the things they enjoyed doing.

They discovered that they both preferred country living to town
life. They loved animals, walking in the countryside, and enjoyed reading and
music. They discussed their favourite authors and Charis was thrilled when Ben
mentioned Paul Ainslie’s name as one of his favourites and he was impressed
when she’d told him that he was her father. They preferred classical music to
modern - they both enjoyed Shakespeare; Charis' favourite was “A Midsummer
Night's Dream”, she had played Puck in a school production, and Ben's favourite
was Henry V. They enjoyed Gilbert and Sullivan and quickly agreed the best were
‘The Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘The Mikado’. Soon they were laughing about the
Lord High Executioner and his
little list
, and they had fun making up a
few little lists of their own.

She learned that Ben had played cricket for his school first XI, and
that he played tennis and loved to ski but hadn't done much in recent years as
he'd been too busy with his studies. Charis declared that she was useless at games
and had always been picked last to play on
any
team at school. She enjoyed
playing tennis though, if she could find people that didn't mind playing with
her because she wasn't very good. She was a good swimmer and loved dancing –
any kind of dancing: the folk dances she had learned in school to the ballet
classes she had as an ‘extra’. She shyly told him that the previous evening was
the first time she had ever danced with a man, because at school when she'd
learnt ballroom dancing, the girls had partnered with each other, and dancing
with Ben had been the best kind of dancing of all.

They talked about families and what they hoped for the future.
Charis confessed that she would like to have a large family with lots of
children. She’d loved the feel of the Covington home and always hoped that one
day her own
grown up
home would be like that. But she doubted it would
ever happen because she thought she would probably die giving birth like her
grandmother and mother before her. She told Ben that she didn't think it would
be fair to do that to a child - her own experience had been proof of that. Not
that she was afraid to die, well, maybe just a little, but she didn't think
that any child should have to grow up without a mother. Ben felt like crying…for
her and the unhappy little girl she’d been.

But all too soon their journey was over. Engrossed in conversation,
the time had just flown by.

PART III

EPIPHANY

Ravi hadn’t returned from his father-in-law’s funeral but Ahmed made
sure that dinner was ready for Ben and Charis upon their return. They chatted
while they ate and finally Ben said he’d better go and check his e-mails to see
if there was any news from the King.

They’d gone back to their room and Charis had a shower. Taking her
time, as she thought Ben would be busy for a while, she was thinking…trying to
get her thoughts and feelings straight in her mind. She’d told Ben that their
last night together had been magic and she could think of no better word to
describe it. They’d undressed each other slowly, sensuously, made love for
hours, over and over again, and learned how to give each other pleasure.  She’d
told him when they first met that she knew the theory of sex but she was
finding out that the practice was very different. She hadn't taken into
account, or even understood, how her body would react to his touch and to his lovemaking.
He was obviously a skilful and experienced lover. He’d been tender and gentle
with her and at times very passionate and demanding and had known exactly what
to do to arouse her. She was glad that he wasn’t a callow youth making his
first fumbling and clumsy attempts at sex. If she’d given it a thought, which
she hardly ever did because from the time that she’d first learned about the
facts of life in her school human biology class she’d thought the idea of sex
both repugnant and repulsive, she would’ve assumed that her first experience
would be with someone she knew and loved and trusted. She’d immediately felt  that
she knew Ben and trusted him, whether it was just because it was him or because
he reminded her so much of the Ben she’d loved all those years ago, she wasn't
sure. But there was no doubt in her mind or her heart now that she loved
this
Ben. He was everything she admired in a man. He was tall, slim and extremely
good looking, and had a smile that gave her butterflies. His dark brown eyes
always seemed to be laughing at some secret joke. She loved the way he had to
push his dark hair away from his face, he wore it short but it was wavy and
part of it seemed to insist on going the wrong way. She often found herself
tempted to run her fingers through it and touch his face, his very dear,
handsome face that she had come to love so much. She loved the sound of his
voice, deep and sometimes a little husky. But it was so much more than that. He
was kind, gentle and considerate with her. He was extremely intelligent and
they had much in common and enjoyed so many of the same things. His sense of
humour matched hers, his witty remarks made her laugh, but they were never
hurtful or sarcastic, and he seemed so full of life and fun without being
overbearing. She had to constantly remind herself that he was a prince, yet he
seemed so real, so down to earth, so much a part of her world, like she’d known
him and loved him forever…that he was an integral part of her being. But even
so, she couldn't see where this could possibly lead.

When she entered the bedroom he was waiting for her. He'd changed
and was wearing his sweats and t-shirt again, a serious expression on his face.
She walked towards him but he kept her at arms’ length.

“We need to talk,” he said. “I need you to listen and not interrupt
until I'm done, okay?”

She nodded, at a loss to understand the sudden change in him.

“Firstly, I want you to know that these past forty-eight hours with
you have been the happiest and most wonderful two days of my life. But it's all
over now. The King is happy with the trade agreement and I have to be in Dubai
on Sunday morning. I promised that if you wanted I would take you home and I
never break my promises. So tomorrow, I shall take you, but first I want you to
promise me something.” 

Charis could barely breathe. The last thing she wanted was for her
time with him to end but she managed a nod of understanding.

“After you're home, if, in a few weeks’ time, you find that you are
with child as a result of our coupling here, you must promise to let me know. I
would always want to be part of our child's life and I would expect to provide
for both of you.”

He paused. She couldn't speak. Her eyes were full of tears and she
daren't even look at him. She managed another nod. After a moments’ silence he continued.
“But if I could have the wish of my heart it would be that you would stay with
me. I cannot bear the thought of losing you.”

As he spoke tenderly, Charis lifted her head and her eyes met his. She
could see the love clearly in his eyes. A tiny sob escaped her lips as she
whispered, “Oh, Ben.” 

He put his fingers to her lips then caressed her cheek. “Hear me out
before you say anything,” he said softly. She nodded for the fourth time. “I’m
not going to insult your intelligence by saying that I could never be happy
without you, but I can tell you that I will be much, much happier with you in
my life than I could ever be without you.”

Charis struggled to contain her tears – he loved her! It was almost
unbelievable to her that it could be so and she couldn't help herself asking,
“Why?”

“You mean apart from the obvious?” he smiled as he asked.

“Obvious?” It was a question.

“Your beauty is beyond words to describe,” he reminded her and made
her blush. “And the sex of course!” She felt herself blush all over and lowered
her eyes. He smiled at her shyness and decided to tease her a little. “Never,
not even in my wildest teenage fantasies, could I have imagined anything as
wonderful as being with you…making love to you.” He knew he’d embarrassed her
so he went on. “But even more importantly than that are so many other things. I
love the sound of your voice and the way you move. I love your smile, your
sense of fun, your laughter, courage, kindness and thoughtfulness. You're intelligent
and articulate and I never have to explain things to you. I love everything
about you. Even the ordinary things like the way you dress and do your hair,
and that you don't use gobs of make up or put garish colours on your nails and
make them look like witches talons.” And added, just to tease her a little
again, “And the fact that after all we have done together in bed, when you go
to the bathroom to perform your ablutions you shut the door firmly in my face!”

She squirmed. “You think it's silly.”

“I think it’s very endearing,” he said lovingly. “I love your
shyness and your modesty.”

He gathered her into his arms and kissed her. “Charis,” he whispered
her name and it sounded almost like a prayer. “I love you more than I ever
could have believed possible. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

It took several minutes before she could answer him. He continued to
hold her close, stroking her hair and kissing her gently on her forehead. When
she had sufficient control of her emotions she said, “Oh, Ben! I love you so
much that it feels as though my heart will burst! I can't think of anything in
this world that would be more wonderful than to be married to you!” She paused
before continuing, unable to carry on, to say what she knew she must.

He spoke for her. “I think I can hear a ‘but’ coming here. Am I
right?”

She nodded, barely, eyes lowered to the floor. Eventually Charis
managed to control her voice enough to say, “I belong to you Ben. I belong to
you - my heart, my body and soul, and I will live in sin with you or be your
mistress or your lover whenever we can be together and for as long as you want
me.” She took a deep breath and all but whispered, “But I can't marry you.”

“Why not sweetheart?”

“I don't belong in your world - here in the middle east with Kings
and palaces and things. I'm just an ordinary English girl. I couldn't live
here.”

“You can't marry me because I live here? Or because I'm a prince?”

“Both,” was her reply.

“So if I was just Bill Blogs, ordinary bloke, London taxi driver,
would you marry me then?”

“In a heartbeat.”

“Maybe not a taxi driver.” Ben said, enjoying himself, the sparkle
back in his eye. “What if I was a policeman, or a school teacher or a lawyer or
doctor or an architect or shopkeeper? Would you marry me then?”

Once more she nodded, “Of course.”

“Then we'll have to see what we can do about that because we are
going to get married, you know.” He spoke with his voice of authority. “I love
you and appreciate your offer of being my mistress but I want you for my wife.
I want the world to know that we belong together.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s
nine o'clock. I have a phone call I need to make in about an hour or so. Do you
have any ideas for something we could possibly do to fill in the time?”

*****

Just after ten o’clock, Ben reached over to the bedside table and
picked up his phone. Charis was nestled in his arms, her head resting on his
chest. He dialled, the phone rang at the other end and she heard a woman's
voice answer, “Hello.”

“Hi Allison. It's Ben.”

“Ben? Oh Ben, where are you? Are you here in London?”

“No, no, I'm in Cairo. How's my favourite patient? And young
Nicholas?”

Charis lay still and listened to every word.

“He's just fine,” she heard the voice on the other end of the phone.
“Trying to walk and getting into all sorts of mischief.” The voice was full of
maternal pride.

“And you, Allison? How are you?”

“Oh Ben, we've started another baby and I'm scared. I really need
you here.”

His voice instantly registered concern as he asked a few questions
and spoke with her about her condition. “And what does Graham think?” he added.

“You know Graham,” the voice replied. “He says everything’s fine, it’s
all as it should be and it'll all be okay, but he said that last time and if
you hadn't been here...” her voice trailed off.

“Well, don't worry,” he reassured her. “We'll have to see what we
can do about that. Is Graham at home?”

After a minute or two, a man's voice came on the other end. “Ben?
Good to hear from you. Allison said you're in Cairo?”

“Yes.”

“A bit late there isn't it? Shouldn't you be in bed?

“It's not
that
late and I am in bed.”

“And not alone I'll bet!”

“None of your business,” answered Ben.

“Randy bastard,” came the reply with a chuckle.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Graham. Listen to who's talking,”
responded Ben. “I hear you've gotten your wife pregnant again.”

The tone of the voice on the other end of the phone call changed and
Charis could hear the pride in the man’s voice. “Yes! Isn't she wonderful? But
she's worried…wants you here to look after her.”

“That's what I wanted to talk to you about,” said Ben. “That
partnership deal we talked about. Is the offer still open?”

 “You know it is,” Graham responded eagerly. “Can't wait for you to
join us. Getting sick of the royal bit already are we?”

“You know it wasn't going to be for very long. I can't wait for my
life to get back to normal. Anyway, I'm trying to talk the most beautiful girl
in the world in to marrying me and she won't have me as a prince.”

“Sensible girl. Hope she's the one you've got with you now!”

Ben turned to Charis, “Don't let this conversation put you off
Graham. He really is quite a nice chap most of the time.”

“What's that?” Graham's voice interrupted Ben.

“I'm just telling Charis that you're not always so objectionable.”

“Charis? That's not an Arab name?”

“No, why should it be? Charis is English. Anyway back to business.
When can we get this deal going?” Ben asked.

“When will the King release you?”

“I have to see him on Sunday. I shall tell him then. I'm pretty sure
he'll be expecting it. Two weeks is about all I can handle, besides, about the
first thing I did when I arrived at the palace was help his favourite
granddaughter who went into early labour. She had complications and there was
no time to get her to the hospital and only me with any knowledge of what to
do. The King was very grateful. I won't have any problems there.”

“So when do you want to get things started then?” Graham asked.

“I can be there Monday afternoon I should think. Can the paperwork
be done by then?”

“Absolutely! Have it ready for you, on my desk, by Monday at noon.”

“Five hundred?”

“Yes, that should do it. Starting date at the centre?”

“How about in a month? Four weeks from Monday? That suit you? We
need time to arrange our wedding and have a honeymoon.”

“Yep, sounds good to me. See you Monday then. Come and dine with us.
Allison will be delighted to see you, and to show off young Nicholas.”

“Okay,” said Ben. “See you Monday,” and he put the phone down with a
satisfied smile on his face.

The silence in the room was eventually broken by Charis. “You're a
doctor.” It was a statement not a question.

“Yes, a gynaecologist and obstetrician.” 

“Not a prince?” This time it was a question.

“Oh yes, I'm a prince too.”