A Stranger's Kiss

afterwards.
    ‘What are you doing on Friday?’ Angela asked.
    ‘We’ve nothing planned,’ Adam said. ‘To be honest I had hoped to get away on the Friday flight, but Hanna is dragging everything out. He enjoys the haggling too much to be hurried.’ He glanced briefly at Tara. ‘At least I hope that’s why he’s delaying.’
    ‘We’re going to the races at Awali.’ She turned to Tara. ‘It’s a long way from Ascot, but it’s fun. Horses and camels. Why don’t you come along?’
    Tara made no response, it wasn’t her place to accept such invitations. But Adam shrugged. ‘Why not?’
    They made the arrangements and then Adam drove Tara back to the villa. When they arrived there was a message waiting. ‘Damn!’
    ‘What is it?’
    ‘The Ruler is holding a majlis tomorrow morning and I’ve been summoned to meet him.’
    ‘A majlis?’ Tara repeated. ‘What is that?’
    ‘It’s sort of open house. Anyone can visit the Ruler’s majlis — his court, I suppose — and ask for favours, or for help, or just to pay his respects. Occasionally he holds formal ones, simply to shake hands with everyone. A bit like a Palace garden party, except it’s less likely to rain and women aren’t allowed. I have to go and shake hands with him.’
    ‘Heavens, I’m impressed.’
    He pulled a face. ‘It will take all morning. You’ll be bored to death here by yourself. I’ll ring up Angela and ask her to take you down to the souk to do some shopping if you like. The gold shops are worth a visit.’
    ‘There’s no need.’
    Adam’s eyes narrowed. ‘It’s no trouble,’ he replied and she didn’t bother to argue. ‘And Angela will enjoy showing you around.’
    * * *
    Half an hour before Angela was due to arrive she telephoned.
    ‘Tara? I have a crisis. My youngest has broken out in a rash and I’m afraid it will need a trip to the doctor. I am so sorry.’
    Tara was all sympathetic concern. ‘Please don’t worry, Angela. I’m fine here. I just hope there’s nothing seriously wrong.’
    ‘I suspect chickenpox, which means I’ll have to go into purdah for a week or two.’
    ‘Oh, I am sorry.’
    ‘A mixed blessing, my dear. At least I won’t have to host the bridge club this week. But I’m sorry to miss seeing you again.’
    Tara wandered about the house for a while. She tidied up the office, glanced at a magazine and was wondering whether it was quite warm enough to put on her swimsuit and sunbathe in the garden when she heard a car arrive and the servant admitted Hanna Rashid.
    ‘Tara, my dear,’ he said, coming towards her, hands outstretched to take hers. ‘Adam has left you here alone?’
    ‘He’s gone to the Ruler’s majlis.’
    ‘But of course. He mentioned it when we met yesterday.’ He was still holding her hands and she pulled them free a little self-consciously. ‘I have a little business with my staff and then I will give myself the inordinate pleasure of taking you out and showing you a little of the island.’
    ‘I don’t think—’
    ‘Did you know that Bahrain is reputed to be the site of the legendary Dilmun? The lost Garden of Eden?’
    Startled, not quite able to marry the island she had seen with her idea of Eden, she queried this statement.
    ‘Certainly. There are ancient sites. We will visit them but you should perhaps change into something more comfortable.’ His arm was around her shoulders and he was walking her to the stairs.
    ‘No, really.’ She turned quickly and freed herself. ‘Thank you for your offer, but I should stay here.’
    ‘You are too conscientious. Adam does not deserve you. The least he could do is organise a little entertainment while he is away.’
    ‘Oh, he did,’ she said quickly, and explained about Angela.
    He was sympathetic. ‘But then there is no reason why you should not take advantage of my offer. Adam clearly did not wish you to stay here on your own and there may not be another opportunity to see a little of the island.’
    He was right and despite Adam’s dire predictions Hanna had behaved like a gentleman when he had escorted her home. Rather more so than Adam, she thought a little dourly. She glanced at her watch. It was still early and it would be wonderful to get out for an hour or two. ‘Very well. But I must be back by one o’clock.’
    ‘Whatever you wish,’ he assured her easily.
    She changed into a pair of navy cotton trousers and a silk jersey polo shirt in a vivid shade of fuchsia pink. She pushed her