Page 18 of Sands of Sirocco
“It isn’t.But I’m able to know what I’d like.”Osborne tapped the ash from the tip of his cigarette.“But you impressed Sir Reginald.Both with your ingenuity, determination, and discretion.Which makes you an ideal candidate for another task of such care and importance.”
Her lips parted.He was …offering her a job?
She settled back in her seat, the tension in her gut dissolving as the realization dawned on her.“Mr.Osborne”—she tried to think straight—“I’m flattered, but what little help I gave to the government was haphazard at best.I’ve always felt I muddled the whole affair.”
“The reports we’ve had from Lord Helton have struck quite a different note.”Osborne raised an eyebrow.
Lord Helton.He’d promised to help her—but sing her praises?“Whatever job you may have, I sincerely doubt I am the best suited for it.And I have my duties as a nurse, which are my priority.”
“Yet your term of service is about to expire.”
He’d looked into that?“Yes, but—”
“We would compensate you well for your work, Lady Virginia.”Osborne extinguished his cigarette against the case, then dusted the ash from it, depositing the butt in the rubbish bin.
How well compensated?She leaned forward with interest.Money wasn’t something she had the luxury of turning down anymore.
“The matter at hand is delicate and, frankly, Sir Reginald and I believe you may be the best person for the job.”
Me?What on earth could Lord Helton have said about her?
Ginger bit her lower lip.“Would it be dangerous?”
The chair groaned as Osborne straightened, replacing his cigarette case in his front pocket.“It could be.Your discretion would have to be absolute.That would be the single factor that would determine how dangerous it is.”
“Can I inquire more as to the job?”
“Unfortunately, we can’t reveal much more until you’ve agreed to do it.Given us your word.However, as I think of it, it may be of use to have you continue some sort of work in a hospital as a cover, as we don’t wish for your work with us to be known.You wish to attend the London School of Medicine, I think?”
Now his words truly floored her.Only a handful of people knew about that.She’d told Matron Fitzgibbons and a few nurses.And her former fiancé, Dr.James Clark.Who had they been talking to?She felt exposed and shifted under the weight of Mr.Osborne’s intelligent gaze.
“Yes, that’s my wish.”
“An expensive wish, I believe.Your family has recently lost its fortune.”He cleared his throat.“However, I may arrange a scholarship for you.As well as safe passage home to England for your mother and sister in the spring.In the meantime, I believe we could find an adequate situation for you to continue your work in service for the troops that would not require an extension of your service as a nurse.”
His words made her head spin.Everything he offered would ease the problems she’d been worried about.It seemed too good to be true.
But what about Noah?
As it was, she didn’t know when she’d see him again.Their promises to each other wouldn’t change if she were here or in London.But the thought of being further from him made her uneasy.
The cornflower-blue sky outside the window seemed so peaceful, unlike her.“May I have time to consider your offer?”
Mr.Osborne stood and gave her his card.“I’ll be at this location for the next two days.Then I return to Cairo.I’d like to have the matter settled by then.”He replaced his hat.“Good day, Lady Virginia.”
The door clicked shut as he left.Ginger stared at the space he’d vacated.For the second time that day, she wished she could contact Noah, ask for his advice.He’d be able to help her decide.She really had no one to discuss the matter with.
She tugged at her bloodstained apron, her fingertips trembling.The decision before her had the potential to change so much—and she’d have to make it utterly alone.
ChapterSix
Noah stopped the motorcar, cursing at the fuel gauge.They’d have to walk.After coasting on fumes for two miles, the engine had sputtered its way into silence.
Stephen leaned forward from the back seat.“Your escape plan seems to be riddled with problems, Benson.Or had you planned a suicide mission?”
Jack sighed impatiently and exchanged a look with Noah.His meaning was clear enough.Despite Noah’s complete loathing of Fisher, something more existed in Jack’s dislike of him: an intolerance of his arrogance.Jack had once described Fisher as“the most punch-able man I’ve ever met.”
Noah placed his hands on the steering wheel.The plan.The plan had never included stumbling across Stephen in Jerusalem.And ever since he had, Stephen’s presence had complicated everything.He wouldn’t dare take Stephen to Fahad and Nasira’s home.And finding his way to Baghdad to speak to Gertrude Bell with Stephen in tow was also an impossibility.
