Jazira bit her bottom lip as she tried to meekly listen to Frank argue his point about presumptuous and assuming young men and how they should be dealt with. Movement caught her attention from the corner of her eye, and she looked over her shoulder to see Mr. Lawrence approaching them, with a warm smile, so unlike Frank's present mood. Frank followed Jazira's glance in that direction and when he saw the diplomat, he cut his words off in mid sentence, flipped his head back and huffed, saying under his breath,

"Great."

Jazira gave Frank a warning look as he rolled his eyes and gritted his teeth. He put his hands on his own lean hips saying caustically, "When you're done with. . .with Mr. Lawrence of Arabia, you can find me in my room." He looked with disdain at the man and added sourly, "Or the bar."

Jazira turned on him sharply, "Frank!"

Mr. Lawrence reached her just as Frank walked out of ear shot. He said quite serenely, "Good afternoon. It seems that I never get a chance to speak with Mr. Hopkins. I hope I am not the reason he runs away from you."

Jazira was still looking at the invisible trail that Frank left, feeling uneasy, she hardly comprehended Mr. Lawrence's insinuation. She answered with distraction,

"Oh, no, it is just that. . .he has other things that need to be attended to."

Mr. Lawrence said suavely, "I see. He seems a little hot tempered."

Jazira looked at him wondering what had given him that impression and replied defensively, "No, Frank is not hot tempered. He is confident and strong, but he is not easily provoked."

Mr. Lawrence felt as though he were losing ground and proceeded with caution, "I am glad to hear it. I just happened to be coming along when I observed that little scene with that nice looking gentleman. . .I just. . .I don't know. . .I thought perhaps Mr. Hopkins was a little. . ." He seemed to be searching for the right word, and Jazira looked at him with some expectation, but she did not supply what he wanted. Finally, after tapping his forefinger against his chin he added, "Unreasonable. Perhaps, over reacting."

Jazira's voice was quiet, she looked down at her hands, her eyes troubled, "You did?"

She reflected that she had felt the same way when Frank walked up on her earlier. Mr. Lawrence spoke in a confiding tone, "I just thought he came it a bit too strong. After all, it appeared that the young man was just talking to you. . .I mean. . ." suddenly Mr. Lawrence's voice got stern, "he didn't say anything or do anything. . ."

"No, no," Jazira reassured.

Mr. Lawrence sounded relieved, "I didn't think so. You seemed to be enjoying his company. And who can blame the young fellow for wanting to talk with such a captivating young woman. I fear, that is something Mr. Hopkins will just have to get accustomed to."

Jazira's head dipped even lower in embarrassment, her cheeks were flaming. During their brief conversations throughout their voyage, she had come to respect Mr. Lawrence without his use of praise or flattery.

Mr. Lawrence resumed, "I suppose, however, that it is good to know how Mr. Hopkins will respond in these type of situations. I came to find you this afternoon to tell you more about how we plan to get you inside al-Rashid. Since I cannot seem to speak with Mr. Hopkins myself, I will leave it up to you as to when or how you will explain the arrangement to him."

Jazira was focused on Mr. Lawrence as he detailed, "As you know, you cannot simply move into al-Rashid as a single woman, even if you are Sheik bin Riyadh's daughter. Nor can you go with a English entourage, or an American cowboy. The best, most direct way to introduce you to Rashid society without arousing suspicion, is for you to enter the city as a new bride, coming to reside with your husband. Now, there is a young man, who is a friend of mine, who has been very helpful to me. He is Arabic, and he is the one who told me that my daughter was in the city. He took up residence in Rashid some months ago, but as a man, even an Arab man, he has no access to the women's quarters. When we arrive in Aden, I will send a messenger ahead of us. Hasani will meet up with us in the Najd. You do not have to fear for your safety. Me and my men will be masquerading as Bedouin just beyond the city, once you are safely inside. You will be able to see our tents from the rooftops."

Mr. Lawrence watched Jazira's reaction. There was a look of anxiety on her face as she considered his plan. It made sense, and bespoke of his knowledge of foreign affairs. After some thought, Jazira asked wisely,

"The marriage is just a ruse to get me inside the city?"

Mr. Lawrence replied, "Correct."

Then she quizzed, "Does Hasani know that as well?"

Mr. Lawrence gave a brief smile and answered without looking at her, "Hasani is used to adapting to whatever role he is required to play." He looked directly at Jazira, "I think you will get on well together."

Jazira only thought of Frank, where would he be, and how was she going to explain this new development to him?