CHAPTER 7: THE SHEIK OF ARABY
That Friday
Thomas Barrow's Room
Thomas was dressed and sitting on the edge of his bed when Bates arrived. Today, would be his first day back to work.
Bates had arrived early so that he could accompany Thomas to breakfast. He saw that Thomas was anxious and sat next to him. "What's wrong? I thought you'd be glad to go back to work."
"I am, but it's going to be an awkward breakfast this morning."
"Yes, I'm certain of it," Bates agreed, "but by this time tomorrow, it all will feel normal again." Bates had another subject on his mind. "Thomas...," he began.
"Yes?"
Bates hesitated, then began again. "Thomas..."
"I'm listening." It was not like Bates to be at a loss for words.
Bates put his hand on Thomas' shoulder. "Thomas, promise me that you'll never try anything like this again."
"All right."
Bates took hold of Thomas' chin and turned him forcefully so they were face-to-face. "Tell me again," he demanded.
Thomas was surprised by Bates' intensity. "I promise," he replied earnestly.
Bates clapped Thomas on the back. "Well then, little brother, let's see how awkward a breakfast can be." Bates turned to pick up his cane and quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
Early Monday morning
The Bates Cottage
"Do you remember how close that man came to destroying our lives?" Anna demanded. "Now you want to invite him into our home?"
Bates took hold of Anna's arm and pulled her onto his lap. "He was so ashamed of his past behaviour and so alone that he tried to end his life. Think of that, Anna. Won't you give him a chance?" He kissed her. "Won't you?" He nuzzled her neck. "Won't you?"
"You're a devil!" Anna declared, laughing. "All right, if it means that much to you." Anna glanced at the clock. "Now you've done it. We're late!"
That evening
The Bates Cottage
Anna was free in the evenings while Lady Mary was on her honeymoon with Henry Talbot. Bates would be home soon with Thomas, so she was tidying. She could not imagine how they would make conversation. Still she wanted to be a good hostess in spite of her misgivings.
Earlier that afternoon, Thomas had expressed his appreciation to her and Baxter and Andy for rescuing him. Anna had to admit that he seemed different. Simpler somehow ... more direct ... even humble perhaps. But Anna did not trust him and could not imagine that she ever would.
When Bates and Thomas arrived, Anna realized that Thomas was not used to being a guest. He thanked her awkwardly for inviting him and handed her a bakery box. "It's a Battenberg cake." Anna was pleased. She had been craving sweets.
When Anna made preparations for supper, Thomas offered his help, but Bates insisted that he remain seated. "You're a guest in this house, Thomas. Nothing is expected of you."
Supper was a thick butter bean soup and toasted bread. Thomas watched Anna eat. "So you don't have the sickness?"
"What sickness is that?"
Thomas was confused. He had barely celebrated his first birthday when his mother gave birth to his sister. He had seen little of Lady Mary and Lady Sybil when they were pregnant, and he certainly had not been privy to conversations with them about their pregnancies. The entire subject was a mystery to him. "I thought that all pr ... expectant women ... suffered from..." He blushed.
"He means morning sickness," Bates explained.
Anna laughed pleasantly. "Oh no. I'm beyond all that. Now I'm waiting to feel the baby kick."
"Yes," Bates agreed, "that will make it all very real."
"You're teasing. You mean you'll be able to feel the baby kick while it's ... before it's born?"
Anna smiled, "Of course, silly, it's a baby. It moves around just like any baby."
Thomas leaned back in his chair and took in the cosy domestic scene before him. "I envy you two." Thomas looked at Anna's belly. "When is young Bates going to make an appearance?"
"Early January," Anna replied.
"Oh." Thomas was disappointed. "I'll be working somewhere else by then. Will you write me and tell me all about it?"
Anna could see that his interest was genuine. "Of course."
"I was 10 when I knew I would never marry, but I was 14 before it occurred to me that I would never have my own children." Thomas smiled sheepishly. "I must have been a dim lad."
Anna glanced at Bates who was staring down at his plate. She changed the subject. "I'm ready for some of that cake. How about you?"
While they were enjoying their cake, Anna asked Thomas if he had seen Decameron Nights.
"No, I prefer American films. I saw The Sheik last year. Did you see it?" Thomas asked eagerly.
"No," replied Anna, "but all the maids at the Abbey are mad for Valentino."
"So am I." Thomas put down his fork and flashed a mischievous grin. "Here I'll show you." He stepped to the centre of the room. "The Sheik," Thomas announced and bowed. He proceeded to narrate his own version of the film. First he was Lady Diana disguised as a dancing girl. He put his hand on his hip and tapped an imaginary Sheik Ahmed on the shoulder. "Oh Sheiky, would you like to dance," he asked in a high-pitched voice.
Now he was Sheik Ahmed, flashing his eyes and leering at his first sight of Lady Diana. He swept about in his imaginary robes as he sang:
I'm the Sheik of Araby,
Your love belongs to me.
At night when you're asleep,
Into your tent I'll creep.
The stars that shine above,
Will light our way to love.
You'll roam this land with me,
I'm the Sheik of Araby.
Now Thomas was Lady Diana again, fleeing the Sheik on horseback. He shot an imaginary gun at the Sheik and then fumbled it. "Oh Sheiky, SHEIKY. I dropped my gun. Would you get it please?" Thomas began to swoon about. Then he was the Sheik, trying to lift Lady Diana onto his horse but finding her too heavy. Finally, he threw her over his shoulder and staggered off complaining of sand in his boots.
Anna was beside herself with laughter. Bates was enjoying Anna's merriment as much as Thomas' impromptu performance.
Now Thomas was the Sheik in his tent. "Where is my French valet?" He clapped twice. "Bates!" Thomas grabbed Bates' cane, stood erect, and spoke with a thick French accent. "I beg your pardon, sir, but it's pronounced BatAY." Thomas let loose a stream of unintelligible guttural French. Then he tucked the cane under his arm and began to Charleston.
Speaking imaginary French while dancing proved too much for Thomas, and he was overcome by a fit of laughter. The reenactment came to an abrupt end as he claimed, "I wouldn't want to spoil the ending!" Bates and Anna rewarded Thomas' efforts with rousing applause, and Thomas took a deep bow.
Thomas finished his cake with renewed appetite. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, he bade goodnight to Bates and Anna. Anna gave Thomas a slice of cake to take back to the house, and Bates walked him to the door. As Anna cleared the table, she observed Bates and Thomas having what appeared to be a serious conversation. Bates nodded, and Thomas left.
"What was that about?" asked Anna.
Bates stood behind Anna, reached over her shoulders and rested his hands on her petite belly. "Thomas was offering me some advice."
"And what was that?"
"He was concerned ... how did he put it ... about such a delicate women as yourself having a baby. He advised me to take a few minutes every night to rub your feet."
Anna was touched. "Did you tell him that you do that already?"
Bates turned Anna around and held her close. "Of course not. Why spoil it for him?"
Outside, it was an agreeable, moonlit summer night. As Thomas strolled back to the house, he relived the evening. He was jealous of Anna; Bates loved her completely. But he was fascinated by the new life growing inside her, and he was beginning to like her, much to his surprise. Thomas knew that the next time he visited the Bates cottage, he would have to confess to Bates and Anna the wrongs he had committed against them and ask for the opportunity to make amends. He gazed at the moon. "Thank you for tonight, Mum. Please don't let me ruin it."
