December 1923
It took nearly a month to secure the preparations needed to leave Cairo and begin the journey down the Nile.
If he had not seen much of Dana before, he now saw her nearly every day.
She brought books from work, shared information she had been gathering for years, showed him maps she had copied and shared where she believed the temple of Kha'ari was located and why.
"There are big areas devoted to the more well known gods and goddesses: Luxor, Karnak… but I don't think it's near them. I just feel as though it's near the Kharga Oasis," she told him, as he walked her home after dinner at the hotel.
"The names are similar," Fox agreed.
"True, but it's more than similar names."
"What do you mean?"
"I think… and, I know how it will sound, but I think that the other temples were erected in places where it may have been hard to be happy at times, but…" She paused and shook her head with a heavy sigh. "I think it's harder to be sad in a beautiful place. To feel the weight of your heart breaking, while the day is beautiful and others around you are happy. I think a temple near an oasis, near that beauty, for a goddess of pain and suffering… that would be the perfect location. Showing that there is that beauty in the world, even when we believe it's not possible."
Fox stared at her, thinking of the people who may have come to the temple, leaving their offerings of thankfulness, finally able to see the beauty in the day around them, their hearts beginning to repair. He smiled and nodded, believing she had to be right, her deductions far too reasonable.
"I think that makes perfect sense," he said softly and she smiled.
The Lady of the Nile, was a large beautiful ship in which Fox had procured two rooms to carry them to their destination. When they had arrived that morning, Dana had stopped and stared at it and then at him.
"Our journey will take three weeks. We may as well spend it in comfort," he had said and while she had seemed hesitant, she entered the ship with him.
The ship was even more beautiful once they were being led to their rooms. The rich colors, tapestries, and details all added to the grandeur of it. Dana kept looking all over and shaking her head, telling him how beautiful she found it.
Her room was first and when they stepped inside, she gasped. The room held a small bed, wardrobe, nightstand, oil and globe lamps. There was a sitting area with a small sofa, a table in front of it, and a sink with a chest below it.
Shelves with brackets were above the bed and along the walls to hold objects and keep them from falling. A round window, above a small bookshelf which held a decent amount of books, opened to look out onto the water. Sheer curtains hung around the bed and a large rug covered the floor.
"This room is nicer than my flat," Dana said softly to him as she looked around, her trunk set down by the porter.
Fox smiled at her before excusing himself and continuing onto his own room. It was similar to hers, though the colors were a bit darker and instead of the small sofa, it had two comfortable looking chairs.
He unpacked his trunk, hanging up his clothes and looking around with a grin and a nod. It was all really happening.
He walked around the room, touching the books in the bookcase, the oil lamps, the curtains around the bed. With another nod, he left the room and walked to the dining room, requesting a table for dinner on the deck at sunset.
When he left, he walked back to Dana's room and knocked on her door. She answered, though she did not open the door fully, staying slightly hidden behind it.
"I've made reservations for dinner," he said. "But I was wondering if you would like to take a tour of the ship with me."
"Oh… yes, I would like that very much. Can I meet you in a few minutes?"
"Of course," he agreed with a nod. "Fifteen minutes? In the main lobby?"
"Yes," she agreed, smiling and nodding as she closed the door.
He left and walked to the bar, looking at the alcohol displayed and ordered two glasses of champagne. As it arrived, so did Dana, in a dress he had never seen before, and his heart stopped before it began to beat rapidly. Her hair was up and she looked beautiful, though slightly nervous.
"You look beautiful," he said as she reached him.
"Thank you," she answered with a blush on her cheeks. "My mother sent me this dress, just in case I had an occasion to wear it. I've had it for nearly two years and never worn it before tonight. I feel a bit unlike myself, but thought it was the right time to make use of it."
"Indeed," he said with a smile, the dark blue of the dress making her eyes bluer, if it were possible. "Here." He handed her one of the glasses, clinking it with his own.
"Cheers," she said quietly and he nodded as they took a sip. Extending his arm, she accepted it, as they turned from the bar and made their way up the stairs.
They walked around the ship, discovering the luxuries it afforded: a dining room smoking lounge for the men, a library, a salon with chairs and sofas filling the room, the gleaming windows letting in the late afternoon sun.
The deck of the ship was even better with the view of the sunset, the water, and the other small boats sailing beside them, their masts filled by the breeze.
He glanced at Dana, the loose strands of hair blowing across her face, and he smiled. Her eyes were shining and her lips curling up as she waved to him sailing past them. Under any other circumstance, he would have seen the romance of the situation. Truth be told, he was hard pressed not to see it, as the setting sun created a romantic atmosphere all its own, but he pushed those feelings aside.
"This is a beautiful ship. Far more than I was expecting," she said and took a last drink of her champagne, the glass now empty.
"What were you expecting?" he asked, taking her glass and then draining his own.
"I… I don't really know," she said, leaning her arms on the railing and twirling a strand of hair, at the base of her neck, around her fingers. "I've… It's been a long time since I've been around such luxuries. My income at the museum is not large and what money I am sent from my mother, it's not much either, and not always absolute." He frowned and she smiled slightly. "My father didn't want me to leave and threatened there would be no financial help from him if I did."
"That's…" He paused, not knowing what to say, and not wanting to insult a man he did not know.
"Not exactly the kindest, no, but it's been cleared up. Letters and distance work wonders, you know." She smiled at him and he frowned again. "He was worried about me on my own, and didn't want me so far from home." She bit her bottom lip and looked away with a sigh, the wind blowing her hair across her face.
"But you know what I think?" she asked as she turned to look at him again. "Although he never says, his own letters generally short, and only a postscript added to my mother's, I think the money is from him, but he won't admit it. Stubbornness and not wanting to appear too soft, he will continue the charade." Fox laughed softly and she smiled.
"My mother similarly did not want me to leave. But… after the pain and uncertainty the war caused her, I can understand."
"Were you… shot? Your leg…" She glanced down and back up at him. "Please don't feel you have to discuss it if you don't-"
"No," he interrupted, not wanting her to feel she had imposed upon him. "I wasn't shot in my leg. I was stabbed and it became infected before I could get proper medical health. I had to spend some time in hospital correcting the mistake. I didn't think I would go back to the front line after that, but they cleared me to return. My mothers letters were filled with her worry and anger over that decision."
"I can understand how she feels," Dana said quietly, her eyes downcast, fingers stroking her locket.
He felt the conversation was becoming too morose and so he suggested they continue walking and heading to dinner. She agreed and they moved on, him carrying the glasses and giving them to a server who had passed by.
Dinner was delicious, their conversation easy, but he could not help but feel something was different. She smiled and laughed, but the happiness did not quite reach her eyes.
After the meal was finished, she politely excused herself to return to her room, claiming she was tired and could do with an early night.
"Of course," he responded with a nod, and she walked away.
Not wanting to be held within the walls of his own room just yet, he strolled around the ship again. On his second trip, he stopped at the library where he spent some time perusing the titles. Taking a book back to his room, he was determined to read as much as possible before falling asleep.
The days they spent together were different from the seemingly endless ones of planning and discussions. Then they worked tirelessly, walking to and from the library, the hotel, and her flat.
Now, they had time to relax, sleep later, lounge about if they so chose, which they did as it was a very welcome change.
They ate every meal together, learning more about one another.
She had grown up in Maryland and was the youngest of three siblings; her youngest brother dying in infancy.
Her brother, Bill, had fought in the war, coming home wounded in one eye. He handled it well, saying he could live his life with one eye as well as two. His fiancée, Adelaide, had not cared, thankful he had returned to her alive, and his children, of which he had two rambunctious boys, thought of him as a pirate.
Her sister, Melissa, was married to a very kind and quiet man, Joshua, who doted on her every need. They had three children and last she had heard, would soon be adding another.
"They are all the sweetest children, my sister's children more so, always sending me drawings and little notes. I love them all, miss them of course, but…" A hand at her throat drew his attention, but no story was forthcoming and he was left wondering about the mystery of the locket.
He told her of his life, a sometimes lonesome one without a sibling, wishing he had a playmate, but happy with his parents. His mother especially was loving and attentive and he had never lacked for anything.
"But it's not made you as some," Dana said and he frowned in confusion. "I mean that some people become demanding and rude, carrying their wealth as though it puts them above others. You don't do that. You have wealth, as was obvious when I first met you, but you don't flaunt it. It's a part of you, but not something you think or worry about."
"That may be the kindest way to tell someone they are a rich snob that I've ever heard," he teased and she laughed, looking out at the water as they sat at a table, enjoying a drink.
Other than the discussion the first day on the ship, the war was a topic they avoided and also how she had come to be in Egypt. It hung between them, something he would not have minded discussing, but one which she obviously did not, so their conversation mostly revolved around the journey and their destination.
The ship made many stops, allowing for touring the temples. For Fox, they saw nearly enough to make it all worthwhile, even without discovering anything on their own, but knew it was not the same for Dana. Her commentary of the day as they returned to the ship and had dinner, her eyes shining, he knew she was thinking of the excitement of their own hopeful discoveries.
Luxor, Karnak and Hathor, each place was more impressive than the last. The sheer magnitude of them was daunting enough, but the details in the artwork kept him standing in one place and sketching for longer than anticipated, only stopping when Dana joined him after touring places he had missed, his attention focused on sights before him.
There were people offering their expertise as a guide, but they declined them. Dana shared everything she knew, which was quite a bit, explaining what they saw with a passion the other guides lacked. He loved listening to her speak on subjects of which she knew, her tone animated and her hands moving quickly, pointing them out with a smile, his interest piquing with every word.
They went to the Valley of the Kings, where a large crowd waited to see the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Fox felt nervous as they made their way to the front of the queue, terrified he would react the same way he had at the pyramids. It would be twice as horrifying if it were to happen in front of Dana.
As the next couple walked forward, he took a deep breath. Thinking of the fact that it had been a while since he'd had any type of an attack of panic, he felt his heart start to race.
"Fox? Are you ready?" Dana asked, breaking into his thoughts and gesturing toward the tomb.
He took a deep breath and felt the panic begin to rise, when suddenly she touched his forearm and stared into his eyes. As she did, he felt a calm wash over him, his breathing returning to normal.
"Yes," he said, letting out his breath and swallowing down his worries. "Yes, I'm ready." She smiled and took a step forward and he followed; down the steps and into the tomb.
December 25, 1923
Off the ship and now staying at a hotel in Luxor, Fox dressed for dinner, tying his tie before he put on his jacket and walked out of the room.
Tomorrow would begin their day of preparation. They would be meeting with the men who would be joining them on their expedition. Food would be acquired, tools, clothes, tents, and any other items they would need.
Fox was excited, but also nervous, hoping they would truly find what they imagined was somewhere out in the middle of the desert. Tonight though, he and Dana were having dinner and celebrating the holiday.
Nearly a month on a ship, he was glad to be in a place which sat on solid ground. The ship had been large and comfortable, the river calm, but he still preferred to be on dry land.
Down the stairs, he stood waiting in the main lounge area for Dana. She did not keep him waiting long and when he saw her coming down the stairs, he drew in a deep breath.
Wearing the same dark blue dress as she had their first night on the ship. Her hair was up, though in a slightly different style, and his let out his breath when she reached him. He smiled, unable to take his eyes off of her.
"You've managed to make that dress even more beautiful the second time. You quite literally took my breath away." He smiled again and she looked down, her cheeks pink, before raising her eyes to his and smiling.
"Thank you. You look very nice too," she said and he nodded as he extended his arm to her. She took it and they walked into the dining room.
The room was large, with a dance floor in the middle, and tables around the edges, covered with white tablecloths. Candles lit around the room and sitting on the tables, gave it an inviting feeling.
"It's beautiful in here," Dana said, the orchestra in the corner beginning to play softly as they sat down.
"It is," Fox agreed, looking around and smiling. "I think what I like best though, is that we aren't on a moving ship. This room, being stationary, makes me very happy." Dana laughed, picking up the menu from beside her plate.
Their food orders were given and as the waiter left them, he looked at the orchestra, his foot tapping the floor beneath the tablecloth. Turning his head, he looked back at Dana who smiled at him.
"I want to thank you, Dana," he said quietly and she seemed surprised at his words. He drew a breath, about to speak, when the waiter arrived with a bottle of wine, filling their glasses. "A toast. To the journey on which we are about to embark, all we have seen, and to one another." She raised her glass and tapped it to his, her eyes shining.
God, she's beautiful, he thought, the dress and style of her hair accentuating her beauty.
When they had eaten, and the dishes cleared away, they rose to leave. Her eyes followed the dancing couples as they glided past, smiling and laughing.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked and she shook her head, clasping her hands in front of her. "A walk around the grounds of the hotel perhaps?" She smiled in agreement and they began to walk.
"Fox," she said softly, her eyes on his. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks. I've lived here for over three years and I have not had the opportunity to travel as we have done. I knew it was there, but the cost was beyond my means. Here I was in a place I had wanted to visit most of my life and I was stuck in one place." She smiled at him, reaching for his arm and slipping her hand into the crook of it. "I never imagined I would be here, on the brink of doing what I set out to accomplish." She stopped walking and held tight to his arm, forcing him to also stop. Staring at him, she smiled again.
"Thank you, Fox."
"It has been my pleasure," he whispered with a slight nod. "I have enjoyed the past few weeks as well. Immensely." Placing his other hand over hers, he squeezed gently.
"And now I must express my appreciation. Thank you," he said quietly and she shook her head. "No. I do thank you. If it was not you who answered my first letter, I would not have been as intrigued to come here. To not only see all that we have, but to meet and thank the person behind the pen. I'm so glad it was you. Thank you, Miss Scully."
She blinked her eyes rapidly, though he could see the tears shining in them. He squeezed her hand again, let go and took a handkerchief from his pocket, handing it to her as they began to resume walking.
The music from the dining room could be heard through the open windows as they walked past and he stopped. Turning his face to her, he raised his eyebrows, asking silently if she would like to dance. She nodded and he took back his handkerchief, placing it into his pocket.
Holding out a hand, she took it and he pulled her close, waiting to feel the rhythm of the music.
"I'm not always good with the quicker steps, but I'll try my best," he confessed and she smiled.
"I'm not a great dancer myself. Please don't feel worried," she whispered. He smiled with a nod, his leg the furthest thing from his mind as he held her in his arms and they twirled, her laughter ringing through the air.
They stumbled only a couple of times, both apologizing and then laughing harder, but they kept dancing until the music stopped, with applause following.
Catching their breath, he looked at her and without thinking if it was the right thing to do, he leaned forward and kissed her softly, surprising both of them. He began to pull back, his apology already forming in his mind, when her grip tightened and she kissed him.
As quickly as it began, it stopped. She pushed away from him, her eyes wide.
"I… I'm sorry," she breathed, a hand going to the locket at her throat. "I…" She shook her head and stepped back, walking away quickly.
"Dana… Please don't leave," he called after her, but she kept walking and he did not chase after her, knowing it was not what she wanted nor what he should do.
The music began to play again, happy and festive, the diners applauding, laughter echoing through the windows. He felt no such joy, only worry and confusion. Less than a minute ago he had been happy, and now he stood alone, the memory of her kiss still lingering on his lips.