The face which was leaning over hers was painted white, the triumphant eyes were rimmed with black and the smiling lips painted scarlet; but Vivian would have known it anywhere.
'Cousin Vivian,' she exclaimed, struggling to sit up. Vivian Lee dealt her a stinging slap which knocked her down again. 'I've got you at last,' she cooed, 'It's just a shame that it took me so long to work out how to use this,' she held up what looked like a wide silver ribbon decorated with glass beads. 'What is it?' asked Vivian.
Cousin Vivian shrugged her shoulders gracefully, 'Daddy gave it to me to look after when we were going to take over Time City. Remember that? That old fool Dr. Wilander never even guessed that I had it tied round my waist underneath that awful dress. As to what it's really for, I believe it's a Summoning Belt. I have found that it enables me to see what you are doing, through space and time, and eventually I found out how to bring you here where dear Cousin Jonathan will never find you!'
Vivian's stomach lurched as she thought of Jonathan. He would be beside himself, she thought but forced herself to stay calm and hope her voice didn't shake too much as she asked 'Where is 'here'?'
'Japan. Ah, you though I was safe in China, didn't you? I got bored there and managed to escape. It almost cost me my life but I was exotic enough for the Japanese to keep me. I am a very much respected geisha, highly in demand and I am in need of a servant to take care of my robes and the living quarters. Or perhaps I might get more amusement out of sending you to be an oiran; what is known as a prostitute in your language,'
Vivian paled at the thought. She had only the vaguest idea of what a prostitute did, but she knew it wasn't at all pleasant and she would rather spend eternity sweeping the floor for Cousin Vivian. However she thought it wisest to say nothing. This seemed to infuriate Cousin Vivian, who slapped the silver ribbon against her hand and frowned. 'I have a client coming to see me soon,' she said, her voice betraying her displeasure, 'You will help me to dress then tidy up here while I am gone. There is no point in trying to escape, I will lock the door and tell the other servants that you are here and you are not to leave this room. They will then kill you if you try anything,'
'And what happens if I don't do as you say?'
'Then I will kill you, and make sure that I send your body back to Time City as a gift for my dear cousins. What a shame that I won't be able to see their reaction,'
Vivian blanched at the sight of the long, sharp dagger that suddenly appeared in Cousin Vivian's hand. Cousin Vivian prodded her gently with the point, 'Get up,' she said, 'I want that robe which is hanging on the edge of the screen. I shall teach you how to arrange it properly later. I don't have the time now,'
Vivian scrambled to her feet and looked around her. Hanging over a bamboo screen was a beautiful silk kimono and sash. 'Why can't you see their reactions?' she asked, picking it up carefully so she wouldn't crease it. 'Because this silly thing won't let me,' Cousin Vivian waved the ribbon at her, 'I brought some of your hair with me into China. I pulled it from you when you were stuffing that butter pie down my neck, remember? It gets its power from that,'
Vivian felt her face grow hot with embarrassment as Cousin Vivian dropped the robe she was wearing, revealing that she was naked underneath, and began to fasten the silver ribbon around her slim waist. Trying not to look Vivian passed her the clothes and watched carefully as the other girl began to arrange them carefully. She may as well do as she was told until an opportunity to escape presented itself. Besides, that dagger frightened her.
It was only after Cousin Vivian had left the room, locking the door behind her, that Vivian allowed her composure to crumble. Sinking down on the cushions that littered the floor she buried her face in her hands, 'Oh, Jonathan, where are you?' she sobbed, 'I need you more than ever,'
