Little Fortress by Laisha Rosnau

Author:Laisha Rosnau
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wolsak and Wynn Publishers Ltd
Published: 2019-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Mr. Brandt’s brother met us at the station in Alexandria. He was taller and fairer than his brother. I recognized something in him. “Call me Onkel,” he said, as though I were a family friend, not his brother’s staff. He winked at me and gave his moustache a quick twist and I knew whom he reminded me of – Knud, in Zealand.

“Your carriage awaits.” He threw his arm in the direction of a car and driver. “I’m afraid that I’m not as minted as my brother here. It will be one car for the four of us. I hope it will suit you ladies.”

Marta stared at Onkel, without expression, then turned to me with a slight smile.

“We will be fine.” I took Marta’s elbow to lead her to the car. As far as I knew, a man had not touched Marta since the incident. We got into the car, Marta and I in the seats facing forward, Mr. Brandt and his brother on seats across from us. It seemed improper to look directly at either man, so we watched the passing city.

“You could’ve called for one of my cars, Onk.” I turned to see if Mr. Brandt’s expression was serious or jesting. When I did, he was looking at me, so I quickly turned away again, tightened the scarf under my chin.

“I know – just as I know that this car and driver are yours as well, really. Don’t reveal my ploy, Bror.” He spoke with a lilt, obviously the younger of the two. “I always prefer travelling with ladies.”

I hadn’t glimpsed the Mediterranean yet but the air was laced with the sea, so different from the dense heat in Cairo. I was used to being by the ocean, the smell of it, and for the first time in Egypt I felt a familiarity. Something that was not like home but was not as foreign to me.

Mr. Brandt’s Alexandria residence was near the shore, a French-style apartment with tall arched windows and stone balconies. “Onkel’s apartment is connected to ours, but I won’t be comfortable with you here alone. Miss Jüül will help find another staff member for the residence, a girl to help you.” It seemed extravagant and unnecessary. As though thinking the same, Mr. Brandt added, “We’ll want more staff. Mrs. Brandt and our son will want to spend more time here when they return. The sea is so healthful.” Marta and I both nodded. “I’m here quite often as well. Onkel takes care of the shipping end of the business, but every little brother needs supervision once in a while, yes?”

Again, Marta and I simply nodded. I wasn’t sure what was appropriate in this circumstance and neither was she. Mr. Brandt looked from one of us to the other. “Marta, I will show you the staff quarters. You can get settled in,” though she had very little to settle. They started down the hall and I stood in the entry and waited, wondering what to do.

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