"Robert Reed - Night Calls" - читать интересную книгу автора (Reed Robert)

тАЬWe were up late watching the sky,тАЭ Rabiah confessed.

The motherтАЩs eyes twinkled. тАЬMore than just sky-watching, I hope.тАЭ

With a dismissive gesture, Rabiah said, тАЬHe did just enough for me.
Yes.тАЭ

Then both women broke into a hard, shared laugh.

Ferrum was embarrassed. He dipped his head while looking at the
father, trying to read emotions that hid behind a broad, painfully polite smile.

When he and Rabiah were alone again, he asked, тАЬWhy did you say
that?тАЭ

тАЬWhat did I say?тАЭ she replied. And then, as if suddenly understanding
the simple question, she added, тАЬMy parents are thrilled to have a
responsible man in their little girlтАЩs life. In fact, I think they adore you. At
least a little bit.тАЭ

тАЬAdore me?тАЭ

тАЬAs long as you keep me happy, they will.тАЭ

But RabiahтАЩs happiness was never easy, and to make matters worse,
Ferrum had the impression that his own feelings, good or lousy, were
inconsequential when it came to their relationship.

The remains of that afternoon brought introductions to cousins and
aunts and family friends, plus people who Rabiah didnтАЩt know but who felt
curious about this fellow of hers. Almost every name offered was forgotten
before the introduction was finished. A hundred polite conversations ended
in uncomfortable silence. Soon the faces surrounding Ferrum looked much
the same, and he found himself thinking about inbreeding and other
uncharitable possibilities.

The feast proved amazing, and miserable. By convention, young men
shared the same long tables while the single women were safe at the far
end of the field. Strangers filled the pillows beside Ferrum. Most were
conversant in his language but few were willing to use it. Foods he had
tasted on occasion were suddenly heaped high on his platter-sized plate,
every bite laced with spiced salts that burned his mouth and throat, and
later, his belly. When the feast was finished, he lugged his swollen carcass
to a large black tent that Rabiah had pointed out earlier. тАЬIтАЩll meet you
there,тАЭ she had promised. But standing in the tentтАЩs long shadow, it
occurred to Ferrum that his lover hadnтАЩt specified an exact time for this
meeting. Where was she? Was that her standing over there? But no,
Rabiah had been wearing trousers and a simple blouse, while most young
women were showing off the gaudy dresses of their home country, legs