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Odalisque
Chapter 2
Criminy Crimea or, Meet me in Sevestapol, Louis
September 17, 1853. Athens, Greece.
It is to be war.
Word came today from Constantinople that war with Imperial Russia is almost certain. The pressures have been building all year along the northern border. From Krakow to the Caucasus, on land and sea, tensions climbed ever higher and finally out of control.
Although we here in Athens will have little part in the fighting--the Fates willing--there is no doubt we will feel the effects. Papa has already sent Mama on to Venice to open up the house on the Rialto. Most of the household and all of the women will be sent away to safety. It is only prudent.
Papa wants Felicity and me to go, but we have refused. Our place is here, in Athens, with the business. The continued fortune of the family, the gods, our very world depends on our screwing our courage to the sticking point and not running away.
Papa has always told me that I was no different from any man in this regard, and that I should never shirk my duty on account of my sex. Nor shall I. I have thrown his very words back in his face, and made him laugh for his joy in my resolve.
Here I will remain and I will brook no argument of the matter. Felicity holds no such brief, but I can sense that it would do her greater hurt to send her away than to let her stay, (and it calms me to have her near, I must confess).
Otherwise, I would fear for her safety in that den of intrigue that is modern Venice. Not for nothing are Venetians employed as spies and provocateurs the world around. No. She stays with me. Together we will face whatsoever the coming war may bring.