The Sultan's Bride Read online

  The Sultan’s Bride

  By Ariadne Wayne

  Copyright © 2013 Ariadne Wayne

  Kindle Edition

  Published by Northnet Limited

  www.ariadnewayne.co.nz

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be produced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews. If this book is found on a torrent site then please respect the author and buy if you enjoy.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  This book is dedicated to my friends and family who have been supportive without even knowing it. Especially my husband who thought I was spending all my time mucking around on Facebook when I was actually writing.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  London 1830

  Peter Stanton later described the night his daughter Catherine was born ‘the longest night of my life.’ Sarah had been in labour for two days and it was midnight on the second day when he said a final prayer for his wife and child to come out of this alive.

  It had not taken long once they were married for Sarah to fall pregnant. He had gone into the marriage with much enthusiasm for his young bride and had felt like he was the luckiest man on earth when she had told him she was with child.

  The pregnancy has taken its toll. Sarah had been sick throughout the day for months and had spent the last few weeks resting for hours at a time. Peter doted on her all the while, knowing that once the baby was born the colour would come back to her cheeks and she would be more herself again.

  From Sarah’s perspective the months of pregnancy had been tough on her but she looked forward to having her child in her arms and having someone dependent on her. She had grown to love Peter but he was so involved in his business that he had not had much time for her since they’d been married. The times they were together were wonderful and he was so attentive but with those moments coming few and far between she ached for her child to fill the gap.

  Peter had been told only hours before that the baby was breech, putting both the baby and his wife at risk and he was torn in two knowing he could lose one of them or both. Sarah Parker as she had been known was the daughter of his neighbour, younger than him by seven years and was approaching her 19th birthday as she lay waiting for the birth of her child.

  ‘She’s too young to die. I love her too much,’ Peter said. He prayed, his thoughts a mess. He had proposed to her when she was only 17 after her parents had both died within weeks of each other. Having no one else to turn to and being a little in awe of her handsome 24 year old neighbour she had readily agreed.

  For his part he was head over heels, hopelessly in love with the beautiful young woman. Sarah with her long brown curls and big blue eyes caught his eye from the moment he first saw her and he adored her with every fibre of his being.

  The last year he had worked harder than ever, building his business up to support his wife and child. Regrettably it had meant long hours working and not as much time with her as he would have liked but he hoped he made up for it when they were together.

  Now, the woman he loved who had grown to love him back was in a nearby room trying her hardest to give birth to their first child. Attending her was a midwife and a physician who he had called in when it was clear that Sarah was in trouble. He had already been in there once to stop the arguing about what course of action to take and apart from Sarah crying out in pain there had been no noise since.

  He paced outside the room unsure of whether to go in or not. It wasn’t common for men to be by their wives side at childbirth was it? The midwife and doctor had not been happy for him to stay and when Sarah got upset with him because of how long it was all taking he had opted to exit the room and made it clear he would be listening in case they started arguing again.

  Finally at a little past two in the morning the sound of a baby’s cry came from the room and he burst in, excited but terrified of what he might find. Sarah was smiling, and as pale as he’d ever seen her and the doctor murmured, ‘she’s lost a lot of blood.’ He moved towards the bed and held her hand.

  ‘Peter,’ she said, ‘we have a daughter.’

  The midwife nudged his arm and when he turned he saw the little creature that had caused his wife’s discomfort and fell instantly in love. There was his daughter, tiny with a dark patch of hair on her head and her mother’s big blue eyes.

  Sarah wiped the tear from his face as he held Catherine for the first time, and he kissed the baby before passing her to her mother so she could take care of the child’s needs.

  ‘You will need to feed the child as much as possible,’ said the midwife, ‘the bleeding is concerning but we will do what we can to control it.’

  A few hours later the doctor left, assuring him the young mother should recover well but the midwife still concerned for Sarah opted to stay and took up residence on the sofa while the new parents slept in their bed, glad the birth was over. In the morning Peter awoke to find Sarah burning with fever.

  For the next two days she battled the illness, her life in the balance. The midwife arranged for a wet nurse as it quickly became obvious Sarah was too sick to keep up with the demands of her new-born daughter. As she came in and out of consciousness Peter sat with her, holding her hand, wiping her brow with a wet cloth and now said a different prayer.

  He prayed for his wife to survive, vowing to give her and Catherine the best life he knew how, that the business he had inherited a stake in would do well and that his little family would never want for anything. The little girl was kept near so her mother would know she was there, hoping that she would help encourage Sarah to get better.

  Whatever it was that worked, Sarah’s fever finally broke on the third day and though weakened by her illness she asked for her daughter. Kissing her little face and holding her little hands she vowed that Catherine would always come first and to love her always.

  It was time of mixed blessings for the family and as Catherine grew she wanted for nothing but was a caring and loving child. She had a big heart and wished for a little brother or sister but not out loud, her Mama would have been far too hurt if she’d heard her say her thoughts out loud.

  A smart and cheerful child she brought the couple joy and their sadness at not being able to add to their family was overshadowed by the love they had for her.

  Peter kept working hard at his business; it made enough for them to live comfortably enough. They soon moved from the small house the pair had lived in to a much bigger property with a big back yard for Catherine to play. They were happy days for the little family.

  Chapt
er 2

  Peter was in a cheerful mood arriving at work that day, it had been Catherine’s eighth birthday the day before and they had celebrated in style. Catherine had been spoiled with plenty of toys and cake with the children of friends of the family. It had been sunny and warm and they had all enjoyed a lovely day.

  He’d kissed Sarah and Catherine goodbye and headed off to his office, not too far from his home and near the docks. Still thinking about the day before, he was preoccupied and didn’t notice the man sitting outside his offices.

  ‘Excuse me,’ said a voice and Peter was jolted out of his daydream.

  ‘May I help you?’ he asked.

  ‘I have a business proposition for you,’ said the man, ‘may I speak with you?’

  The man was 5 foot if he was an inch taller Peter would have been surprised, swarthy with thick eyebrows and a deep voice that didn’t seem to match his appearance.

  Peter invited him in and sat down at his desk with the man sitting opposite. It was a small building and Peter’s was the smallest office being the junior of the partners.

  ‘My name is Hassan and I have an offer of business for you,’ he announced proudly.

  ‘I see, and what is this business?’ asked Peter, curious as to why he was being made this offer.

  ‘I have with me a shipment of spices from my home and the buyer has not been able to make the full payment, breaching the contract. I am looking for a merchant who is able to purchase my shipment and fulfil the deal.’

  Peter leaned back. ‘What sort of price are you looking for this shipment?’ he asked. Spices were not his trade but if he could make some money out of it he could see no harm in expressing interest. Hassan named his price and Peter nodded.

  ‘I will have to make enquiries as to how I would on sell these. Have you offered them to anyone else?’ he asked.

  ‘Truthfully you are the first person I have been able to speak to. All the other offices I tried were closed or didn’t want to listen to what I had to offer.’

  Peter smiled. ‘Give me this morning and maybe we can meet this afternoon if you could give me some detail of what you carry.’

  Hassan produced a list of the goods and the pair agreed to talk later in the day. As he showed the man out, another of his business partners arrived. ‘What’s all this Peter?’ he asked, one eyebrow raised at the sight of the little eastern man.

  When Peter told him, John was sceptical. ‘You haven’t committed to anything, have you?’ he asked, concerned the younger man had agreed to something they had never tried before. None of the partners would have any idea about the value of what they were offering.

  ‘No, I said I would look into it and meet him later on today to discuss.’ John Partridge nodded.

  ‘Good, I think we should make sure this is worth our while. While I have no interest in anything other than textiles if it’s too good an opportunity to miss we’d be fools to pass it up.’

  He smiled and Peter felt that maybe finally got the approval of the man who had been his father’s business partner. Peter had often struggled with the decision the elder business partners made. John Partridge and Charles Gray had been his father’s partners and they usually did everything the old fashioned way and had been reluctant to let the younger man continue in the business with them but they had not had the money to buy his share so had been forced to let him work.

  Peter, wanting to branch out into trading more than just textiles had been blocked in every direction so for John to see that what they’d been offered could be advantageous made him feel proud. Pure luck had brought Hassan to his door and if there was money to be made Peter was determined to find it.

  He ventured out to visit the traders who purchased his textiles, often they were merchants who also traded in general goods and when he approached them about the spices they were very enthusiastic. Making up prices on the spot that were enough to make a handsome profit he returned to the office excited and ready to get Hassan to sign over the consignment.

  Even John smiled when Peter told him what he’d discovered; they could make four times back what they would spend on the goods with very little outlay from the business. Of course he’d have to sight the goods but that was just a matter of formality.

  So he sat and waited for Hassan to arrive. The others were long gone before he admitted defeat and sadly made his way home. The man had not been back to the office and Peter felt the chance to make the quick and seemingly easy money had slipped through his fingers.

  He trudged home to Sarah, late for dinner but she was used to this by now and had saved him some food. Catherine however was not so forgiving.

  ‘Papa where have you been?’ she asked, scolding him, ‘You know I don’t like it when you’re not home for dinner.’

  Her bossy manner always put him in good humour and tonight was no exception. Picking her up he spun her around making her laugh before planting a kiss on her nose.

  ‘Well my princess I thought I was going to make a lot of money today but I think I missed the chance.’

  Sarah looked at him curiously and he knew he’d have to explain later. ‘Now Catherine, I do believe it is time for you to be in bed, I’ll tuck you in.’

  She nodded, having already dressed in her nightgown. Catherine hated that her father worked so hard and would insist on keeping her mother company until he came home in the evening or she fell asleep whichever came first.

  Tonight his dinner would wait while he carried his daughter up to her room and tucked her under her bedclothes. ‘Will you be rich Papa?’ she asked, trying to stifle the yawn that was escaping her.

  ‘Maybe one day I’ll have lots of money my love,’ he said, ‘right now I have you and your Mama, you make my life rich.’

  She hugged him. ‘I love you so much Papa, and Mama too.’ Peter kissed her on the forehead and went back downstairs. Sarah was in the kitchen, cleaning up the dishes and he wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder while she worked.

  ‘I nearly had a big deal today love. It gave me some ideas on how to expand the business. I’m still hopeful it will work out but if it doesn’t I think I can still persuade at least John that we need to move into other areas.’

  She sighed. ‘As long as it doesn’t mean you’re away from us more often, I am happy for you but Peter, Catherine and I both need you here sometimes.’

  He turned her around so she was facing him. ‘I know and I am trying my best sweetheart, you know I want us to be able to live comfortably, for you and Catherine to want for nothing. The hard work now will pay off in the long run. I swear.’

  Then she kissed him and the dishes were forgotten as they made their way up the narrow staircase to the bedroom where she showed him just how much she loved him.

  The following morning he was relieved to see Hassan waiting again outside his offices. ‘My friend, I am so sorry I did not make it back in time. I underestimated my travelling time yesterday and by the time I got to this part of the city I was too late for you,’ he said, clearly embarrassed at his mistake.

  Peter grinned; relieved the man had come back at all. ‘I accept your apology Hassan, now can we talk business? My partners and I are very keen to purchase your shipment once inspected if it’s still available.’

  The man smiled a big white toothy smile that almost made Peter laugh out loud. ‘I would be very happy to sell it to you, I’m sure you will find all is as it seems.’

  After a successful inventory of the items Peter gladly paid and arranged for the products to be shipped to the warehouse. Hassan was pleased and promised to stay around in case he had any questions. ‘My ship home will not be leaving for at least another week so if I can help you at all I will,’ he said with a grin, happy to be returning home minus the wares he had set out with.

  ‘I appreciate it,’ Peter said, ‘This trade is new and though we’re experienced in other items any help you could give me, I would be grateful for.’

  The following week was spent repackagi
ng the spices for sale, and by the time Hassan was ready to sail home Peter had made a handsome profit and was ready for more. ‘Thank you my friend,’ he said to Hassan on the eve of his departure, ‘You have helped me open my partner’s eyes to new opportunities’

  ‘You are welcome,’ the little man said, ‘I would advise that you travel yourself, tour the east and trade there. There are so many opportunities out there for a man like you Peter Stanton. If you ever find yourself travelling to the East, I have a home near the port of Constantinople and will be glad to help you find provinces to trade with.’

  ‘That’s kind of you’ Peter said, thoughts swirling through his head.

  ‘My friend,’ said Hassan earnestly, ‘For me to travel home with my shipment unsold would have brought great grief, you have helped me more than you could ever know. I was very lucky to find you.’

  Peter smiled. ‘I am very happy that you spoke to me first, any trader would have been mad to pass up the goods,’ he said. He shook Hassan’s hand and continued, ‘I think you will see me sooner rather than later, after the reception the small shipment received I would very much like to invest some of the profits back into purchasing more spices and textiles.’

  ‘Our textiles are also amongst the best,’ said Hassan proudly. Peter smiled. Convincing Sarah to take the journey with him would be the hardest part. He couldn’t bear the thought of being without her or Catherine for the months it would take for the trip.

  Two months by sea just to get there, then the travelling time and the return sea voyage he would be away for at least six months and it just would not do to be parted from them.

  Talking Sarah into the trip would be an interesting conversation indeed.

  Chapter 3

  The sea journey had been tiring and the family was glad to get their feet onto solid ground. Catherine and Sarah had both had terrible sea sickness and almost the entire first half of the journey they had spent in the cabin, huddled in a corner and trying to stay as still as they could.