All you are doing is to play into her hands.
I dare swear it even pleases her what you are doing."
Satipy said sharply: "Nonsense.
Nofret is alone amongst many.
What power has she?"
Esa said grimly: "The power of a young, beautiful woman married to an ageing man.
I know what I am talking about."
With a quick turn of her head she said:
"Henet knows what I am talking about!"
Henet started. She sighed and began to twist her hands.
"The master thinks a great deal of her - naturally - yes, quite naturally."
"Go to the kitchen," said Esa.
"Bring me some dates and some Syrian wine - yes, and honey too."
When Henet had gone, the old woman said:
"There is mischief brewing - I can smell it.
Satipy, you are the leader in all this.
Be careful that while you are thinking yourself clever, you do not play into Nofret's hands."
She leaned back and closed her eyes.
"I have warned you - now go."
"We in Nofret's power, indeed!" said Satipy with a toss of her head as they went out to the lake.
"Esa is so old she gets the most extraordinary ideas into her head.
It is we who have got Nofret in our power!
We will do nothing against her that can be reported - but I think, yes, I think that she will soon be sorry she ever came here."
"You are cruel - cruel -" cried Renisenb.
Satipy looked amused.
"Do not pretend you love Nofret, Renisenb!"
"I do not.
But you sound so - so vindictive."
"I think of my children - and Yahmose!
I am not a meek woman or one who brooks insult - and I have ambition.
I would wring that woman's neck with the greatest of pleasure.
Unfortunately it is not so simple as that.
Imhotep's anger must not be aroused.
But I think - in the end - something may be managed."
II
The letter came like a spear thrust to a fish.
Dumbfounded, silent, Yahmose, Sobek and Ipy stared at Hori as he read out the words from the papyrus scroll.
"Did I not tell Yahmose that I would hold him to blame if any harm came to my concubine?
As you all live, I am against you and you are against me!
I will no longer live with you in one house since you have not respected my concubine Nofret!
You are no longer my son of my flesh.
Neither are Sobek and Ipy my sons of my flesh.
Each one of you has done harm to my concubine. That is attested by Kameni and Henet.
I will turn you out of my house - each of you!
I have supported you - now I will no longer support you."
Hori paused and went on:
"The ka-servant Imhotep addresses Hori.
To you who have been faithful, how are you in your life, safety and health?
Salute my mother Esa for me and my daughter Renisenb, and greet Henet.
Look after my affairs carefully until I reach you and see that there be prepared for me a deed whereby my concubine Nofret shall share with me in all my property as my wife.