T.J. Laverne

Iris is the first-born daughter of a viscount at 23 years, and all the responsibilities for making an exceptional marriage with Cecil Fortescue have fallen on her shoulders. With curly, auburn hair and round, innocent eyes, Iris believes she is the watered-down version of her younger sister, Leonie. She often takes orders from her family, too timid and lacking in self-confidence to stand up for herself or find her own way in life. And yet, lately, Iris has found herself tired of the same old life, and craves for something more.

Mabel is new to the Cavendish household, having been Leonie's lady's maid for only two months. With lively, brown eyes and mousy brown hair, Mabel is a wild and energetic force to be reckoned with. She doesn't care much for the polished, put-together look, nor does she adhere to the rules of convention or propriety, often finding herself in trouble. At 28 years, she has no interest in marrying, nor does she have an interest in remaining a servant of the Cavendish household her entire life.

The son of a baron, Cecil is almost obscenely handsome, with a pleasing voice and smile. He wears his tawny hair slicked elegantly to one side, above thick eyebrows and serious, blue eyes that sparkle when he smiles. Women everywhere throw themselves at his feet, and yet Cecil has an air of mystery about him that no woman has been able to crack. His parents have attempted to set him up with many a noble woman, but to no avail. Cecil will not have any of them.

Brother and sister, Jabari and Bennu, are Egyptians who work at the Cataract Hotel and live in the village of Aswan. Handsome and in his 20s, Jabari has slick, black hair and kindly, warm eyes. He has a boyish innocence about him, and is often timid and nervous, though he seems rather taken with Mabel's fearlessness. Bennu, on the other hand, is more like Mabel. With beautiful, curly, black hair, and intelligent black eyes, Bennu is not afraid to speak her mind, and makes instant friends with Mabel.

As one of the British archaeologists stationed at the ruins of Elephantine Island, Marcus is a guest of the Cataract Hotel, though he is hardly well-to-do like the rest of them. His brown hair is often disheveled and dusty, and his skin is extremely tanned, as if he has spent much time in the sun. Though he is rough and rugged, he is also friendly and rather charming. His boss, Mr. Lewis, frequently scolds him for using the staff entrance of the hotel and slumming it with the servants, where he is more comfortable.

Charlotte is Iris's loyal lady's maid, and has been working for the Cavendish family for 21 years. Though she is blond and beautiful, she does everything in her power to hide her beauty. At 39 years, she has a sad, seriousness about her, as though life has gotten the better of her. And yet Mabel can tell that Charlotte was once full of life. There are remnants of that life still remaining whenever she laughs or makes a snide remark.

Archie is a famous ragtime composer in England, and is a guest at the Cataract with his mother, the widow of a doctor. Most of the guests make no attempt to speak with either of them because they are of African descent. Vaguely mysterious and handsome, he wears no wedding ring, though he is around the age of 30. Though Iris wishes to learn more about him, her parents are always there to intercede when she attempts to make conversation with him.

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