Garnet or Garnets Curse

curse just foolish talk?
    “Sit still, I will be right back,” she said, after wrapping my foot in a towel.
    She hurried out of the room, leaving me mopping my tears. I felt a draft and noticed she had left the bedroom door open. I glanced back at my foot and lifted the towel. It had stopped bleeding. I took a deep breath, thinking I had indeed been a fool.
    I thought I saw a dark shadow. The lamp flickered, and I turned quickly. I expected to see Harriet, but there was no one. I could have easily screamed, but I heard Harriet’s voice outside. “No, no, she is fine, nothing serious,” she said speaking to some unknown person. I heard footsteps in the hall and a woman’s deep voice. The voice was muffled, but it almost sounded like Ellen.
    The hall fell silent and seconds later she entered. “Here we go,” she said and began to wrap up my foot. It was unnecessary, but I was grateful for her attention.
    “Harriet, who were you speaking with?” I asked.
    She paused and then replied, “Mary, she brought me the bandage.”
    “But, I thought I heard...,” I stopped, at the risk of being called foolish again.
    She jumped to her feet without regaining eye contact. “Garnet, by the morning you should be as good as new.”
    “Thank you,” I said, and slipped into bed, signaling I wished her to leave.
    She picked up the lamp and walked toward the door. “Would you like a dose of my sleeping tonic? Dr. Lowers assures me it is safe.”
    I politely refused it, but it was confirmation she had drugged me the night of my aunt’s death.
    I laid in bed and closed my eyes tightly and tried to concentrate on my Auntie’s face. I tried to hear her voice in the creaking of the floor or the scratching sound of a wind beaten tree limb against the window.
    I am not sure the hour that sleep claimed me. I did not rest peacefully, but dreamed for most of the night. It was not visions of my Auntie, but of a huge man-like oxen. The beast chased me down the streets, often coming close enough for his great horns to pierce my back.
    I was relieved when I awoke just at the breaking of day. I walked over to the door and peeked down the hall. It was quiet, not a soul was stirring. I feared I might find the whole household dead.
    I dressed myself, sat down at the desk and took out a sheet of stationery. I needed to reach out to someone. I recalled Charles’ words, “Robert Shelley has had eyes for you.”
    It was not in my character to solicit men. However, even at the risk of being considered inappropriate, I forgot etiquette and composed a brief letter.

    Dear Mr. Shelley,
    I am sure you have heard of my Aunt’s most unexpected death. As if her death was not shock enough, the father I assumed dead has at last returned home. I was soon to learn that Charles is my father’s blood brother. Charles (or Uncle as I now address him) spoke highly of you. With concern for my well-being, he suggested that we might pair as likely friends. If you find this thought favorable, I will be happy to receive you for tea.
    Sincerely,
    Garnet Dragos

    With the letter in my hand, I stepped out into the vacant hall and made my way downstairs. I was relieved to see Mary coming from the kitchen. She had not been with us long, but I considered her trustworthy. “Mary, make sure this letter is delivered to Mr. Shelley today.”
    “Yes Madame,” she replied, and slipped the letter into her apron pocket.
    “Have you seen Harriet this morning?” I asked.
    She answered, “no Madame.” I stood looking at her for a moment, not because I needed something, but I wondered what to do with myself. She looked at me confused, gave a slight curtsey and left to continue her morning duties.
    I directed myself toward the kitchen, but I halted when I heard footsteps behind me. “Garnet!” called out my father. “I need to see you at once in the library.”
    His face was stern and he expected me to follow. Even though he was my father, there was an air about him I had begun to dislike. I decided to disobey. I would not be ordered around in my own home. If he wished to speak to me, he could wait until after I had breakfast. And then he would have to ask nicely.
    In disregard of his request, I went directly to the kitchen, where I expected to find Harriet. The kitchen was cold and there were no servants to prepare food. I saw a pot of coffee on the stove, poured myself a cup and began rummaging through the cupboards.
    “Garnet!” came a sharp voice. It startled