Garnet or Garnets Curse

me. The cup flew out of my hand and landed on the floor breaking into pieces.
    “What is it, Charles,” I replied, curtly.
    “Your father asked to speak to you and you will not keep him waiting.” Before I could respond, he took hold of my arm and led me to the library. When we entered the room, his demeanor changed. “Have a seat dear,” he said politely.
    I looked at him and he smiled. I did not like this new show of power. I sat down quietly, with thoughts in my head of seeing Lawyer Bastille to discuss my rights. As to not show my hand, I smiled sweetly at both men. “What is the problem, do tell?”
    Charles closed the door. “Garnet, Harriet is dead,” he said softly.
    “That is impossible. I just saw her last night!” I said, raising my voice.
    “Please keep your voice down. We do not want the servants to hear about this,” Father spoke up. “For all outside appearances it looks as if she has overdosed on her sleeping tonic. But, for the Dragos family, we know differently.”
    “Do we?” I asked, showing my distrust.
    “I am not going to debate this issue with you at this time, Garnet,” Father said, standing to his feet. “Your safety is my main concern. I have made arrangements for you somewhere that you will be safe.”
    “Where?” I demanded.
    “Do you not understand that even these walls have ears?” he said sharply. “You will find out in due time.”
    He then turned to Charles. “See that she is packed and ready to go in a half hour. I will have the carriage waiting.” Without another word, he left the room.
    I started to leave on my own accord, but Charles caught hold of my arm. “I will walk you upstairs,” he said, pinching my arm until tears filled my eyes.
    I became his hostage. We walked side by side up the stairs. We passed Mary on the stairway and she looked at us suspiciously. “Is something wrong, Madame?” she asked, looking down at me. Before I could speak Charles answered, “Her father is taking her on a little holiday. Nothing like a change of pace to perk up the spirits.”
    “Yes, indeed,” she agreed, still looking directly at me. “Where is Madame going?” she asked.
    “Oh, it is all going to be a big surprise,” Charles joked. “Hurry on, Garnet, let’s not keep your father waiting.”
    We walked down the hall and Charles opened the bedroom door. He took out his watch. “I will be waiting outside for you.”
    I looked out the window and I saw the carriage out front. My father was a stranger to me and I felt as if I was being kidnapped. Quickly I packed a bag. Before leaving, I looked back over the room where I had grown up. I wondered if I would ever return. Charles knocked on the door. “Garnet, are you ready to go?”
    “One moment please,” I called back. I dropped down to my knees and reached under the bed for a velvet box.
    “Garnet, it is time to go!” demanded Charles again.
    “Coming,” I called back. I opened the box and fastened the garnet and gold necklace around my neck.
    I walked down the stairs slowly, considering going into a rage for all the servants to see, but then I thought of the curse. Harriet had said these things come in threes. Was she number three? Would I be number four?
    I stepped up into the carriage. Father looked at me and his eyes fell upon the necklace. “Beautiful,” he said, as if he had never seen it before.
    As the carriage pulled away, I looked over the gardens, trying to imprint the vision in my mind. I wished more than ever I could reach my Auntie.

    Chapter V
    Destination Unknown

    Father stared straight ahead. If the horses slowed down, he would crack his whip and force the poor beasts onward. I knew this ragged road well. It was the road to the village. A driver had to make graceful turns or else he might find his rig tumbling down the side of the cliff.
    I held onto my seat and cried silent tears. I feared for my life, contemplated the uncertainty of my future and mourned the loss of my freedom.
    It was only by the grace of God that we reached the valley below. On the outskirts of town, I had begun to smell the savory smell of sausages cooking. I was reminded that I had not eaten since yesterday. Father stopped the carriage abruptly, “We should stop here and get a bite to eat before we head north.”
    “North?” I asked.
    “Shh,” he scolded me. “You never know who or what might be listening. We shall not speak of our destination until it is safe to do so. Do you understand me,