Garnet or Garnets Curse

floor.
    Quickly I brushed and pinned up my hair. I had made up my mind. I would insist that my father take me home. I would have just soon as faced the curse than spend another night in that place.
    I hurried downstairs and followed the direction of voices, which delivered me to the kitchen. Arlene was standing over the stove preparing food and Nell sat at the table with her head down. “Nell, I would like to speak to my father at once. Please direct me to him,” I demanded.
    “I’ll be happy to. Go out to the edge of the water and jump in. He has been on the ferry now for about half an hour. If you are a good swimmer you might catch up with him, if you don’t drown first,” she answered, in a profane tone.
    I cleared my throat. “Well, when did he say he would be returning?” I asked.
    “He didn’t say. He left me money for your room and board for a month. If he ain’t back by then, you can trade out your keep, like Arlene. If that does not suit you, you can jump into the ocean for all I care.”
    Arlene was standing behind her and stopped what she was doing. She looked like she wanted to say something, but instead she looked up at me. Her eyes were teary like that of a mistreated child.
    “I see. Well if my father has paid for my room and board, then I will have to demand better accommodations. At the very least, clean bed linens and toilet accessories,” I said, standing my ground.
    “Arlene, seems like things ain’t fancy enough here for our lady. After breakfast, see if you can move one of the old cows out of its stall and give it to little Miss High and Mighty here,” Nell said, letting out a cackling laugh. She pulled out the chair next to her and motioned for me to sit down. “Why don’t you just make the best of things, like the rest of us here? Life ain’t no bowl of cherries.” I thought for a brief moment I detected a slight hint of compassion.
    Arlene set a plate of food in front of me. I ate the apples and fried bread, but left the Boudin Noir. Nell looked at me. “Do you have something against the cooking here?”
    she asked.
    “No,” I replied. “I am sorry, but I do not care for blood pudding.” Nell reached over, took my plate and set it down on top of her empty one. Without saying a word, she polished off the remainder of my food.
    When Nell finished her gluttonous display, she walked over and stood close to Arlene; so close that her lips nearly touched the back of her neck. “I am going out to tend to the animals. I’ll see you in your room in about an hour,” she whispered.
    “Are we not going to work today?” Arlene asked, as if she was hopeful of such.
    Nell looked at her angrily, then slapped her across the back, “Stupid girl, today is Sunday. How many times do I have to tell you, there ain’t no fishermen in the village on Sundays?” Arlene moved away from Nell nervously and occupied herself with clearing the table. “An hour Arlene, don’t keep me waiting,” Nell said, as she walked out of the room.
    For a few minutes, nothing was said between us. I got up to leave, but Arlene called out to me, “Margo, I can bring you some clean bed linens and some other things for your comfort, but it will be after lunch before I can find the time.”
    “Thank you,” I replied. I had a feeling she needed a friend as badly as I did.
    Arlene smiled at me and took off her apron. “The washroom is across the hall from my room. If you like, you may borrow my bathing dress. It is hanging on a hanger behind the door. This time of year you might find a dip in the ocean most refreshing. ” Before I could reply, she darted out the kitchen door.
    I sat there for a moment longer, before I went in search of the washroom. Much to my surprise, I found the room to be pleasantly clean. On the windowsill was a vase of lavender and next to the bathing tub was a rack of freshly laundered towels. I was happy to see running water was available.
    The ocean breeze coming through the window was inviting and I decided to take her offer of the bathing dress. The fit was fine, but it was heavy wool and the style was unflattering.
    In the back of the house, I found a well-beaten path. I followed the smells and sounds of the ocean to the edge of the cliff. From my vantage, it was as though I was standing on the edge of the earth. The salt air tossed my hair angrily across my face. I took a great breath and closed my eyes, allowing the sea vapors to fill my head. Yes, Father had chosen a worthy