Garnet or Garnets Curse

Go ahead now, bite off the head and let it drop on the plate. Take a deep breath to allow the fragrance and juices to drip down your throat. Take your time and allow the bird to cool before you begin to chew. We have all night. ”
    Robert said nothing more. Soon I heard the sound of crackling bones coming from the opposite side of the table, but nothing from Maria. With my head covered, I could faintly see when Robert removed his cloth, sat up and took a sip of wine. We all followed and covered our plate. I was relieved when the servers removed the evidence.
    Le Menu
    *wine: Pinot Noir
    *French onion soup

    *wine: Bordeaux
    *beef bourguignon and
    *French garden peas

    *wine: Merlot
    *Le Fromage: fresh goat cheese and fruit

    *wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
    *Le dessert: chocolate profiteroles

    As the meal progressed, Robert and Aaron began to discuss my case. With the servants coming in and out, it made me uncomfortable talking openly in front of them.
    At the risk of being bold, I expressed my concerns. “Auntie and I had some sour experiences with servants overhearing our personal affairs. Should we not take this conversation up in private?” I asked.
    Robert laughed and called a young woman over to the table. “Ah, Emma, would you please strip all your clothes off for Master Aaron?” he asked in French. The woman looked at Robert puzzled, until he lifted his water glass for her to fill. She smiled and went on about her business.
    Aaron bent over double laughing, “Good show, my friend. I for one was hoping she would obey that command.” The woman looked back briefly, assuming we were enjoying a private joke.
    “It was Mother’s idea,” Robert began. “After my grandfather died, we were victims of vicious gossip spread by some ex-servants. Since my mother spoke fluent Spanish, she adopted the practice of hiring servants that spoke only Spanish. The problem was solved.
    “Interesting, but careful what you say, Robert,” I said, smiling flirtatiously. I must warn you I speak Spanish fluently as well.”
    Robert leaned across the table to look me directly in the eyes. His blue eyes were sparkling. “ Señorita Garnet, por favor quítese la ropa para mí ,” he said seductively .
    As soon as I translated his words in my head, “ Miss Garnet, please take off your clothes for me. ” I could feel the blood run to my face and I dropped my head. He knew I understood.
    Robert tipped his wine glass to me, but made no apology. When the conversation resumed, I could not get his fresh remark out of my mind. I had never been in the company of a man like Robert before. Everything about him intrigued and seduced me. Since Robert had come into my life, my troubles seemed less important. I was becoming a woman with passions and desires.
    I must have been momentarily lost in my thoughts, for the next thing I recalled was Maria shaking my shoulder. “ Garnet, are you alright? ” she asked. “ Did you hear what Aaron said about your father?
    I turned my attention to Aaron, discovering that my aunt had hired him to investigate the whereabouts of my father years ago. According to Aaron, the last record of Victor Dragos was a boarding pass for a privately owned ship bound for Scotland.
    “ Scotland, ” I exclaimed. “ My aunt said he went home to Moldavia. ”
    “ It could have been a connector, but the ship your father left on was headed to Scotland. ”
    “ Did the ship reach its destination? ” Robert asked.
    Aaron stumbled for words for a moment. “ You know, Robert, that is a very good question. I am afraid I may have dropped the ball on that one. I will see what I can find out tomorrow. ”
    “ It seems odd that after 21 years he suddenly has reappeared, ” Robert said.
    “ Yes, and just in time to claim the family fortune, ” Maria added. “ I am sorry Garnet. After all I have learned, I just don ’ t think this man is really your father. ”
    “ Maria, I understand your reasoning, ” I spoke up. “ However, it was Charles that endorsed the man as his brother and my father. ”
    Aaron stood up and walked across the room, “ Garnet, why would your aunt keep it a secret that Charles was your uncle? I drew up her will and she listed you as the sole heiress of the estate. If I recall correctly, she did leave provision for a list of household staff. Charles was on that list, not as her brother. ”
    “ If there was just someone we could trust to get into that house and find out what is going on, ”