Garnet or Garnets Curse

the back wall.
    I studied the details carefully. In the background were mountains, a flowing river and a faint image of a woman sitting on the bank. My eyes focused on each of the seven warriors. The center man was bareheaded and smiling. In his hand was a gold dagger studded with red stones. A frightening thought ran through my head. If those stones were garnets, this had to be more than coincidence. Somehow, this tapestry had to be linked to the curse.
    When I heard voices in the hall, I was afraid I had lost track of time. I cracked the door and saw Aaron and Robert standing in the hall talking. I froze and listened.
    “ Well, that is interesting, ” Robert said. “ That might just explain that garnet necklace. ”
    “ Would you like me to give her the news? ” Aaron asked.
    “ No, I think we should wait and see what Maria has found out. She should be back shortly, ” Robert said.
    I waited until they were out of sight before I slipped up to my room. I thought of hiding out and waiting for Maria, but it would look suspicious. I grabbed my wrap and sped down the stairs.
    I expected Robert to be waiting, but it was I that was kept waiting. When Robert showed up, Aaron was with him. “ Aaron, I am glad to see you back so soon. I hope you have good news for me, ” I said, trying to look surprised to see him.
    He glanced over at Robert and cleared his throat, “ My investigation is incomplete at this time Miss Garnet. ”
    “ Nothing at all? ” I asked, tilting my head to one side. Aaron gave me an awkward smile, but said nothing. He was older than Robert, but just as handsome in his own right.
    “ Come on, let’s make a run for the stables while the rain has stopped, ” Robert spoke up, breaking the silence. “ I have something to show you both. ”
    Robert took my arm and we stepped outside. A misty cool breeze caught my hair and flipped it across my face. I lifted up the hook on my cape and tucked the strands underneath. The brisk walk and the fresh air had a calming effect on my nerves. By the time we reached the stable, I felt a little more at ease.
    Robert stopped to speak to the stableman, “ Como esta mi pequeno chico? ”
    The stableman gave Robert a big smile and pointed to the stall behind him. Robert leaned over the side of the stall. “ Come see my little boy, ” he called over to us.
    Robert stepped aside so that Aaron and I could see in the stall. “ How old is he? ” I asked, admiring the little pinto.
    “ He is five days old today. I thought I would never get a foal out of that mare, but she sure showed me. This little fellow is a real champion, ” Robert said proudly.
    Robert showed us the balance of his horses and carriages. I thought the tour was over, until he said he had saved the best for last. In suspense, we followed until we came to a large door. “ Help me with the door, ” Robert said to Aaron.
    When the door was slid open there it sat, a motorcar. “ The horseless carriage! ” Robert announced. “ Garnet, I had plans to take you for a ride today, but I don ’ t dare take this beauty out in the rain. ”
    “ Good Lord, ” Aaron said, running over to take a close look. “ How in the world did you get your hands on this? ” he asked.
    “ It is a prototype designed by my friend Gottlieb Daimler. Since I helped Daimler Motor Company acquire licenses to build this thing in France, he let me buy the first one. ” Robert explained.
    Once we had all sat inside and studied the marvel of the engine, we walked back to the house. Maria ’ s rig was sitting out front and Rosa informed us she had gone upstairs to change her clothes.
    “ Perhaps I should go check on her, ” I said, hoping to speak to Maria alone first. I excused myself, but I turn to see Maria coming down to meet us.
    “ What a day, ” she announced. “ We have much to talk about. ”
    “Come, let’s go into the sitting room,” Robert said. He motioned for Rosa. “Bring a pot of tea, ” he called out to her.
    We sat down and Maria pulled a chair to the center of the room to address us. “ It was perfect timing, ” she began, in a low voice. “ When I neared the Dragos estate I saw a woman walking alongside the road. It was of curiosity to me why anyone would be out for a stroll in the pouring rain. I pulled over and asked if she needed help. She said no, and kept on walking. I could tell she was distressed, so I got out of the carriage and ran after her. She agreed to allow me to drive her