Garnet or Garnets Curse Read Online Free PDF

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 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