BREAKING CURSED BONDS

by Elisabeth Zguta

  Tears stung the corners of her eyes. Emilie quickly wiped them away. Jeremy reached over and took her hands in his. “Who would have a reason to torment your father? A business rival, perhaps?”

  Emilie hung her head. She let go of his hands and wrapped her hair behind her ears.

  “It seems more like a personal grudge and assault, not a fiscal trap. Listen, the journal is safely stuffed away in my father’s library, somewhere. How about you come over for dinner tonight, and after everyone is asleep we’ll find it. Then we can translate the journal. I’m betting we can get some insight about this curse there.”

  “And then we’ll plan a course of action to end the curse, and hopefully add charges against Hugh Pierce, too. I want him arrested and out of the picture for good. Retribution so my uncle can rest in peace, as well.”

  Not long after, Jeremy dropped Emilie off at the house. He kissed her gently goodbye, and promised they’d meet later in the evening. Emilie rushed up to her room as soon as he was gone and got ready for work. Nina wasn’t at the house yet. Pleased she didn’t have to answer any uncomfortable questions, Emilie knew it would be impossible to disguise her true feelings from the family this time…especially Nina.

  Emilie was ecstatic to finally have someone in her life. For so long her soul had been in a pit so deep, she thought she had fallen into oblivion. Everything was different with Jeremy in her life.

  “Snap out of it, girl,” she said to herself aloud.

  She changed and left for work, content to be alive and in love, but in the back of her mind she wondered if she was fooling herself. Can I remain this happy while a black cloud haunts my family? When will the rug be pulled out from under me?

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Emilie engrossed herself in her work, hoping to finish things early.

  “You never came home last night.”

  Her stomach flipped, startled by Robert’s stealthy entrance. He stood beside her desk, looming over her.

  “Were you out with your knight in shining armor last night?”

  “I don’t know who you mean. And even if I did, it’s none of your business, Robert,” she snapped.

  She looked away, irritated by his smirk. Besides that, she was still upset over the tone he’d used during their last confrontation. She’d planned on simply avoiding him.

  “You know who I mean, that rather protective man who broke up our little disagreement the other night. I bet you were with him.”

  He rested his fists on the edge of her desk and leaned forward to get her attention. Emilie looked up and met his stare.

  “I am happy for you, Emilie, really, but please be careful. According to Evans, your friend returns to England soon. I don’t want you getting attached to the guy only to be hurt when he leaves. Of course, I doubt you’d listen to my warnings.”

  The split-second thought of losing Jeremy scared her. She hadn’t considered the idea of him going back to Guilford. She closed her eyes for a moment, and his smiling face flashed before her. There was nothing to worry about and she forced herself to stay calm; they’d make it work, somehow.

  “No,” Robert continued. “Even after you assured me you would only have fun in New Orleans, I find out you decided to play detective, and dragged Michelle into it, too.”

  Robert’s voice pitched louder with each word.

  “Did you have us followed?” she said.

  “What are you talking about? Why would I do that? Emilie, seriously, let’s not encourage Father. Please, stay out of this curse business, for everyone’s sake.”

  Robert straightened, glaring down at her. Emilie watched his brooding face and decided that he was not going to sway her into retreat, not today. She stood and scowled back at him.

  “Listen, Robert, I know you don’t believe in the curse, but Father does. This Mr. Pierce is extorting more than money from Father. Pierce is torturing him. He agonizes over Mother’s death and blames himself, I feel it. I imagined that the information from Miss Boniverre could help explain it to him, and then maybe he’d realize that Mother’s death wasn’t his fault. We were both there, and saw how sick she was; it had nothing to do with him. I had hoped you would be the one to talk sense into the old man.”

  Robert stood there, quiet for the moment, darkness infusing his spirit. Petrified by the hate exuding from him, she froze. Her throat tightened as she watched his face change. For a moment, Emilie didn’t recognize her own brother. His emotions were like the raw jagged rocks of a northern shore, and his soul cold, like icy waters. A shiver trickled down her back.

  “Emilie, you think Father is a poor lonely soul just pining away for Mother, but he’s not what he seems. There isn’t a warm sentiment in the man, he’s coldhearted, and deserves to feel some pain regarding Mother. She was a wonderful woman and loved us all. How did he reward her? With deceit! You think you know him, but you don’t. I am glad if he feels some pain, he deserves it, for God’s sake!”

  “You’re not making any sense, Robert, what are you talking about?” she demanded.

  “Let’s say that you and I agree that Father believes in the curse. My concern is the same as yours, but for different reasons. I don’t want our family extorted, but please, spare me with the compassion for Father, okay? You’re trying to find the reason behind the curse, well, it will only make things worse. Just stay out of this business, Emilie, like I asked. It doesn’t concern you.”

  Robert spun around and, without saying another word, headed for the door. His fists clenched tight with his flaring rage. The room rattled when he slammed the door on his way out.

  Emilie sat back in her chair and closed her eyes, trying to shut out all the hurt from the venom that spewed from her brother. His words were so harsh. Then out of nowhere, a picture flashed in her mind of the strange man who’d spied on her and Michelle in New Orleans. Maybe Robert did have us followed. Her heart sank.

  Robert’s return to Memphis had been a ruse of some sort, and he was definitely not here to help Father. He obviously despised him. She wondered about Robert’s agenda, and his ulterior motive in returning. The happy family she’d envisioned for them all melted in front of her eyes, washed away with her tears. At least she had her sister, she consoled herself. And now Jeremy, too. To hell with my brother! Still, deep inside, Emilie wanted Robert to be happy.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Jeremy and Emilie had planned to meet at the house for dinner. She arrived home early and went straight to the kitchen to tell Nina there would be a special person joining them, and to set an extra place. Nina wrapped her arms around Emilie and squeezed her tight.

  “I am happy for you, Miss Emilie,” she whispered. When Emilie left the room to go upstairs to wash and change, she knew Nina was smiling, glad for the excuse to make something special.

  Emilie had never brought a man home before. She couldn’t deny that she was nervous, not that she cared about Robert’s opinion of late. Still, she couldn’t help but want her family’s blessing. She breezed downstairs to the parlor and took up a post at the front window, staring outside. Another sunset revealed shades of peach and salmon against the darkening blue sky. A moment later, she saw Jeremy’s truck blaze up the driveway. Her pulse raced, and her entire body heated. She met him outside on the porch.

  “Hello, beautiful.”

  He smiled, leaned down, and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She responded in kind, and Jeremy pulled himself away.

  “I’ve been thinking of you all day,” she said.

  “Me too. I’m crazy about you, Emilie. I daydreamed all day about your warm eyes.” He looked into her eyes with want.

  Her face grew hot as she blushed. “You should consider writing poetry.”

  “Oh, here, I almost forgot.” Jeremy handed her a bouquet of wildflowers he’d been holding behind his back. Daisies and lilies tied together with a soft ribbon.

  “Thank you. They’re wild and perfect.”

  He smiled. “I picked them near the edge of the woods.”r />
  The grandfather clock in the hall chimed eight. Emilie tugged Jeremy to follow her. “Time for dinner. Hope you’re hungry.”

  They strolled into the dining room and found Pierre pacing alongside the Louis XV mahogany buffet, a Krieger design topped with Carrara marble. Her father’s appearance was sophisticated and refined, blending with the décor, but his eyes seemed vacant. Emilie felt a twinge of anxiety.

  “Father, I’d like you to meet my friend, Jeremy.”

  Pierre looked across the room. A miracle, there’s life in his keen eyes. Happy to see that flicker of intelligence in her father’s face again, she hoped he was finally feeling better. Pierre assessed Jeremy from head to toe, making a meticulous and quick judgment of the younger man. Without pageantry, he acknowledged Emilie’s guest.

  “It is nice to meet you, Jeremy. Welcome.”

  That was the extent of the conversation. After that, Pierre seemed to lose his energy, and his attention wandered elsewhere. Emilie turned and started a conversation with Jeremy, hoping he hadn’t noticed her father’s strange detachment. It seemed lately that her family embarrassed her more than not.

  She and Jeremy stood off to the side, deep in conversation and just beginning to relax, when a loud clang echoed through the dining room. A silver chafing dish cover had fallen to the floor, landing on the hard wood, and spun like a top. Nina bent to pick up the lid, mumbling to herself. The noise had drawn father’s attention back to the others in the room; up until then, he might as well have been on another planet.

  “I hope you all enjoy your dinner,” Nina said. “I made something special.”

  “It smells delicious,” Robert said as he entered the room. “Nina darlin’, your food tastes like it came straight from heaven.”

  “Well, you’re always callin’ me an angel, hon. Guess this just proves it,” Nina said. She laughed as she left the room.

  “Emilie, have you introduced Jeremy to Robert yet?” their father asked.

  “Yes, Father,” Emilie assured him. “They were introduced the other day by Evans.”

  “Great, great. Good to see you made it home from the office, Robert.” Pierre leaned on the arm of his chair and then sat slowly, looking a bit dazed. He picked up a serving dish and lethargically filled his plate, one spoonful at a time, with careful navigation. Emilie ate in silence, watching her father raise his fork as if every move was a great effort. She traded glances with Robert, and wondered if her brother even cared that Father appeared so peculiar. She decided not to make a fuss, but instead extended an olive branch.

  “So, Robert, are you familiar with the project Jeremy is working on?”

  “Yes, I am aware of the work. Evans gave me a heads-up. Glad you were able to travel all this way to work on the project, Jeremy. Tell me, will it be lengthy? How long will we have the pleasure of your company?”

  Emilie dropped her fork, and it fell to her plate with a clatter. Robert smirked at her, well aware that his comment could cause problems. Why is he such a bastard lately? Nina entered the room with more food, fussing over Jeremy before he had time to respond.

  “Jeremy, I hope you like how I spiced up the food tonight,” she said. “If you don’t like it hot, just let me know, and I can bring you something else. I wuz told you English like your food bland.”

  Jeremy smiled, his hand flying up to cover his mouth before he laughed aloud.

  “Who on this great earth told you that?” Emilie said.

  “Thank you, and this is delicious as is, I assure you. I like a little spice and you’re a great cook. Thank you for your kindness, Nina,” Jeremy said.

  “I like this one, Miss Emilie. He has manners and charm. ” She smiled and left with a few last words. “You all eat up, and enjoy your evening.”

  Robert called out, “Bye, Nina. See you tomorrow. Don’t wait up for me, I have cat business again tonight.”

  They heard Nina laughing as she walked away. Robert smiled at his joke. They ate in silence after that, everyone stealing side glances at one another. Only the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway and the scraping of silverware against the china plates could be heard.

  Pierre seemed to be functioning better, now that he had food in his system. Emilie gave herself permission to stop worrying; she was determined to have a nice evening with Jeremy.

  After dinner, Father excused himself and retreated to his library, closing the doors. The others went to the parlor, where Robert played host.

  “Would you like a drink?” her brother asked her and Jeremy.

  “Yes, thank you. Whatever you’re having is fine,” Jeremy said.

  He was so carefree, a trait that Emilie found endearing. Robert seemed irked with Jeremy’s mood but he lingered regardless, pelting him with impertinent questions.

  “So, Jeremy, are you married? Any kids running around we should know about?” Robert smiled mischievously.

  “No, Robert, but thanks for asking,” Jeremy replied, unruffled. “I’m just a single guy in Surrey, that’s in England.” He smiled, and for a second Emilie thought he’d burst out laughing. “I’ve lived there my entire life, along with my parents and siblings. A sister and brother, just like you and Emilie and your sister. I travel with my job, but I suppose someday I’ll settle down. Most likely very soon. Maybe even get a dog.”

  Jeremy winked at Emilie.

  “So then, you’re serious about my sister.” Robert stated it as fact.

  “I am,” he said simply. The look in his eye told Emilie everything she needed to know about just how serious.

  Robert grunted. “Wow. You certainly are sure of yourself, or maybe I should say full of yourself? So, what about you, Em? Are you serious about this Englishman? Remember he has no French in him, and you hardly know the man.”

  Emilie felt her face heat. Robert loved taunting people, but lately he went over the line. “Sorry to disappoint you, Robert, but I’m not some schoolgirl. I like Jeremy. He likes me. The rest of it is frankly none of your business.”

  Emilie looked into Jeremy’s eyes while she spoke. They both knew her words only touched the surface of what they felt for each other. Smiling, she looked back to Robert. He wore that stoic face that she couldn’t interpret.

  “What? Aren’t you happy for me, Rob?”

  He stood in place, swirling his drink. Turning his attention, he acknowledged her and cleared his throat. “I’m very happy for you, Em. It’s just so sudden. You two only just met, but clearly you’re both adults, and know your own minds. If you’re happy, I’m glad for you. Just let me know when you’re ready for something permanent, so I can prepare myself.”

  He walked over to Emilie and kissed her on her cheek. He turned and took a few steps, and then led the conversation in an entirely new direction.

  “I have some news for you, too. I was going to wait until Michelle was home, but Lord knows when that will be. Anyway, since we’re all sharing our feelings this evening, I want you to know I plan to propose to Rachael. I trust you two can keep it secret for now.”

  Emilie was too stunned to speak. Just then the clock chimed nine o’clock.

  “Well, congratulations,” Jeremy said awkwardly.

  He walked over to Robert and put out his hand to shake. Robert looked down at his hand and waited a moment, then slowly extended his.

  “Congratulations, Robert,” Emilie said. Her voice sounded feeble. “Rachael is a wonderful person. I haven’t seen her in years. When can we get together? ”

  “Very soon,” Robert said.

  “You’ll tell her about our family history, won’t you? So she’s aware of the potential problem.”

  Robert laughed aloud. “Emilie, I don’t believe in any curse, so there’s no point. This will show your precious father that there is no such thing, and everything will be just fine.”

  He put his glass down on the table, smiling. He gave his sister another kiss, this time on her forehead, then tapped the tip of her nose playfully.

  “It was
nice talking with you, Jeremy. I have to run now, Rachael is waiting. Please remember, secret for now, understood? See you two later.”

  Robert whistled as he left. After he was gone, Emilie sat for a moment, shocked at the news. Jeremy sat beside her on the sofa. She turned her attention back to him.

  “Do you think it’s sincere? My brother isn’t exactly the marrying type. Rachael is beautiful, but not exactly the match I envisioned for Robert. What do you think?”

  “Maybe she’s exactly what he needs. Maybe he wants to settle down. I am happy for him, and frankly, rather glad I’m not the center of his attention right now.”

  He smiled. She had to look away, otherwise all her concentration would be lost.

  “What if he knows something? What if he believes in the curse, just like Father believes?”

  Jeremy grabbed her hands and held them to his chest. “What if the sky falls? Are you crazy, Em? Of course he doesn’t believe in it. No one in their right mind would believe in it.”

  He leaned closer and looked into her eyes. “You don’t seriously believe in a real curse, do you? I considered maybe it was just a legend, like the story that old woman told you.” He paused, considering everything she’d said. “If he doesn’t truly love Rachael and want to marry her, what could possibly be an ulterior motive for your brother, anyway?”

  Honesty had become the precedent for them since their first conversation, Emilie wasn’t about to change that now. “I know there is a curse, I feel it all around here,” she said. “And if the curse is real, that means Rachael will die if they marry. This sounds awful, I know, but if she died then Robert would be far wealthier than he is now. Her family comes from a long line of mega-millionaires.” She paused again as she considered her own words.