Wronged (The Cuvier Widows Book 1) Read online

  Marian sat back for a moment, stunned by his suggestion. When she spoke she tried to make light of the situation, yet couldn’t be more serious. “I knew you wouldn’t like having a woman partner, but I certainly hadn’t expected you to try to get rid of me so quickly. Shame on you, Mr. Fournet.”

  He chuckled. “Mrs. Cuvier, I feel honored to have the responsibility of having you as my partner. This decision has nothing to do with working with you, but rather what’s best for you and your family. And considering that you need the money, I think it’s the only solution.”

  Would it be better to sell the business, she wondered?

  Marian gave him her best “be-at-ease” smile while she contemplated his response. Somehow it felt wrong. It was as if he was telling her what he thought she desired to hear, when actually his solution was just the opposite of what she really wanted.

  “In the will, my husband asked you to continue the business for his son. Why will you not do as he asked?”

  “Under different circumstances, I would do what Jean requested. But Mrs. Cuvier, selling the business would ease your financial burden. You wouldn’t have to worry anymore,” he answered her.

  “Worry is a part of life. And though it would ease my financial situation temporarily, I would have no way of producing an income,” she reflected. “What happens when that money runs out?” she asked, listening to her instincts telling her that somehow his advice was all wrong.

  “The money you could make from the sale of the business should last you for many years. If you invest it, your family would never have to worry about money again,” he said, walking across the room toward her.

  “But you told me today that the scandal has tainted just about everything and that business was slow. How do you know that we can sell the business and get its full value right now? I would think that now would be a terrible time to sell.”

  “A new buyer could change the name and then they wouldn’t be attached to the scandal,” he countered.

  “This company has been Cuvier Shipping for many years, it’s not going to lose its reputation overnight” She watched his face and saw something that looked like surprise reflected in his eyes. He stepped back and took a seat in a chair. He leaned forward, his arms resting on his knees as he observed her for a few moments, making her feel uncomfortable.

  “Do you think we should wait?” he asked.

  “You yourself said that in time there would be another scandal to draw the public’s attention away from the Cuvier's.” She took a deep breath. “Mr. Fournet, the shipping business is my primary source of income. You heard the lawyer say that I must watch my finances closely. If I sell this business, I lose my source of income, my son’s inheritance, and I would probably be forced to remarry someday.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m willing to take a chance that Cuvier Shipping will rebound. Of course you mentioned other business pursuits. Perhaps you are wanting out of Cuvier Shipping, Mr. Fournet?”

  “No.” He looked across the room at a portrait of Jean on the wall, not quite meeting her gaze. “If you are willing to stay and fight this battle, risking your family’s prosperity, then I could never leave until I knew you were secure.”

  Marian suddenly had the uncanny sense that Mr. Fournet was not being totally honest with her and she wondered what about. “Mr. Fournet, in the last few weeks my life has changed more than all the years I’ve been an adult. I’ve found out my husband was a liar, a bigamist and he kept me in the dark regarding our financial situation.” She took a deep breath. “Therefore, I think it would be wise of me to get to know the shipping business before I make any decisions. I intended to wait several weeks before I approached you, but I think now is the time to let you know of my plans.” She smiled at him and leaned forward just enough to get his attention. “I plan on becoming very involved with Cuvier Shipping. How else can I know how to help my son, if I don’t know the business?”

  She watched his eyes widen, and then she pressed on. “Though I know it’s highly improper for a lady, I intend to take Jean’s place.”

  Marian wanted to laugh at the stunned expression on his face. “Mr. Fournet?”

  He blinked, his eyes wide with surprise. “You have caught me totally unprepared.”

  “It seems the logical step if I am going to make sound business decisions.”

  “Really, Mrs. Cuvier, I think you’re overreacting. I can bring daily reports to you if you’d like, but the shipping business is no place for a lady. Need I remind you that you are in mourning? It’s improper for you to leave the house, let alone go to work each day.”

  ‘‘Thank you for your kind consideration, Mr. Fournet I’m sure some people will be appalled at my complete lack of propriety, but I am wearing black out of deference to my children. I owe Jean nothing.” She smiled, watching his stunned expression. “Regardless, starting Monday morning, I have every intention of taking Jean’s place.”

  “Mrs. Cuvier, this is unheard of! A woman in your position with children should be at home. If you want to help the business, I suggest you stay at home and not bring any additional scandal on Cuvier Shipping.”

  She raised her brows at him. “What are you afraid of, Mr. Fournet?” She paused. “I sense you want to sell the business—I want to keep it intact. You’ve mentioned other business pursuits, which make me leery of your reasons for recommending that I sell. I’ve already been deceived at the hands of one man. What makes you think that I’m going to trust you and your judgment?” He stared at her for a moment, clearly offended.

  “You have just questioned my integrity, Mrs. Cuvier. I understand your not wanting to trust me, but there is more to running a business than just showing up. A woman has no place in a shipping office.”

  “I will be there on Monday, Mr. Fournet,” she said straightening her back, the smile on her face frozen into place. The tall grandfather clock ticked in the silence, the steady rhythm the only sound in the study.

  Louis Fournet stood. “I would ask that you reconsider, but I think you’ve made up your mind.”

  “Yes, I have,” she said sharply.

  “Then I shall expect to see you on Monday. But I warn you, you will not find the place one where a lady feels comfortable. But it is your choice, not mine. And if Cuvier Shipping goes under, please understand, madam, that you will be blamed. Not by me, but by the sailors along the river.”

  “Cuvier Shipping will not go under, Mr. Fournet. My share will not be sold. What you choose to do with your part is up to you. But I will be showing up for work on Monday to look after my son’s inheritance and to protect our way of life.”

  “Monday, then,” he said with a polite coldness that Marian found oddly amusing.

  He stood and walked from the study. Marian followed him to the front door. Opening the wooden door she glanced at him. “True to your word, Mr. Fournet, you are well versed in shipping.”

  “And you, madam, should stay home with your children where you belong,” he informed her sternly.

  She nodded her head, noticing his rigid posture, his flashing blue eyes. She’d certainly put a bug under his collar.

  “True, but circumstances prevent me, so I shall take matters into my own hands.”

  “If by chance you change your mind, I will be greatly relieved. And we can act as if this discussion never took place.”

  Marian nodded and smiled. “We may pretend this discussion never took place, but I will be at the office Monday morning,” Marian said with certainty.

  She shut the door, leaned against the wooden portal and sighed. What in the world had she just done? Yes, she was doing what was necessary to protect her children, but she did hate stepping into a man’s world.

  ***

  “You’re going to go to that awful shipping office? Have you lost your mind?” Claire said, with about as much grace as a gossip spreading a piece of juicy scandal.

  Marian glanced at her older sister and wished for the hundredth time that she had just a little mor
e tact. “Who can I depend on to be honest with me regarding the financial state of the company that will be paying my bills?” She took a deep breath. “I know it will be hard. I’m going to be scorned for working almost as soon as my husband was put in the ground. I hate to leave my children, while I work a job where I will be looked upon with contempt.”

  “Hire someone, Marian. Sell the business. If you must work, at least find a job where there are women,” Claire said with disgust.

  “You would have me sell the company that I own a portion of and go to work for someone else, just so that I obey the dictates of society?” Marian said, her voice rising.

  “Yes. At least it would be accepted. You wouldn’t be creating even more of a scandal than we’re already involved in. Think of your children and how even more shame is going to hurt them.”

  “I have. We must have a roof over our heads and food on the table. Cuvier Shipping has always provided that for us. It will continue to do so,” Marian said.

  “Marian, people will talk.”

  “I don’t care what people say.” Marian shook her head. “Jean may have been a dreadful husband, but he left this business for his son and I intend to make sure that Philip receives his inheritance. My son will own his father’s business someday.”

  “You are still as stubborn as when we were children,” Claire said. “I hope for your sake you know what you’re getting into. Working down at the riverfront with an office full of men is not going to be pleasant. Promise me that you’ll be careful, that you’ll always have Edward pick you up in the carriage.”

  Marian smiled. “I’m not sixteen anymore. You know I’ll be careful.”

  “I don’t know why I waste my breath on you sometimes. You’ll do whatever you’ve set your mind to.” Claire shook her head. “You will have to tell me all about how your first day goes with the handsome Mr. Fournet”

  “Yes, well Mr. Fournet left here today very annoyed when I told him I would be at the office on Monday. Somehow his reactions made me wonder if he was hiding something.”

  “Like what? I thought he came by to discuss the shipping company?”

  “Yes, but he also recommended that I sell the business. Somehow I don’t know if I trust my new partner. He’s handsome to look at he’s charming, he’s smooth, but there’s something about him that makes me want to be cautious.”

  “That’s only because of Jean. If he hadn’t been Jean’s partner, then you would have more confidence.”

  “I don’t think so. In some ways, Mr. Fournet reminds me of Jean. He’s a charmer, a flirt, someone who makes you feel like he has everything under control. And maybe that’s what frightens me the most Jean obviously could control very little in his life. Now I wonder about the handsome Mr. Fournet. Is he any different from Jean?”

  Chapter Three

  From her carriage window, Marian saw the docks were teeming with activity. The sun shone bright in the early morning sky and the sounds of shouting as the men loaded the boats reverberated through the air. Before she was ready, the carriage came to a halt and Marian wanted to tell Edward, her driver, to turn the vehicle around and take her back home. But she refused to give in to her cowardice.

  With her knees trembling beneath her black skirt she picked up her reticule and stepped out of the carriage. Edward helped her to alight as she gazed up at the brick building wondering what she could expect inside.

  “What time shall I return madam?” Edward asked.

  “Five o’clock will be fine,” she said, and walked up the steps to enter the building where her husband had conducted his business.

  The sound of the carriage pulling away wrenched at her, but she didn’t call him back. With trembling hands she opened the door. She could do this, she reminded herself and stepped into the shipping office.

  Inside the reception area a counter ran eight feet across the room, with desks scattered throughout the airy space behind the bar. Men glanced up from their work, staring at her, their eyes questioning as she entered the room. What was she doing here?

  A large scruffy man with a week’s beard and a worn cap on his head stood at the counter, leaning against it. His dark eyes gleamed at her, a wrinkle appearing between his brows.

  “A little early in the morning to be gettin lost?” he taunted her, his accent heavy.

  “Excuse me?” she said. “I’m not lost I’m looking for Mr. Fournet”

  He laughed. “Now I understand, darlin’. He’s gone to the back for a moment, but don’t fret. He’ll soon return.”

  She frowned, feeling uncertain as to the man’s reaction.

  “Tell me darlin’, what do women see in Mr. Fournet that they don’t see in me? I may not have his fancy looks, but I know how to treat a lady decent” he said, his eyes raking over her. “And you in mourning, too. Shame on you.”

  Feeling more vulnerable than she cared for she took a steadying breath. She glanced at the river man in his rugged waterproof boots, his worn cap, and sleeveless shirt that revealed his deeply tanned arms. Though normally she would have ignored him, maybe it would be better to attempt to be polite, but curt. He could be a customer or even an employee.

  “Yes, I am in mourning,” she said, in a short clipped tone, resisting the urge to run for the door. “Mr. Fournet and I are business acquaintances.”

  “Now don’t be gettin’ yourself all riled up. I just thought you might have been one of Mr. Fournet’s lady friends since you’re pretty enough for the gent and all dressed up to boot,” he said pointing to the material of her dress. “Around here ladies and gents aren’t usually seen until much later in the morning.”

  Marian wished Louis would appear. She felt so uncomfortable standing here talking to this sailor, while everyone in the room looked on. It wasn’t proper, but she couldn’t turn and walk away.

  “Mr. Fournet’s gone back to get me money.” He rambled on. “So what you be doin’ down at the docks?”

  She paused debating whether to be honest with the man and then decided she would not hide the reason for her being here from anyone, not even the sailor.

  With a lift of her chin she told him, “I’m starting work here today.”

  He frowned. “You? I think you have the wrong building, lady. This is Cuvier Shipping.”

  “Yes, I’m aware of that.”

  Just then Louis Fournet came rushing around the counter slightly out of breath. He saw her and frowned. “Mrs. Cuvier, I hoped you would take my advice and stay home.”

  “I said I would be here and I am,” she said defiantly. The noise in the outer office suddenly ceased and everyone including the sailor stared.

  Mr. Fournet shook his head. “Just let me pay Captain Paul and then I’ll be right with you.”

  “Certainly,” she said, feeling more and more uneasy as time went on. The urge to run out the door grew stronger, yet the carriage was long gone and there was Philip’s future to consider.

  Louis turned to pay the ship’s captain but his eyes were fixed on Marian and his stare made her hands sweat.

  “So you’re Jean Cuvier’s wife?” the captain finally said staring at her hard.

  She gave him a haughty look. “Yes, I am.”

  “Why’s a woman like you comin’ to work in a man’s business?” he asked with a sneer. “You should be home mournin’ your husband.”

  “I’m here to learn the shipping business,” she replied pulling her shoulders back and raising her chin. What did the man know about the loss of a cheating husband, the fear of your children starving and your son losing his inheritance? Did he think she’d be here if she had a choice?

  The man made a disgusting snort “You’re wastin’ your time. Women have no head for business.”

  Marian glared at the sailor. “Then I guess you’re in trouble, as I intend to help Mr. Fournet run Cuvier Shipping.”

  The room grew silent enough to hold prayer service, until Louis broke the stillness.

  “Paul, your money,” Louis said, handing the
man an envelope.

  The sailor took the envelope and jammed it into his pants pocket and strolled out the door, giving Marian a parting glare. Was this how her days at Cuvier Shipping would be? Unaccepted by everyone, a struggle every day to find her place in a world dominated by men? She wanted to cry, but refused to show any weakness.

  Louis watched the captain walk out the door. He ran his hand through his hair and released a long breath. Marian’s first morning at the office was beginning exactly the way he’d feared. He resisted the urge to slam his fist down on the counter, knowing the pain would outlive the pleasure. Just what he needed, a woman helping him run a business he wanted to sell!

  He’d watched the exchange between Marian and Paul, hoping that the sailor would frighten the widow and send her running. But Marian held her ground like an embattled army, refusing to surrender. While Paul had stuck to his guns to the end, he’d been as effective as a popgun. Quiet and gentle were not words used to describe Marian Cuvier. She could take care of herself and he’d do well to remember this interesting facet of this woman.

  Several days of sitting in an office, not being accepted would surely break down her resistance. He just needed to bide his time and Mrs. Cuvier would soon want nothing to do with the shipping business and would hurry home to her rightful place in life.

  Marian turned and glanced at Louis, her face looking strained. “Well, I must say I’m starting off on a positive note. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the day unfolds.”

  He tried to hold it back, but the chuckle that bubbled up from his chest refused to cooperate and he laughed out loud at her wry acceptance of how her day had begun. “Welcome to Cuvier Shipping, Mrs. Cuvier. Come around the gate and I’ll introduce you to the rest of the staff.”

  “I’m glad I’ve made your day entertaining,” she said walking through the open gate and into the back office area.

  “Indeed you have, though I had hoped you would come to your senses and stay home.”