Forewarning

M. Pierre Audinet did not know how to convince his wife of there being no “curse”. Someone put the concept into her head long ago, before their wedding, and in consequence it had since been an odd and trying subject between them. Before Auré’s ailment the subject was easy enough for M. Audinet to subdue, but subsequent to the boy’s fall his wife was entirely persuaded. The existence was evident to her, thus Auré was doomed and Elodie must be safely kept.

            The one who first put the notion into Mme. Audinet’s consciousness was her sister, Mlle. Manon Escoffier. It happened one morning when Mme. Audinet was still only Manon’s beloved sibling. The two of them were arranging bouquets for their aunt’s visit, of which was upcoming and highly important to the family. She said blatantly to her sister that morning, “I cannot comprehend how you would marry that man, knowing what he is.”

            “What he is?” Camille laughed, trimming a stem. She could not imagine Pierre as anything but the kind and firm gentleman she knew. “What makes him that I do not know? You must tell me of any secret that’s been kept.” Her mood was jovial, and she was not at all concerned by her sister’s tone.

            “Père is pleased with his wealth, but I am not,” Manon said as she adjusted her vase. She glanced towards Camille, who was smiling still, measuring her stems in an idle manner. “It’s horrid, dark, evil money.”

            “Manon!” Camille exclaimed, shocked by the statement, “What an absurd thing to say to me, and so suddenly!”

            “I’m concerned for you! Do you understand where it came from? Each centime?”

            “I cannot fathom a relevance,” Camille frowned, setting down her stems. “I have done very well, as I was expected to do. You can rest easier now that I will be married and Papa will be able to leave most to you.”

            Manon was not soothed by the promise of secured future. She shook her head and began to chew on her bottom lip, a display of which displeased her sister.

            “Of course I know of it. Do you think I would accept the proposal of a man I know nothing about?”

            Manon then asked, “It doesn’t bother you?” Camille shook her head, and the matter was closed between them. They returned to their preparation in silence. The relevance, however, never ceased. During the wedding, which took place a month later, Camille could not help but notice Manon’s expressions, her nervousness, and though it was an incredibly felicitous day the bride was left feeling apprehensive.