A Question of Class Read Free Page A

bump, Catherine caromed into him. A strange spark traveled through her body and she picked up the scent of horses and leather and something faintly sweet, like vanilla, before pulling away.
    He turned the carriage down the cyprus-lined driveway. In the distance, the house rose up in front of them. In the past, Catherine had taken delight in this particular view of the Mount, with its stately white columns and large portico. The architecture was symmetrical and solid.  
    Tonight, though, the house seemed ostentatious and ominous. The two chimneys jutted up into the dark sky on either side of the widow’s walk and its large windows resembled empty, black eyes. Luckily, Morris snored terribly and preferred to sleep with the windows shut, which might prevent him from hearing their approach. The faster she could get rid of Mr. Thomas, the better.
    Davis emerged from the house, rubbing the back of his head and yawning. Mr. Thomas startled when she called Davis by name, and stood back as she informed the sleepy old man she’d had a mishap on Bloomingdale Road and the bay was most likely standing in front of the barn door.
    “After you’ve put the bay away, please take care of this man who kindly helped me.” She turned to face Mr. Thomas. “Thank you sir, for your assistance. Davis will help you get back on your way.”
    Davis, shaking his head, shuffled off to the stable.
    “You live here?” Mr. Thomas asked, incredulously. For the first time, to Catherine’s satisfaction, he seemed confused.
    “I am the lady of the house, yes. I am Mrs. Catherine Delcour.”
    His face broke into a wide grin and he put his head back and laughed. So he had heard of her, heard the snide remarks and mockery everyone in town had entertained themselves with the past six months.
    “Is that so amusing to you, Mr. Thomas? I’m glad my predicament is a source of such entertainment.”
    He smiled and took a step toward her. “Your predicament is now my predicament, Mrs. Delcour.”
    Catherine’s head began to spin, most likely from the lack of food and sleep and the excitement of the past few hours. “You aren’t making any sense. What on earth do you mean?”
    “Luckily, there’s plenty of time for me to explain, as I’ll be staying here with you at the Mount.”
    She placed her hands on her hips. “I don’t think so. Under no circumstances will I have a stranger in my house. My husband would never allow it. Who do you think you are?”
    “Please allow me to introduce myself,” he said with a flourish. “I am your brother-in-law, and Mr. Delcour has hired me to keep an eye on you. And from what I can tell, it looks like I arrived just in time.”
     

 
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    The front door opened and a dour-looking woman in a uniform glowered at Benjamin.
    “Mr. Thomas, I see you’ve finally arrived. We were expecting you earlier.”
    He was surprised by the servant’s audacity. “I’m afraid I was delayed.”
    “I see. Well, Mr. Delcour has retired for the evening. I will see you up to your room.” She eyed Mrs. Delcour. “What are you doing outside?”
    Mrs. Delcour’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. After a moment, she appeared to recover her composure. “I was greeting our guest.”
    “The night air is dangerous and your husband would not approve. Come inside, both of you, and keep your voices down.”
    “Mr. Thomas, please have a seat in the parlor,” said Mrs. Delcour. “I must speak with Mrs. Daggett for a moment. I’ll be back shortly.” She disappeared into the house, and he couldn’t help but admire her receding figure.
    Benjamin had been unnerved during the trip to the Mount. He hadn’t been in such close proximity to a woman in some time, and Mrs. Delcour’s perfume smelled of jasmine, reminding him of the tropical paradise of Haiti where he’d spent his youth. He could tell she was making every effort to avoid contact with his body, remaining rigid as the carriage swayed along the road. He was oddly