Wronged (The Cuvier Widows Book 1) by Sylvia McDaniel Read Free Book Online Page A

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