Read Online Bon Marche by Chet Hagan - Free Book Online

He told me he believed you to be a young man of talent. I’ve been at Elkwood long enough to know that Mr. Statler has a weakness for snap judgments of that kind. And not always accurate judgments.
    â€œHaving now learned of your background, and having heard you speak last night at dinner and again here this morning, I’m inclined to agree with him. It’s a talent, indeed, for you to have risen so far above your environment. I know that must sound condescending to you, but I mean it only in the most flattering way.”
    â€œYou’re most kind. I had a good tutor aboard the Ville de Paris. ”
    â€œAnd he had a facile pupil.”
    Charles was embarrassed. “Again—you’re most kind.”
    â€œYes, well…” MacCallum smiled. “So much for that. Now, Charles, please bear with me as I outline certain realities of living here at Elkwood. I couldn’t help noticing your almost instant fascination with Miss Martha. While I can appreciate that fascination, it mustn’t be allowed to blossom into anything more. I understand the Frenchman’s proclivity toward the opposite sex, but—”
    â€œI don’t understand that last remark,” Charles cut in.
    MacCallum stared at him for an instant. “It’s well known that Frenchmen have a … well, an appetite for women.”
    â€œMore than Scotsmen?”
    The tutor laughed loudly. “So it’s said. Am I to understand that you have no such appetite?”
    â€œAppetite? You make it sound like a meal.”
    â€œI seem to be doing this rather badly,” Andrew chortled. “But I’m going to muddle on and assume that you’ve had some experience with women.”
    He paused, waiting for a response from Charles, who remained silent.
    â€œWhat I’m trying to say, Charles, is that with the Statler daughters you must be like Caesar’s wife.”
    â€œPardon?”
    â€œLike Caesar’s wife: above reproach.” He quickly realized his error. “Of course, you haven’t learned of such things. We’ll rectify those … uh … shortcomings as we go along. The point is, Charles, that you must not in any way, make overtures to Miss Martha or Miss Katherine.”
    MacCallum sighed. “And let me tell you that won’t be easy. Miss Katherine, especially, is at an age where she’s feeling her womanliness. While I’ll not go into details, I can tell you that Miss Katherine might give you cause to believe that her … uh … favors are available. Lord, this is difficult!”
    â€œI understand, Andrew.”
    â€œAh! You say you do, but could you resist if an opportunity presented itself?”
    Charles was sober-faced. “I’d make it a point to do so.”
    â€œFine. You’ll not be alone in this. If I see something brewing, I hope you won’t be offended if I bring it to your attention. Privately, of course.”
    â€œI’d be most appreciative.”
    Andrew laughed again. “Let’s hope so.”
    â€œI would—honestly!”
    â€œI don’t wish to belabor this matter, but you should also know about Mr. Lee, of whom Mr. Statler spoke. He is Funston Lee, the son of a rather obnoxious man who lives some five miles removed from Elkwood—a Virginia gentleman, he insists, though I have my doubts about his credentials. In any event, the younger Lee, Funston, is paying court to Miss Katherine, and she’s not above attempting to make him jealous by paying special attention to you. Be aware of that, and be especially meticulous in your conversations and actions when Lee is about.
    â€œIn this part of the country, Charles, it’s not unique for one gentleman to challenge another to what you French call an affaire d’honneur —you see, I do know a little French—over the affections of a young lady. Nor is it unique for a young lady to try to precipitate a duel as an