Free Rue Toulouse by Debby Grahl Page B

that would be too cowardly.”
    Elaine knitted her brows. “I suppose. So how are you going to handle your rampaging relatives?”
    Caterine took a long sip of her drink, then her mouth formed a firm line. “Grandmère has entrusted me with a business she holds dear, and I intend to honor that trust. And no matter how loud or how long they scream, there’s absolutely nothing they can do about it. Ma Chérie is mine.”
     
    The ticking of the parlor mantel clock was the only sound in the suddenly silent room. Caterine held her breath, waiting for the explosion that was sure to come.
    “Mother, you can’t be serious,” Markus said, breaking the silence.
    Regally seated in her brocaded chair, Miss Dauphine looked prepared for battle and intent on victory.
    “I can assure you, Markus, I am very serious. The papers were signed this morning.”
    Markus, clearly agitated, rose and headed toward the drinks cabinet. “Can I fix one for anyone else?”
    Randal stared at Caterine, scowled and shook his head. “I’ll join you, Uncle Markus. The occasion certainly calls for one.”
    Caterine’s eyes went from Randal to Markus and noticed her uncle’s hands weren’t steady as he poured the drinks.
    “Mother, shouldn’t you have discussed your decision with us first?” Jules asked.
    “No, Jules, why should I have? Ma Chérie is mine to do with as I choose. And I choose to give it to Caterine.”
    Caterine braced herself as all eyes turned toward her. Her breath caught at the variety of emotions in their faces: confusion, disbelief, envy, distaste, and hatred, all focused on her. She lifted her chin high and stared defiantly back.
    Silence again filled the room until Frances, barely able to control her rage, met Caterine’s eyes. Emphasizing each word as she spoke, she said, “Well, I hope you’re happy. You’ve just cheated your cousin out of her inheritance.”
    Caterine opened her mouth to reply when her uncle Jules came to her defense. “Now, Frances, Caterine had nothing to do with this.”
    “Don’t now, Frances me, Jules. She’s been manipulating your mother since she was a child, and now she’s managed to convince her to disinherit your daughter.”
    Miss Dauphine’s eyes flashed with anger. “Frances, I have never been manipulated by anyone, nor do I ever intend to be. As Jules said, Caterine had nothing to do with this. She did not know my intentions until yesterday.”
    “Mother, do you realize that by doing this you’re disregarding your grandmother’s wishes?” Markus asked.
    Before Miss Dauphine could reply, Frances interrupted. “That’s right, Raymond. You’re an attorney. Is what she’s done legal?”
    Caterine and her cousin Raymond’s eyes met. To her astonishment, he winked.
    As twins, Raymond and Randal had the handsome dark looks of the Doucettes, but that’s where similarity ended. Their personalities were as different as salt and pepper. Caterine definitely preferred Raymond.
    “Mother, I’m sure Clayton Butler knows what he’s doing. He’s been taking care of Grandmère’s affairs for years.”
    Miss Dauphine nodded. “Thank you, Raymond. That’s correct. And to answer your question, Frances, I’ve done nothing illegal.”
    “It’s not only Charlotte that’s being disinherited. What about my Paulette?” Hyacinth said, glowering at Caterine.
    Through narrowed eyes, Paulette looked from Caterine to Miss Dauphine and back to her mother and simpered, “Mother, I don’t understand. Why does Grandmère dislike me so?”
    Caterine waited for her grandmother’s response. Her expression of exasperation warned that they were about to push her beyond the limits of her patience.
    “Paulette, my decision has nothing to do with whether I love you or not. I feel Caterine is the right one to take over ownership of Ma Chérie. This is strictly business.”
    Charlotte jumped to her feet and began to pace. “That’s all well and good, Grandmère, but what I want to know is where