I shared a conspiratorial look with Blanche.
“This could be fun,” she said in a fake whisper.
“I agree one hundred percent,” I whispered back.
Henri just shook his head, grinning.
We stopped at an inn for the first night, and the second. On the third evening, we were too far into the countryside to secure such an establishment, so Montoni called on some friends whom he knew would put us up.
Ugo and Bertrand were brothers who owned a modest house. The servants would be forced to sleep in the barn, while the rest of us would double up in rooms for the night. The house had only one servant, who saw to all of our comforts, which I’m sure was taxing. A woman from the village came three times a week to cook, and was summoned on this occasion, providing us with tender lamb and greens, which was more than satisfactory on such short notice.
“It smells lovely,” I complimented as I was served. I eyed the food with some trepidation however, as it was served much rarer than I liked, but I would eat without complaint, having burdened our hosts enough.
“Quite,” Blanche agreed, lips pasted into a smile that, if I didn’t know her better, appeared genuine.
“My child,” Father Schedoni said, brows furrowed as he observed Blanche, “where are your gloves?”
I blinked and looked to Blanche’s bare arms. Usually, she did wear gloves when out, and as I glanced around the table, I realized that Montoni, Morano, and Schedoni all wore gloves.
Montoni narrowed his eyes at his niece. “How thoughtless of you.”
Blanche stood, apologizing, blushing under the scrutiny of the others. “I will fetch them right away.”
“I haven’t gloves on either,” I said, standing with her. “I’ll escort her.”
Montoni gave me a passing glance, nodding.
As we left the room, Blanche sent me a grateful smile. “That was embarrassing.”
I scratched my head. “You always wear gloves when out?”
“For meals,” Blanche explained. “Uncle once received a sliver of silver and it got infected. He nearly lost his hand. Since then, we’ve been instructed to wear gloves when guests to dinner.” She shrugged. “It’s inconvenient, but we indulge him.”
“Strange.”
Blanche smiled, grabbing my sleeve. “Thank you. For coming with me. I’m afraid you’re in the company of a strange family. We have our quirks.”
“Like taxidermy?”
Blanche sighed. “Yes. Henri does dote on those things. I think they give him a sense of control, and an outlet for creativity. I hope they didn’t frighten you. I know they can be a bit much.”
“They’re rather impressive, actually.”
“It is an odd talent,” Blanche acknowledged, “but he’s skilled at it. Henri has always been fond of animals.”
“You should get a pet.”
Blanche raised an eyebrow. “You really think my uncle would allow an animal in the house?”
She was right. I couldn’t see Montoni indulging them in that manner. He’d be more likely to kick a puppy than pet it.
When we returned to the dining hall, Bertrand was speaking in a low voice. “Yes, you’d best be careful in the woods surrounding that castle. I’ve heard that it’s a haunt for assassins and bandits. Not a place for proper gentlemen, nor women. Stick to the main roads and do not fall for any tricks of broken-down carriages or anything of the sort. Mind your own business, and you should reach your destination just fine.”
“We aren’t afraid of bandits or anything of the kind,” Montoni sniffed. “I am well acquainted with the area surrounding Udolpho, and the people who reside there. It’s cruel to worry my new wife so.”
Bertrand eyed Aunt Cheron with hesitance. “I beg your pardon, my lady.”
My aunt merely nodded in response.
