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that now would be a terrible time to sell.”
    “A new buyer could change the name and then
they wouldn’t be attached to the scandal,” he countered.
    “This company has been Cuvier Shipping for
many years, it’s not going to lose its reputation overnight” She
watched his face and saw something that looked like surprise
reflected in his eyes. He stepped back and took a seat in a chair.
He leaned forward, his arms resting on his knees as he observed her
for a few moments, making her feel uncomfortable.
    “Do you think we should wait?” he asked.
    “You yourself said that in time there would
be another scandal to draw the public’s attention away from the
Cuvier's.” She took a deep breath. “Mr. Fournet, the shipping
business is my primary source of income. You heard the lawyer say
that I must watch my finances closely. If I sell this business, I
lose my source of income, my son’s inheritance, and I would
probably be forced to remarry someday.” She shook her head. “I’m
sorry, but I’m willing to take a chance that Cuvier Shipping will
rebound. Of course you mentioned other business pursuits. Perhaps
you are wanting out of Cuvier Shipping, Mr. Fournet?”
    “No.” He looked across the room at a portrait
of Jean on the wall, not quite meeting her gaze. “If you are
willing to stay and fight this battle, risking your family’s
prosperity, then I could never leave until I knew you were
secure.”
    Marian suddenly had the uncanny sense that
Mr. Fournet was not being totally honest with her and she wondered
what about. “Mr. Fournet, in the last few weeks my life has changed
more than all the years I’ve been an adult. I’ve found out my
husband was a liar, a bigamist and he kept me in the dark regarding
our financial situation.” She took a deep breath. “Therefore, I
think it would be wise of me to get to know the shipping business
before I make any decisions. I intended to wait several weeks
before I approached you, but I think now is the time to let you
know of my plans.” She smiled at him and leaned forward just enough
to get his attention. “I plan on becoming very involved with Cuvier
Shipping. How else can I know how to help my son, if I don’t know
the business?”
    She watched his eyes widen, and then she
pressed on. “Though I know it’s highly improper for a lady, I
intend to take Jean’s place.”
    Marian wanted to laugh at the stunned
expression on his face. “Mr. Fournet?”
    He blinked, his eyes wide with surprise. “You
have caught me totally unprepared.”
    “It seems the logical step if I am going to
make sound business decisions.”
    “Really, Mrs. Cuvier, I think you’re
overreacting. I can bring daily reports to you if you’d like, but
the shipping business is no place for a lady. Need I remind you
that you are in mourning? It’s improper for you to leave the house,
let alone go to work each day.”
    ‘‘Thank you for your kind consideration, Mr.
Fournet I’m sure some people will be appalled at my complete lack
of propriety, but I am wearing black out of deference to my
children. I owe Jean nothing.” She smiled, watching his stunned
expression. “Regardless, starting Monday morning, I have every
intention of taking Jean’s place.”
    “Mrs. Cuvier, this is unheard of! A woman in
your position with children should be at home. If you want to help
the business, I suggest you stay at home and not bring any
additional scandal on Cuvier Shipping.”
    She raised her brows at him. “What are you
afraid of, Mr. Fournet?” She paused. “I sense you want to sell the
business—I want to keep it intact. You’ve mentioned other business
pursuits, which make me leery of your reasons for recommending that
I sell. I’ve already been deceived at the hands of one man. What
makes you think that I’m going to trust you and your judgment?” He
stared at her for a moment, clearly offended.
    “You have just questioned my integrity, Mrs.
Cuvier. I understand your not