Blaine called Buffy the next morning, after Sebastian left, telling her everything he had learned from Kathryn and Sebastian. "Thanks Turtle. Maybe there is a way to turn the tables on those two. We need to find a way to get enough ammunition to make Kathryn want to get clean. I'll talk it over with Nana see what she thinks. She gets away with everything because no one is every willing to talk."
"You're going to tell Madam about all of this. Buffy, she'll destroy Sebastian," Blaine panicked.
"Relax Turtle; Nana won't do anything because someone is plotting something. She'll just prepare and be ready if they decide to go through with it. Trust me Turtle, no one is going to have anything done to them that they won't deserve."
Sebastian showed up at the Mertuil's Main Townhouse late on Sunday morning. He was shown in to a small dining room. "Hello Sebastian, would you like anything?" Buffy had a large plate of fruit, eggs and bacon in front of her.
"Are you really going to eat all of that?" His eyes grew wide looking at all of the food she was working her way through.
"High metabolism; I burn it off with all the stuff I do. What brings you by, did you have a meeting with Nana?"
"No, I needed to talk to you about something in private. Whenever you're through, of course." He smiled at her, using every ounce of charm he owned.
"I won't be too much longer. Would you like some coffee or juice?"
"Coffee please." Buffy got up and poured him a cup, which surprised him.
"Is anything wrong?" He was looking at her as if she was doing something strange.
"Oh, no, nothing." He watched her closely as she finished everything that had been on her plate. Buffy picked up her plate carrying it into the kitchen. He heard her praising the chef in French.
"Tres magnifique, Louis." Buffy's voice carried through the door. She walked back in smiling at him. "We can go in the study no one will disturb us there."
They entered a plush study painted a deep forest green. The furniture was dark brown leather; they were large and meant for comfort while still managing to look elegant.
Buffy curled up into one of the chairs pulling her legs underneath her. "So what's up?"
"Well I talked to Blaine and he convinced me to spill my guts to you. You'll have to forgive me if it takes me a little bit to get it all out I'm kind of rusty," he smiled charmingly.
Her eyebrow rose then her eyes became hard. Sebastian felt a shiver go down his spine as he remembered Blaine warning him not to piss her off. He told Buffy most everything, trying to put himself in the best light possible. He tried to put as much of the burden on Kathryn's shoulders.
"Let me see if I have this straight. You two made bets with cars and sex on the outcome of whether you were man enough to get me into some compromising situation. Then you provide proof and get to have sex with Kathryn as your prize. If you don't, you lose your car, which is primo I'm told. Does that about cover it? Oh yes, Kathryn uses what you so happily provide to ruin me then run me out of town, stepping into my shoes."
"Uh yeah, I wouldn't have put it exactly like that, but yeah." Sebastian sputtered, this was not going the way he hoped.
"What were you supposed to do to me that would be so compromising?"
"Just take pictures of us having sex." Buffy started laughing. Sebastian looked at her confused. "What's so funny?"
"So Kitty-Cat thinks some naughty pictures would make me run away with my tail between my legs?"
"You mean you wouldn't have. Aren't you a..." he stopped himself.
"The word you're looking for is virgin, Sebastian; come on, you can say it, it's not a hard word to pronounce. Not that it's any of you business, well it isn't any of your business. It wouldn't have worked Sebastian. Blaine is right. Nana would have destroyed you and your father. Who do you think is Valmont Industries biggest supplier?"
"What do you mean destroy my father? What would he have to do with it? What do the companies have to do with anything? I'm not involved in any of that."
"You should pay attention to what's going on around you more. Your father's company needs Mertuil Industries to keep the doors open; over 50 percent of their supplies come from MI. Why do you think he really married Tiff? As far as you father goes, is there really anything you do he doesn't just pat you on the head for?"
"But he has nothing to do with this; it was all me and Kathryn," the panic was clear in his voice.
"That may be true, but I'm not sure Nana will see it that way. Business is one thing. Someone goes after her family, she's a 'no prisoners' kind of girl. Kathryn coming after me would be handled where it belongs, in the family. However, you joining in was, well, rather stupid. You grew up here. I can't believe you don't know more about Nana than you do."
"I never pay attention to any of that bullshit when my father talks. All I cared about was having a good time."
"Well, I hope you had a good time 'cause you're royally screwed. If Nana hears of this, she'll string you up as an example." Buffy enjoyed watching the spoiled boy squirm.
"Not necessarily chére," Anne said as she walked in from a hidden doorway.
"Nana, how long have you been there?" Buffy asked, trying to sound alarmed. Her back was to Sebastian, so he couldn't see her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Sit down, Monsieur Valmont. We must have a parlez, oui." Her voice left no question that was exactly what they were going to do.
Sebastian looked at the diminutive woman who looked so much like Buffy and he realized he was in deep shit.
"I love Kathryn; I just do not like the person she has become. Perhaps, with your assistance we will find her a life better suited to her temperament, oui." Anne smiled then left the room. It had taken over an hour for her to explain the plan for Sebastian.
"How could Kathryn ever think that woman old and feeble? I'm exhausted just keeping up with her for an hour." He was running his hands through his hair; a nervous habit he wasn't aware give his feeling away.
"You should see her in a boardroom; it's great. What do you think? It might work. There is no love loss between me and Kitty-Cat but she is close to pulling an Elvis if something doesn't happen soon."
"Buffy, you're the strangest girl. Anyone else would plot to destroy Kathryn, with plans to take her place. Why aren't you?"
"Don't want her place, Bastian, just my own. I don't want to put on an act to have people accept me, they do or they don't. I'll become friends with some and everyone will get the same respect and common decency I'd show anyone I meet. No one said everybody had to like you for you to be happy. I used to think that way but learned differently. I'd rather have two really close friends that I can always trust and depend on then a room full fawning over me because of my name."
"I think I'm going to enjoy this more than I probably deserve," Sebastian smiled, his first true smile.
"Just a warning Bastian, don't play both sides against the middle. I'll give you a shot because you had the guts to show up here but..." Buffy's eyes went hard, her voice deepened to a deadly quiet, "If you betray me, you won't have to worry about Nana. I promise Bastian, I don't handle betrayal well. So decide either to walk away or you're in it all the way."
He watched her beautiful face change from soft to something dangerous, deadly. "Kathryn has no idea does she; of whom she's dealing with? She thinks you're some dumb California blond. She was wrong and so was I; you're no easy mark. Even if I wouldn't have come here, she wouldn't have won, only I would've lost and my father as well. As far as a parental unit goes, he is not that bad. He really loved my mom if she wouldn't have died they would still be together."
Buffy saw a little lonely little boy peaking out, before he was quickly hidden. "No she doesn't know me, and no she wouldn't have succeeded. The love/hate relationship you two have is easy to read if someone knows at least one of you. Something happened between you two and Kathryn wants your balls for earrings for it; you being the oblivious male you are, you haven't a clue as to what it is which makes the chase all the more fun."
"Okay I'm leaving. The blond Mertuil women are just plain scary. I'll see you tomorrow at Manchester, do you want a ride or to meet me there?"
"I'll meet you - I have a meeting before school. So, tomorrow are you ready to worship at my feet, Bastian?" Buffy laughed as she walked him to the door.
When they were almost to the foyer, Buffy grabbed his shirt, pulling him to her and kissed him hungrily. Sebastian reacted immediately pushing her against a wall; his hands went up to cup her breasts then start to unbutton her shirt.
"Whoa, down killer. Just didn't think we should have our first kiss in front of the entire school. Wouldn't want to people asking questions, before we even start."
Buffy grinned wickedly moving him out the door. As he stood on the other side with a stunned expression on his face, Buffy closed the door smiling
"You are a vixen chére, well played, well played indeed" Anne smiled, standing on the stairs. Buffy walked over to her and they walk up arm in arm up the stairs
Kathryn was on her way to the Headmaster's office; she smiled and waved to everyone along the way. Yes, it was good to back where she held some real power. Now, it's time to suck up to the old prune. Thank goodness I don't have to screw this one too. He fawns over me. I so love being a Mertuil. Well, here goes nothing. She walked into the main office smiling at the secretary.
"Oh Kathryn, he'll be right with you, dear. There's someone in there," the older woman behind the front desk told her.
"Thank you Mrs. Scott. Did you have a nice summer break?"
"Yes dear, thank you for asking. How was yours? I'm sure you went somewhere exotic and fun."
Just then, the door opened and the Headmaster walked out laughing. "Please tell Madam that I said hello, Elisabeth."
"Thank you, sir. I know I'm going to love going here. Thanks for the tour. I'd better run. I wouldn't want to be late on the first day of classes. Hi, Kitty-Cat. How are you?" Buffy grinned at Kathryn's shocked face.
"Your cousin is a lovely girl, Kathryn. It must run in the family. How are you dear? Come in, Come in," he said, gesturing to his office.
Kathryn glared at Buffy as they passed each other. How dare she! Manchester is mine, nothing happens here without my approval. Buffy will soon learn that lesson; I will make sure of that. Kathryn left the office like a soldier on a mission only to stop short not ten yards from the office.
There stood Buffy and Sebastian kissing tenderly in the hallway, in front of the whole school.
"I'll see you later, Bastian," Buffy said as she smiled up at him.
Caressing her face, "Alright I'll meet you here after class." He watched her walk away, a smile on his face as his eyes followed the subtle swing of her slender hips.
Kathryn walked up to him, "Well that was so sweet; I may need an insulin shot."
"Hello, Kathryn. What do you want?" Sebastian didn't even look at her, still watching Buffy's backside.
"Nothing, just wondering, how you were doing with Buffy. From the looks of it, she'll be gone by Halloween. Very good, Valmont. Do you need another installment after that horrible display?" She purred, stroking her hand down his chest.
Moving away from her, "That's okay Kathryn. Wouldn't want anyone to see us together - might hurt your perfect reputation. I better get going."
Before Kathryn could say or do anything else, the bell rang. All she heard all day long was how wonderful her damn cousin was. The next person that said Buffy was dead.
"Buffy."
Her head jerked up, as her nails cut into her hand to keep from screaming. Kathryn looked up from her table on the lawn to see Sebastian walking over to her cousin.
He picked her up, spinning her around then kissed her in front of the whole school. Walking hand-in-hand to a blanket on the ground, she could see an elaborate picnic laid out under a tree.
Don't go overboard Valmont. You are just supposed to fuck her then take pictures not be voted Prom King. Behind her large sunglasses, Kathryn watched him feed Buffy as she leaned against him.
"You can almost see the smoke coming out of her ears, Bastian. Hope the drugs don't cause an aneurysm."
"Shh, I'm working here. Never interrupt a Master." Sebastian began to nibble on her neck.
"Oh, you are a master are you? I'll remember that. They told me you were good at fencing but you didn't seem that hard to beat." She giggled when he got to a sensitive spot.
"That was mean. Now you've hurt my feelings. You already wounded my pride, woman, leave me with something."
"Fine you were pretty good, and you're not a half bad kisser. How's that?" Buffy teased.
"Pretty good, not half bad, ooh I'll show you. Come here." Scooping her up to sit on his lap, he pulled her head down to his devouring her mouth.
"Buffy, I'm not sure what kind of school you went to in California, but your behavior here reflects on me. Please try and show some class," Kathryn said, as she stood glaring down at them. Her sunglasses tapped rapidly against her leg.
"Meow, Kitty-Cat, if the way I behave reflects on you does that mean yours reflects on me? Don't think so Miss Kitty, you are on your own. I'll take whatever lumps I earn as long as you do the same. Now go away, if I need someone to tell me how to act it sure as hell won't be you."
Turning back to Sebastian, she whispered in his ear, teasing it with her tongue. "Has the top of her head blown off yet?"
Sebastian roared with laughter completely ignoring Kathryn. The bell rang so he got up helping Buffy to her feet; they continued to cuddle and whisper to each other leaving Kathryn standing there alone.
Kathryn hurried to the bathroom looking under the stalls then opened her cross. She sniffed a bump up her nose. Wiping her face, she went to her next class; one more hour then she had Equestrian with Sebastian. She would grill him then. Damn it, I had plans to break in the grooms. It always made sure she never had to take care of her horse for the entire year. Plus, they were always ready for a quick fuck when she needed one, the stables were secluded perfect for an anytime buckthorn. She hated Buffy even more than she thought she ever possible. Her cousin was interfering in her life entirely too much.
Buffy led out a beautiful black horse which she easily mounts riding him out to warm him up.
Sebastian rode up on a large roan gelding. "You have a nice seat" he grinned.
"So I've been told," Buffy smirked at him.
"He's a beauty. What's his line?" Sebastian was looking over the large black horse taking in his smooth lines appreciatively.
"Ask Nana when you see her, all I care about is how he handles; which is like a dream. How does the class breakdown? Does everyone do their own thing or are their particular drills we run?"
"We run drills, jumps, dressage that kind of thing."
"I hate dressage, it's like watching cement dry" she grimaced.
"No, it just takes someone with class to appreciate its beauty." Kathryn rode up on a pretty grey Arabian mare. "That horse is entirely too large for you."
"Go away Kitty-Cat you are starting to piss me off."
"You have the class of a guttersnipe. It isn't any wonder, look at your mother," Kathryn sniped.
"Do you really want to do this, cuz? No matter how hard you or Tiff try, lots of people remember who and what she was when your father married her."
"You know nothing about my family." Kathryn raised her crop to hit Buffy.
"Uh, uh, uh, Kitty-Cat what would people think, if you were to hit me and I hit you back. I would hit you, believe me."
Kathryn's hand lowered as she looked around her. Seeing no one, she hit Buffy's horse with the crop. The black took off at a fast trot; soon it was at a full out run. "Oops, I hope the poor dear will be alright."
"Kathryn, you bitch!" Sebastian took off after Buffy afraid, she would get hurt badly. He's slowly gaining on the other horse when he noticed the set of jumps ahead. "Buffy pull up, pull up, DAMNIT!"
Buffy leaned into the horse as they flew easily over the first jump and the next two as well. She pulled up out of the jumps then moved around to circle the field. The whole class whistled and clapped.
The instructor rode over to meet Buffy then the two of them rode back together. "That was some of the finest bit of riding I've seen in ages, young lady. Have you ever ridden in competition?"
"No, just for pleasure," Buffy answered, smiling at the older man. He reminded her of Giles.
"Would you consider it? We have a team here at Manchester. It's quite well respected, even had several go onto Olympic Events. Pardon my rudeness but who are you?"
Buffy laughed, "Elizabeth Mertuil, but please call me, Buffy. I live with my grandmother at the Mertuil Main. Do you know it? Why don't you come to dinner this evening? We can discuss it more then."
"Of, Of course," he stuttered.
"Fine, we'll see you at about 6:30, Mr. Douglas. I'm going to finish out the course then clean up; there is a car waiting for me." Buffy trotted off.
Mr. Douglas looked at Sebastian, "Is she for real?"
"I'm beginning to wonder that myself," he muttered, guiding his horse away.
After cooling down Angel, Buffy dismounted; Nana grimaced at the horse's name. Buffy would just smile at her; the big black looked intimidating but was actually sweet natured toward her. She stowed her tack after brushing him down then went to move him into his stall. Since she had talked to Mr. Douglas for so long, she was running behind.
Opening the gate, she stopped then blinked several time; there was Kathryn, naked. She looked like some obscene feast. There were no less than three grooms - servicing her was the only way to describe it. Or was it, she was servicing them?
Kathryn sat astride one groom while another mounted her. The last stood in front of her, while she serviced him. Six pairs of hands traveled across her body: pulling, pinching, squeezing and slapping. They seemed to work in some strange rhythm as their bodies moved. Buffy wondered if Kathryn's breasts could actually return to their normal shape from the mauling they were getting. It was like watching some kind of strange animal that moved its arms and legs at the same time then in tandem. One groom shouted, which set off a chain reaction in the other two. Kathryn licked them clean like some human mother cat.
"My goodness Kitty-Cat, have you ever thought of doing pro? I hear it pays big bucks. Seems every time I walk into a room, you have something stuck in your, err, teeth."
Buffy stood leaning against the doorway, holding Angel's lead rope. Her boot kicked at the hay at her feet.
"I don't have time to sterilize his stall. You'll have to find him a new home." Buffy looked at the grooms, working hard to keep eye contact. "Since Kitty-Cat likes this one, move her horse here."
"Wait just a minute, bitch. Sheba isn't moving anywhere. You don't like the accommodations for that overgrown mutt then don't ride at the school."
Kathryn stood there naked, with her hands on her hips. I have just serviced three grooms for that stall; no way is she taking from me.
"Are you really going to stand there screeching until someone comes to see what's wrong? That'll be an interesting picture for the yearbook."
Buffy turned to leave as Kathryn grabbed her arm. She spun back around hitting the brunette in the chest with the palm of her hand. Kathryn shot backwards, if not for the grooms, she would have hit the back of the stall.
"Don't start what you can't finish. I told you before not to touch me, please pay attention. There's a car waiting for me." She turned to address the head groom, staring over his shoulder. "Scott, right? I've already taken care of Angel. He just needs food then bed him down for the night. I would've done it, but you can see the snag with that plan." She waved her hands out somewhere below her, without lowering her eyes. "Damn it, put your clothes on, Kathryn. You've taken up so much time the others are about to show up any minute. Hurry up."
Buffy closed the stall door and pulled Angel along behind her.
"Oh, Mr. Douglas, would you hold Angel for me? Kathryn wanted to change stalls but she had an emergency. I need to move Sheba it will only take a minute."
"I'll help her, Mr. Douglas. I've already bedded down Socrates for the night. I think one of the other students was looking for you though," Sebastian offered.
"Thank you, Sebastian. I had better go see what the matter is now."
"Bastian, just hold his head firmly. He doesn't like it if I walk away from him, so he might try to come after me. I'll be right back." Buffy took off in a sprint down to a stall in the middle of the stables.
He watched her back Sheba out of her stall. Moving Angel forward cautiously so as not to lose control of the big black, Sebastian eased closer trying to see what was going on. How does she control this beast? His eyes grew wide when he saw Kathryn then Scott, Tim, and John walking out of a stall. She wouldn't have, not here where anybody... Oh, Kathryn, are you completely off your nut.
Scott took Sheba from Buffy moving her into the stall they had just vacated. Kathryn tried to yank her away but Buffy merely picked her cousin up, putting her in Tim's arms pointing away from the stables. Sebastian wished he could hear what they were saying because Tim carried Kathryn out of stables disappearing from sight.
Buffy walked back over, taking Angel's lead and walked him into his new stall. "I don't want her near Angel. What you choose to do is your business; I could care less if she chooses to screw fifty of you at once. If I find out, she is allowed to hurt my horse, in any way, while you are supposed to be watching him that is mine."
"We'll make sure he's safe, ma'am," Scott replied respectfully.
"It's just Buffy. I'm not trying to be the world's biggest bitch to you. My cousin would think nothing of hurting Angel to get back at me though. I won't allow that to happen."
"You might want to check Sheba's withers; looks like Kathryn took the crop to her, as well," Sebastian stated.
Buffy spun around moving quickly over to the little grey mare. She smoothed her hand over the slices on the horse's back quarters.
"That bitch! You won't have to worry about Kathryn coming to the stables after today. A trailer here from the island will come to pick up Sheba, as soon as possible. Don't worry about it my grandmother will okay the orders; you won't get caught in the middle of this mess."
She stormed out of the stables as Sebastian hurried after her.
"Buffy, calm down before you do something that you will regret."
"Oh, I'm not going to confront her right now; I know I'm too pissed off. If I got within arms reach of her, I might snap her cruel little neck. No, I'll find another way to keep her out of the stables; she won't even realize it until it's over. Tim has her occupied, probably banging her against the side of the stable as we speak. She really pushed a button for me, Bastian. Come at me all you want. I can and will defend myself. But, when people hurt innocents, well let's just say its kind of my own personal campaign to kick their asses. I am just learning how to do it a different way that is all."
"Turtle, what do you suggest we do to Kitty-Cat? We need something to tickle her taste buds. Her need her focus on a new project. One that takes up time; plus give us everything we need to finally teach her a lesson she won't ever forget."
Buffy paced the room trying to think what would tempt her cousin the most.
"I know, have your Nana pull some strings to send a writer to Manchester. An expose on the type of students and the educations they receive, with Kathryn as the liaison," Blaine grinned.
"That's delish. Especially if the only time they can meet is, oh, say during riding class. We need the story to take several months to evolve at least until the first big break. That should give someone plenty of time. The best part is she'll probably give them all ammunition we need to hang her. If not, the school ends up with a nice editorial; but if we get what we need, then it's bye-bye, Kitty-Cat."
"You're getting scary Buffy. Kathryn loves to talk about herself and she says more than she thinks. How's Valmont doing? Towing the line?"
"He isn't that bad, sometimes he is even pretty decent," Buffy told him nonchalantly.
"Don't let him fool you. Sebastian has played the game a long time."
"I'm not wet behind the ears, Turtle. I may have only slept with one guy; doesn't mean that's the sum total of my. I said he wasn't that bad; didn't say I bought his act. Please, Turtle, I know what Sebastian is; just sometimes I can see what he could be if he wanted to. It's such a waste. I mean, yeah, the last few years were hard, but I still knew that my family loved me, each in their own way. Most of the kids I've met are decent. Some are snobs, but I've dealt with them even in small towns. There was this girl in Sunnydale whose ego could rival Kathryn's. It's just that the really over the top kids seem to have parents that are totally oblivious. These are not stupid people. Tiff's a money hungry, social climber, but stupid she's not." She sighed not understanding how parents could just not care about their kids.
"Buffy they just don't care; they were expected to have children so they did. I mean look at my parent's, two people who should never pro-create, as a prime example. Thank goodness there is always an exception to the rule; otherwise, you would not have the wonderfulness that is me."
She laughed, "Why don't you move in here with us Turtle? There's plenty of room, we could have three families living here and not know it."
"I need my space, love. Some of my lovers are still not, shall we say, comfortable in open spaces," Blaine's expression said more than his words.
"In other words, you're their piece on the side while they still play at being straight. You deserve better, Turtle. They should be proud to be with you and if they aren't then you don't need them. You deserve love, you know. When are you going to understand? You don't have to hide whom you love or want to share your life with. If your friends and family don't like, well I say fuck 'em," Buffy growled.
"Wow little momma, are we by chance talking from experience here?"
Buffy tried to think how she could explain everything that had happened to her without revealing that she was the Slayer. She decided to use the Sunnydale explanation for everything - gangs. "Angel, the one I slept with, everyone was against us. I loved him so much, but it got even worse after they found out we were lovers. Mom got in on the act; the whole thing turned into the biggest mess. Finally, it just blew up in our faces."
"What happened," Blaine asked. Something in her face told him she needed to talk.
"One of the teachers at our school was murdered; he was blamed. It wasn't his fault Turtle; he was innocent. One of my 'friends' made sure of that no one would know it though. There was a chance to prove his innocence but Xander lied; Angel died because of it. I left after that to come here to Nana and you."
"Wow, no wonder you're so different. What was your Mother thinking, moving to such a tough town?" Blaine exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around Buffy.
"It looked like any other sleepy little town, but it was really Hell. Mom was so far gone she didn't even notice. The whole town seems oblivious to what happens there. They don't know about the violence or they choose to ignore it. So yeah, I've changed. Hopefully, I'm not hard just tougher, stronger. I can take care of myself after the last two years; this is a walk in the park."
"I guess I should worry more about Kathryn and Sebastian. Nah, they deserve whatever they get. Don't get me wrong, I love Sebastian, in a non-sexual way. But I have watched him play with people for years. A lot of them just blew it off, but some got hurt; they aren't the same as they were before Sebastian. That's why I'm worried; I don't want you to change or be hurt. From what you told me, you have paid your dues; you don't need anymore of that shit."
"I quite agree, dear boy. You are ever ma petite's champion, oui," Anne said as she walked into the room. "We will watch over our Lizbeth together, ma oui, partners in crime." She smiled at the young man who had always cared for granddaughter.
"Madam, if you were younger or I was older, I think I'd go straight to try to catch you." Blaine kissed her cheek.
"Dearest Blaine, if it were so I might even let you catch me."
"Nana! You naughty girl," Buffy laughed. "After dinner we have some scheduling to do. Mr. Douglas will arrive soon."
"What do you want to do Lizbeth? Do you want to become part of the team? We can always work around your schedule."
"I'm not sure. You know how much I love to ride. It's just that riding for the team would eat up my time. Why don't we hear what he has to say first."
After dinner Blaine and Buffy explained their proposal, Anne didn't say anything while they talked. She just stood looking silently out the window. Blaine looked at Buffy worried; she shook her head understanding that Nana was merely looking for any flaws.
"Very well, you were correct, Lizbeth, in having Sheba removed. I never thought Kathryn would abuse her. I taught you both to ride as little girls, and I've never kept any crops at any of my stables. It breaks my heart to see what she has become. She was always spoilt even as a child but never cruel. I blame her mother and, oui, my own son. Francois spoiled her terribly; allowed her tantrums, even laughed at them. He encouraged her temper and the bully in her; saying it meant she was tough, a true Mertuil" she shook her head "I could never make either of my sons understand what that truly meant. I'm sorry, chére, but your father is just as bad."
"I know Nana, when I was younger he was wonderful to me; loving, caring and taking me everywhere. It wasn't until I grew older, and the fighting started that I understood that he was only using me. I'm sure he loves me in his own weird way but I can of without that kind of love thanks."
"Oui, Lizbeth, you do understand so much more than I did at your age. I'm only sorry ma amour you had to learn the lesson at all."
"Okay, enough before we both start crying or throwing things. What's the decree, Nana? If yes, who are you going to get? If no, what do you suggest?"
Blaine just watched how these two women complemented each other so well. They just knew what the other needed and when to give it. It was like watching an intricate ballet.
"I agree chére, something has to be done and your plan is a good one. I know someone perfect for this. Do you remember Jeffery's daughter, Tonia."
Buffy nodded. Tonia was a shy, sweet blonde a little older than her.
"Tonia writes for Vanity Fair. She's very good, and has won several prizes. Kathryn's never met her, of course, since Tonia's only a servant's daughter. She's perfect for this, with her quiet ways, and her flair for making people comfortable. They seem to tell her everything, even things they shouldn't. Tonia has had some very important people tell her their darkest secrets."
"Nana, she's probably the nicest person I've ever met. What I don't see is her using anything against people."
"She just might surprise you. For all her shyness, Tonia has strong beliefs in what's right and wrong. She refuses to publishes anything told to her in confidence when it doesn't pertain to her story, and doesn't break the law or hurt others. People who thought themselves above reproach have felt the sharp side of her words though. No, little Tonia is perfect. Kathryn will spill every sin and desire to her in no time. We will take that information and use it to stop her vicious cycle. It shames me that I did nothing to stop her sooner."
"Nana, you love her; she's your granddaughter too. How many times have you tried to help? That's all that you could do, but now she's out of control. We'll solve this together just like always."
"Do not worry over your Nana so, it will, how you say, all come out in the wash. I am tired so I will wish you both bon nuit."
"I'm going to be calling it a night too, Buffy. I'll see you tomorrow. Hopefully we will actually make it to the offices," Blaine kissed both women then left.
"You wanted to see me, sir; I was on my way to Equestrian class," Kathryn said to the Headmaster. I'm up for another gallop, or two or three. Yes, I do so love the number three.
"Yes, Kathryn come in, I've already notified Mr. Douglas that you won't be in class today," Thomas Hargrove answered. He was in his late fifties with sandy blonde hair going slightly bald on top. His eyes were gray and his face always wore a smile on. All the students, at Manchester, adored him. Dean Hargrove was the best headmaster they had ever had.
"Why? Is something wrong?" She wondered if Miss Perfect ratted her out after all.
"Oh, no dear, we just need you for a special project; if you agree of course. This is Tonia Stevens and she's a writer for Vanity Fair. The magazine wants to do an in-depth story on Manchester Academy. You know, what type of school it is, an example of the students, our success stories, that kind of thing. The Board of Directors decided you were the perfect liaison. You would feature heavily in the article as the Student Body President. If you agree, Kathryn, you would be doing Manchester a great service."
Kathryn smiled, taking in the brunette who gave her a shy smile. This is going to be so easy. "Of course sir, I'm always happy to do anything I can to help Manchester. I think of it as my second home."
Her smile was bright as she aimed at her audience. Turning she held her hand out to Tonia. Tonia stood to shake Kathryn hand and she noticed the other woman was several inches taller than her with dark brown eyes. On closer look, Kathryn decided she was attractive with a nice figure. She wondered if she would get a chance to take it for a spin.
"It's very nice to meet you Miss Stevens, I'm Kathryn Mertuil. When would you like to start and where would we meet?"
"We talked about that already. Dean Hargrove said it would be all right with him if you agreed," Tonia smiled hopefully.
"Agreed to what?"
"The only time I have is from twelve to two each day. I'm working on several other assignments, so I have to juggle them all at the same time. I can eat lunch here with you and then meet the other students. We can arrange for individual interviews after I get a chance to see who fits best in the piece. I would of course be relying heavily on your knowledge of each of the students, as well as the academy itself."
"But what about my riding class?" What about my daily fuck to help me stand this horrible place?
"I'd excuse you, of course, until Tonia completes the story, Kathryn. Dean Douglas has agreed to allow me to give you your grade for this semester."
"It's going to take that long to write?" Kathryn looked at Tonia closely. Mmm, maybe I'll get to try her out.
"Yes, to do this type story correctly there are hours of background and interviews needed. Vanity Fair plans to have it ready for the December issue. It will hit the newsstands by Thanksgiving. Now, that I've seen how pretty you are, I may see if they'll consider you for the cover," Tonia said as she watched the other girl's face completely change.
"Really, how exciting. We had better start then. Let me show you the grounds so today won't be a loss."
"Thank you, Dean Hargrove, and thank the Board as well. I think this might become one of my most in-depth stories ever." Tonia shook his hand as she left with Kathryn.
"Oh, Dean Hargrove what about Sheba, my horse? I hate to think of the poor thing just sitting in a stall all this time."
"I'll arrange for Mr. Douglas to have her sent back to your grandmother's in the Hamptons."
"That is brilliant sir, we are so lucky to have you here at Manchester making sure everything is done properly."
"Thank you Kathryn. I do what I can. Whatever, I think is best for Manchester and its students."
Kathryn looked back at him; there was an odd note in his voice. Smiling brightly, she shrugged it off as she led Tonia out of the office.
"Madam she agreed...Yes, Sheba was picked up yesterday...No Madam, it was my pleasure...Yes, Elizabeth is a very different person from Kathryn...No Madam, I have no problem separating the two in my mind...I understand that she has fooled many people...I always thought I was a better judge of character, though...Yes I will keep you abreast of the situation, Good day."
Thomas Hargrove hung up the phone, thinking of the conversation he had with an upset teacher and later with one of the grooms. Thomas had known Scott since he was a boy. He had helped the young man get the job at Manchester so he could continue his pursuit of a riding career. Growing up in Kentucky, Scott had ridden his entire life.
After loading up Sheba, Scott caught Thomas about to leave for the evening. The older man could see how upset he was and took him for coffee. Scott told him everything that had happened in the stables regarding Kathryn and her horse. He looked down in embarrassment when he stumbled over the part where he got caught in the act, so to speak. Scott wasn't upset about Buffy catching them, though. It was Sheba or rather Kathryn's treatment of the gray mare.
He explained about Sebastian, pointing out the deep slash marks on the horse's withers. Scott didn't understand why she did it, since Kathryn only rode for the first part of class. She had circled the field twice after causing Buffy's horse to run-away. She was inside the stables within twenty minutes of class starting. He had thought Kathryn beautiful, fun and sexy until he met her cousin. After class, Jim told Scott a few home truths about Kathryn Mertuil. Scott couldn't understand anyone with so much being so cruel and spiteful.
Thomas drove Scott home and reassured him that he would look into the situation. He knew about the horse from John Donaldson, but had no inkling about the rest of the sordid details. That night after dinner, Madam Mertuil called him. Thomas had talked to her at several Board functions and one or two charity events. He found her charming and talking to her was always interesting. Madam always asked about his family remembering small details of previous conversations.
She explained the situation and what role Tonia would play. Thomas found himself relieved not to have to handle the matter. Any other student, he wouldn't hesitate to do whatever he thought best, but a Mertuil. Well, let's just say he would like to retire with a nice pension.
He was glad his own daughter, Annette, was grown and he no longer had to worry about her. She would graduate from Stanford this year and engaged to a wonderful young man.