Disclaimer
Yes this fic is homage to Agatha Christie's and then there were none and the characters belong to MM. So I'm not plagiarizing and am I making any money out of it.
A/N: I have two un-finished GWTW fics and here I am with another. This will be a two or three shot though. Second Chance is undergoing a clean-up, with all my spelling and grammar mistakes; it was necessary. Also I'm suffering from a minor writers block.
There are some minor changes in the canonical facts to fit in the plot. It is set in mid to late 1870s; in the fiction Frank doesn't dies and so Scarlett is not married to Rhett. And Gerald O' Hara is alive too so Ashley was never roped in by Scarlett to work for her. Ella is born but Wade...
Chapter 1
1
Rhett Butler sat in streamer carrying him to Savannah. He quietly puffed his Cuban cigar, and ran an interested eye through the political news. His mind was on Scarlett O'Hara now Kennedy.
He laid the paper down and looked outside from his window. In another hour or so he would be in Savannah and he could see Scarlett. He could almost her face, that beautiful face marred by irritation when she would see him, and how he would smooth that with a few choices of words. Then she would dimple and tell him, "How do you run on!"
Then they would spend a blissful time in the island his friend, Lady Constantine has purchased.
After there was there were speculations about the sale of the island in Savannah, a Yankee millionaire had brought it then tried to sell it. From then on it was a mystery as to who owned it. A name Mr Nonym had come in relation to the islands purchase. And Lady Constantine wasn't exactly related to him, or perhaps she was. She had been a good friend back then but he hadn't heard from her since over a decade.
He had never expected to hear from her. That she was acquainted with Scarlett seemed to surprise him, for his country belle could simply have not known her. Lady Constantine was a British born, daughter of an Earl. She had married twice, and both times for money to distinguished millionaires of the US.
But through discreet enquires in Atlanta about Scarlett he came to know that she was indeed travelling to Savannah.
2
Scarlett O'Hara was indeed travelling to Atlanta, but because a lawyer had come to her telling about how her Grandfather had heard of her successful life and now wanted to make her his sole heir.
Scarlett was suspicious at first; grand-père had never really liked her, for she was too Irish for his taste. Not that he liked Suellen, no one could like her, but yes he definitely liked Careen over them. The dreamy little sister was a lot like mother, thought Scarlett a bit jealous. Maybe he heard of her wish to join the convent.
Scarlett knew that her grand-père was a staunch Presbyterian, never wanted any of them to be Catholic.
Happy with her logic she went ahead to pack for the trip. She decided it was in her best interest not to tell the town folk, mammy and Prissy were sworn to secrecy, Prissy had babbled of course, but lucky for Scarlett the gossipy black girl knew nothing of the will, only of the trip, and Frank was told too not to tell other.
"It's the matter of my grandpa's will, honey," she told him sweetly, "if others would know they will get hurt."
"But you can't travel alone, sugar."
"I'll be calling Pork, he will travel with us," said Scarlett, "Someone has to take care of the store and mills."
3
In a third class compartment, Ashley Wilkes travelled with four of his family members, his wife: Melanie, sister India and Aunt Sarah Jane aka Pittypat.
The friend of his from north had shifted in Savannah and needed help settling down. So his wife was to be his friend's wife's nurse, India the governess for the children and Pittypat was graciously invited too. Apparently his wife was from Savannah and had an old mother who needed company.
The man who claimed to be his friend's representative was very mysterious. He had asked specially for his wife, sister India and Pittypat, given good reason for them to accompany him and lastly told him about the great sum he would be getting as salary if he was to join immediately.
Ashley didn't like living under Scarlett's roof, not when he was able-bodied. He was quick to agree, he thought of telling Scarlett on the way to pick Pittypat but to their surprise Scarlett was home.
"She has gone to Savannah, Prissy told me," said Pitty who always had the ear for gossips.
Ashley felt a slight relief that Scarlett was not there, afraid that she might somehow stop him. India who had joined them from Macon, was surprisingly happy to see them all. Happy to even be a governess.
"As long as the lady is from south," said India sitting stiffly, "Although I can't understand why she married a Yankee. But war has made a lot of people marry below their station. Look at Honey, courting a man from Mississippi."
Honey's marriage was a sore subject with India, she didn't like living with them but had to for the other option was living at Tara. Now she was free, being a governess was a small price to pay.
4
There was another man in their carriage. Archie.
A soldier of the confederate army, a convict before that, Archie had no job or home after the war. He roamed about like a vagabond until a man approached him in Atlanta. He offered him to go to an island in Savannah with a loaded gun. The salary was handsome
"For how long?" Asked Archie in a guff voice, the one eyed man did not like the Jew.
"No longer than a week at most," the Jew replied
Archie didn't like the Jew at all, it was as if he knew of his past and present and future even. But none the less Archie agreed.
5
So 10 people: Scarlett, Prissy Mammy Pork, Rhett, Melanie, Ashley, India, Pittypat and Archie set out to an island in Savannah.
Scarlett was the first to arrive and was told by Jewish man that her Grandpere wanted to test her. She was to go to a mansion in the islands and be the hostess there until the actual hosts arrive. Mammy and Prissy could keep the house and cook while Pork will be the butler.
Mammy had protested but Scarlett agreed. Privately she knew that there would be a catch. Luckily it wasn't that bad. She was trained to run a plantation; she was successful in running a mill: how bad could hosting be.
So the Jew handed Pork a letter of instruction and left them to their carriage.
About two days later the rest of them arrived.
He met with Rhett Butler first, who had come from Charleston, he was sent off with his own carriage. Lastly Archie and the Wilkes's were informed of the new arrangement. That there new employer was delayed, until then they were to stay in the island and make themselves at home.
6
After the initial shock of seeing each other in the island wore off. Scarlett explained her position to Rhett and the Wilkes. Rhett was surprised to hear that. But Lady Constantine's acquaintance with Pierre Robillard seemed to make more sense.
That Ashley's friend had married her seemed odd but not completely wrong.
Miss Scarlett had read Pork and the other servant's the instruction for the day. Apparently all of them were to have separate rooms, this included the servants and even married couples: like Ashley and Melly.
"I think that since Melly is to be the lady's nurse, she is supposed to sleep close to her," Ashley reasoned, although he couldn't quite understand that. Not wanting to create trouble for their friend the couple agreed.
India was with Prissy in the nursery both unpacking. Or at least that's what Prissy said she was doing. She chatted more than helped.
"An' dat Jeuu lookin mahn be talkin' teh Miz Scarlett, an' mammy be protestin' bu' Miz Scatlett says we gotta do deez. An' she readin' dem ordahs from a pees uf paper. Ah was so glad te see you Miz India, Ah suh waz scare' in diz ol' hauz."
"Yes this Mansion is old," said India, "but nothing to be scared of."
"Yes bu' Miztah Butla iz strong, almos' like a pantha. Mammy says he iz a no gempmums that he is rapscallion. An' Ah I s scare' uf dat man Archie, he looks at niggah like he kain kill.
"Well its true Archie gives hateful looks and Mr Butler is no gentleman but they won't harm us. Moreover we have my brother Ashley to protect us."
"Yes thank de lawd fo' Miztah Ashley."
7
The dinner was coming to an end. The food was good, Mammy and Prissy had cooked nicely, Pork had waited on well, the wines and other spirits supplied from the cellar had improved everyone's spirits. Scarlett observed everyone happily as her first day as the hostess concluded successfully.
Rhett was entertaining Ashley, Melly and Archie in his amusing caustic and sarcastic way. India Wilkes and Miss Pitty were having a conversation of her own.
Just as Pork came in with coffee a voice was heard:
"Ladies and gentlemen! Silence, please I" Everyone was startled. They looked round-at each other, at the walls. Who was speaking?
The Voice went on.
You are accused of the following charges:
Archiblad MacConnel on 14th day of March 1839 you killed your wife and her lover.
India Wilkes, that upon the 5th November, 1862, you were responsible for the death of Dolly Slattery.
Prissy, you brought about the death of Poe on October 10th, 1860.
Melanie Wilkes, that on the 11th day of August, 1866, you killed Wade Hampton Hamilton.
Ashley Wikies, that upon a date in February, 1864, you were guilty of the death of twenty-one men, Slaves.
Miss Pittypat, that on the 4th of January, 1818, you caused the death of your lover, Arthur Richmond, and a midwife Rosa.
Scarlett O'Hara, that upon the 14th day of November last, you were guilty of the murder of John, a convict working in your mills.
Mammy and Pork, during 1850s, you brought about the death of three infants each named Gerald O'Hara Jr.
Rhett Butler, that upon the 10th day of January, 1866, you were guilty of the murder of Rob, a black man along with him countless others died because of cotton speculation.
Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to say in your defence?
The Voice had stopped, a petrified silence and then a resounding crash! Pork had dropped the coffee tray!
At the same moment, everyone heard a scream and the sound of a thud.
Rhett Butler was the first to move. He leapt to the door and flung it open. Outside, lying in a huddled mass was Mammy.
Rhett called:
"Ashley, Archie!"
They both leapt up to help him. Between the three of them, they lifted up the woman and carried her into the drawing-room. Melanie came across quickly, felt her pulse. She said, "It's nothing. She's fainted, that's all. She'll be up in a minute."
Rhett said to Pork, "Get some brandy."
Pork with his hands trembling murmured, "Yes, sir," and slipped quickly out of the room.
Miss Pitty cried out, "Who was that speaking? Where was he? It sounded-it sounded-"
Scarlett spat out livid, "What's going on here? What kind of a practical joke was that?"
Prissy was mopping his face with the sleeves of her dress.
Only the two Wilkes siblings looked comparatively unmoved. India Wilkes sat upright, her head held high. In both cheeks was a spot of hard colour. Ashley stood erect besides Mammy, with one hand he gently scratched his ear a drowsy expression on his face but his eyes were active, darting round and round the room. Again it was Rhett who acted, Melanie busy tending to Mammy.
Rhett was free once more to take the initiative. He said, "That voice? It sounded as though it were in the room."
Miss Pitty cried, ""Who was it? Who was it? It wasn't one of us."
Like Ashley, Rhett's eyes wandered slowly round the room. They rested a minute on the open window, and then he shook his head decisively. Suddenly his eyes lighted up. He moved forward swiftly to where a door near the fireplace led into an adjoining room
The others crowded after him. Inside the second room a table had been brought up close to the wall which adjoined their room. On the table was an odd looking instrument with a type with a large barrel attached to it. The mouth of the barrel was against the wall, and Rhett, pushing it aside, indicated where two or three small holes had been unobtrusively bored through the wall.
"This here ladies and Gents is a phonautograph*, it can record and reproduce sound."
Adjusting the instrument he replaced the needle on the record and immediately they heard again: "You are charged with the following indictments-"
Pitty cried, "Stop It! It's terrible!"
Rhett obeyed.
"I never noticed the weird buzzing in the background until now," said Scarlett softly marvelling at the device, "I thought it was from the sea."
"Not exactly the most observant of the lot now are you dear," Rhett baited her.
"It was a nasty practical joke," muttered Ashley, "Something of this kind our Tarleton Twins would pull."
"Good thing they did not have such sound recorder like trickery," said Scarlett.
"It's not Sound-recorder it's a phonautograph," Rhett corrected her as she fumed, then he added, "Mr Wilkes, you think it's just a practical joke?"
"What else could it be?"
"If you ask me," said Scarlett, "I was wondering who turned it on and how."
"We'll have to look into that," said Ashley as they all followed him back. Mammy and Melly were now sitting on a sofa, Pork appeared with the brandy. He was helping her sip, for her hands were trembling.
"Geddup yo' self together," Pork said, "it wa' dah voice Miss Melly, Ah was so scare' Ah drop mah tray –
"But it was you who turned on the Phonautograph?" Rhett spoke up
"Phonauto wah?"
"You were in that room, were you not?"
"Ah went to make de koffee sah nuthin' elz Ah kain swer."
Ashley spoke up, "It can't be him Butler, and most of us don't know what it was, let alone to use it."
There was a pause then Rhett said, "You are probably right."
"Melly, Pork I think you should help Mammy to bed," said Ashley.
"I'll give her some sedatives," said Melly, "Got them just in case Mrs Smith needed them."
"Mrs Smith, who is Mrs Smith?" asked Rhett
"Mrs Smith is the wife of John Smith the owner of this house," said Ashley
"Oh you mean Lady Constantine."
"No, as a matter of fact I believe her name is Roseanne Savannah Smith," said India she is a southern woman.
"Well I know none of these names," said Scarlett, "the letter of instruction is signed Mr Uno Names"
"Show that to me," said Rhett. Scarlett did that, Ashley leaned to take a closer look.
"Uno Names, or Anonymus," said Ashley with a sigh.
"I could do with a Drink," said Rhett.
"I'll go get them," said Scarlett, "What would you all have?"
"I'll have a stiff Whiskey," said Rhett.
"Me too," said Ashley.
"A Scotch for me too," Archie spoke up.
"I wish I had my swoon bottle," said Aunt Pitty, "But wine would do."
"Water," said India stiffly.
Scarlett came back a moment later with the drinks and distributed them. A few moments passed thus then a few people refilled their glasses. That's when Melly and Pork joined them.
Ashley told Melanie about their host, filling in most of the details.
"I think we have been invited by a man who is mad, dangerous: a homicidal lunatic."
"But he has done quite some research," said Rhett, "For instance, he knew about Scarlett Grandfather, your friend Mr Smith and my friendship with Lady Constantine."
"So you think there is some truth in the accusations?" Ashley asked.
"It's a pack of lies," said Aunt Pity, "I had no lover, Henry killed a man in a bar room brawl when we were young and there was a nasty rumour, that it was because of me."
"Oh this is awful Auntie," said Melanie, "I don't need to talk about how I kept telling Wade not to play with fire, I never thought he would not listen to me. Why Wade was like my own son, and I cannot have a son, not since the miscarriage in Atlanta."
"We all know you loved Wade," said Ashley, "As for the death of the slaves, I was captured by the Yankees at that time, and I couldn't have defended them."
Rhett looked at Ashley, thinking if the date mentioned by the voice was the actual time when he was captured, Rhett wasn't quite sure about that, in fact the dates seemed months apart. Ashley must be lying.
Prissy spoke up, "Ah doin' keel any Poe, et wa' the oveur see' who keel' him 'coz he stole Miss Honey's kom' dat she be likin'so much an' Ah tol' Poe not ter touch eet."
Archie who had been silent till now spoke up, "I killed her, she cheated me and I killed them both."
India looked at him distastefully and Miss Pittypat quivered.
"You know my story," said Rhett, "I killed the negro for he was uppity to a lady. They tried to hang me too, but there isn't anything that money can't buy. What about you Scarlett?"
"You know it was damn bad luck when that convict died. They wouldn't lease me anymore convicts for an entire year. I had to deal with freedman's bureau for an entire year and that was the year Ella was born too. Mills were in loss. I didn't kill him. It was an accident wasn't it."
Pork who had been listening till now said, "An' Ah is Mr O'Hara's loyal survan' Ah an' Mammy survain' befo' Miz Scarlett was evain bo' in dis worl'. Howcum Ah o' Mammy kain keel mastah's sons!"
But Archie who didn't quite trusts Negros wondered if Pork was lying, his trembling hand, dropping of the coffee tray, Mammy fainting. Yes these Niggras were capable of murder.
Everyone now turned to India expecting her to say something.
"What are you looking at me for," she said, "I have nothing to say."
"Nothing," asked Rhett his sardonic smile in place, "well folks then that's that."
"I am not sure as to the motive of our Anonymous host in getting us to assemble here. But in my opinion this person, they don't seem honourable. Staying here is dangerous, in my opinion and it would be best if we leave this place right now."
Pork said, "Ah is sorry suh bu' dere be no boat on the islan'."
"No boat at all?"
"No, suh."
"How do you get your letter of instruction?"
"Sam, he is comin' ovah every mornin', suh. He is bringin' de brea' an' de milk and letter fo' Miz Scarlett."
"Then we all should leave tomorrow morning as soon as Sam's boat comes."
There was a chorus of agreement. Scarlett, however, disagreed with the majority.
"Are you scared of a challenge Captain Butler?" she said. "Whole thing's like a detective story. Positively thrilling."
Rhett replied acidly,"I have no desire for 'thrills,' as you call them. I've had my fair share of thrills"
Scarlett smiled, "Oh Rhett Butler how you run on. This is just practical joke. Tomorrow we will find out you'll see. Tomorrow the owner along with my grandpere will come and tell us everything and tomorrow -
She picked up his drink and drank it off at a gulp. Too quickly, perhaps because she choked-choked badly. Her face twisted, turned purple. She coughed and spluttered then gasped for breath- the glass falling from her hand and she slid down the chair.
Tomorrow never came for Scarlett O'Hara, she was dead, before it could.
A/N: So Scarlett is dead already, who do you think killed her, would they ever find out? Gramophones were invented in 1877, they had devices before that but I'm not sure how effective they were.
There is a bit of Wind Done Gone reference, in case you noticed.