Hello everyone, thank you to the readers who are staying with Mammy's Prayer. A special thanks to ScarlettOR for reviewing Chapter 3.
Chapter 4
As Mammy stepped out onto the sidewalk to depart for the Butler mansion, she noticed a dusting of white powder was beginning to coat the sidewalk and cobblestone streets. The snowfall had begun and she could tell from the direction of the frigid breeze and the way it was coming down, it was going to be lasting for a while as she hurried back home. She saw Dr. Meade's carriage in front of the mansion when she arrived and was anxious to hear some news about Mabel Rose's condition.
"Hello, Capt'n Butler," Mammy greeted when she returned, "is Dr. Meade still with Rose Bud?"
"Yes, Mammy. I'm sure she'll be in good hands now that's he's here. I have to apologize for my brief stay, but I really have pressing business and need to leave while it's still early."
"Wudn't you likes a little more coffee before youse leaves, Capt'n Butler?" Mammy asked almost desperately, remembering her promise to Ashley to stall his departure.
"That's kind of you, Mammy, but I really must go now."
Mammy was upset with herself for not coming up with a better way of keeping Rhett in the house a little longer, but she knew Rhett's mind was made up about leaving and nothing was going to change it. "Is you going down to Tara for to see Miz Scarlett?" Mammy asked pointedly.
"Yes," he answered quickly, without elaborating any further.
"Well, I'se was glad to see you, Capt'n Butler. Me and Pork was sore dis'pointed when youse took off before without even so much as a goodbye."
"I'm sorry about that, Mammy," he responded genuinely. "Thank you again for your cordial hospitality today. I know it might not have been easy considering the circumstances between me and Scarlett." With that, he donned his hat and coat, gathered his briefcase and got ready to leave. Before he opened the door, Mammy warned him about the weather. "Youse be careful, Capt'n Butler. Der's a big mess of snow a comin' and you best take it easy in youse trip down to Tara."
Rhett gave a chuckle and thanked Mammy for her concern. A mere snowstorm was not going to thwart his plans he thought smugly as he adjusted his hat and made his way onto the street.
Meanwhile, Ashley had just finished up at the telegram office and was heading over to the Peach Tree livery stable to speak with the owner, Farley Matthews. When he'd asked Mammy to stall Rhett from leaving, he hadn't bothered to mention that he was also going to ask Farley to tell Rhett he didn't have drivers available to take him to Tara today if he happened to stop by to request their services.
"Good morning, Ashley," Farley, a gray haired, rotund man greeted from behind a counter as Ashley entered the stable.
"Good morning, Farley," Ashley responded.
"What can I do for you on this fine winter's day?" Farley asked cheerfully.
"I'm afraid I must get to the point rather quickly, Farley," Ashley answered soberly. "I've reason to believe a gentleman named Rhett Butler is going to be heading over this morning to request the hire of a driver to take him down to a plantation in Clayton county, about 20 miles south of here. Farley, I would consider it a tremendous favor if you would tell him you have no drivers to take him today."
"Boy, Ashley, you sure don't think big when it comes to asking favors," Farley answered back as he let out a big belly laugh and playfully snapped his suspenders. "Ain't you seen the snow out there this mornin'? All's I'm gonna be running today is one of my lil' brougham's 'round town," he said as pointed to the shiny red carriage, "and then I'll be shutting 'er down by noon."
"Be that as it may, Mr. Butler has very deep pockets and I'm afraid with what he will offer you to make an exception, it may be difficult to refuse his request. However, his wife has considerable means herself and if that should occur, I am sure she can match whatever he decides to offer you."
By now, Farley was genuinely curious about the situation. "Who is his wife?" Farley asked.
"Her name is Scarlett. I believe you may recall she was married to Frank Kennedy before his passing."
"Scarlett!" Farley responded excitedly. "I bought my wood from her lumber mill to build this stable. She gave me a right sweet deal on that wood and was a pleasure to do business with. She was the most charming soul I ever met. I wouldn't take a plug nickel from her! I don't care what this man offers to pay me, 'specially since it sounds like this favor you're asking is to benefit her. No siree, Ashley, don't you worry; I won't budge if he happens to come by today. I do have a question though …"
"Yes, Farley?"
"Is this just for today or do you want me to turn him down cold if he ever happens to stop in here to hire one of my drivers?"
"No, it's just for today," Ashley answered.
"Well okay then," Farley responded, "but as a favor to me, you must tell me what this is all about sometime."
"That is a fair request to make, " Ashley agreed. "I'll also make sure Scarlett knows how you helped her today. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, Farley. I really must go now before Mr. Butler arrives," Ashley said as he quickly tipped his hat in Farley's direction and departed.
As Ashley stepped onto the snow laden sidewalk, he spotted a figure in the distance that resembled Rhett. A look of consternation swept across Ashley's face as he watched him approaching. The man's tall figure, elegant attire, and striking dark looks made him stand out among the crowds on the street. Ashley quickly ducked into an alley where he would have a vantage point to watch and moments later he was able to confirm this indeed was Rhett heading to Farley's stable! Ashley shook his head in disbelief! He was amazed someone as headstrong as Mammy hadn't been able to follow through on his request to stall Rhett's departure for a little longer. He decided it would be best to leave through the other end of the alley and started to head back home. He was extremely relieved he'd been able to make it to Farley's just quickly enough to seal the deal with him before Rhett arrived.