Michael

Flashback - January 1874

Michael Whitney boarded a ship in New York, headed to Liverpool once again, this was a trip he traveled many times. His businesses and investments often required him to make this travel often. When the ship set sail he decided to go out to the deck. He had always loved the view of the city as they drifted further and further out to sea. The ocean breeze was cool and the scent of the salt water filled his lungs. As he strolled along he was stopped in his tracks by the most intriguing woman he'd ever seen. This mystery woman was staring out towards the back of the ship, almost the same exact spot he had planned to be. She was looking out towards the view of the city in the distance and Michael could not take his eyes off of her. She was thin, almost frail in appearance. He wasn't sure if she was sick or perhaps recovering from some kind of illness. She had long black silky hair that flowed with the breeze. Her skin was so pale and she had visible dark circles under her eyes yet she also had the most striking vibrant green eyes he'd ever seen. Eyes that even from a distance had a distinct look of determination and strength that seemed so contrary to her outward frail appearance. She seemed to be lost in deep thought, so much so that she didn't notice the gentleman standing nearby staring at her.

Michael stood and stared at the young lady for more time than was appropriate, he was sure. It didn't matter, there was something about her that called to him. He wandered what it was that she was thinking about. She continued to stand there motionless, if not for the long strands of her hair that were blowing in the wind, he could almost imagine the vision before him was a perfect painting. There was a sadness that surrounded her and he didn't know why, but he had an urge to comfort her. He laughed inwardly, 'why would you want to comfort a complete stranger?' Indeed she was beautiful, but he had known many beautiful women in his life, yet he was never more interested in one at first sight.

After the ship had sailed out so far that the city was no longer visible, the mysterious woman turned and walked away. Michael wanted to follow her and introduce himself. He needed to know her name and why she was so sad. As he tried to approach her a steward came up to him to let him know his belongings had been brought to his cabin. When Michael turned back towards the direction of the woman, she was no where in sight.

The following day, Michael once again saw the mystery woman. This time she was standing towards the bow of the ship looking out at the vast ocean before her. He saw her take in a deep breath and as she exhaled, it almost seemed like she was letting go of some heavy burden that had weighed on her tiny shoulders. Today he did not feel the same urge to talk to her or to interrupt what appeared to be a moment of serenity for her. She looked more rested and the dark circles under her eyes had faded some. Michael turned around and walked to the dining room to have his breakfast. His curiosity was peaked and he wandered if he would see her on the deck again.

For the next two days, Michael woke up with a little more spring in his step. He walked out to the bow of the ship and each morning he was rewarded with the view of his mysterious woman. Each day her appearance improved and he wasn't sure why, but he felt relieved by this. As though her health and well being was somehow important to him. By the third day of the trip he had noticed that the woman looked more much more vibrant, her skin was even glowing. The sunshine and fresh ocean air seemed to do her good. She was still thin but she seemed more alive somehow. On this day he decided to introduce himself. He walked up to her and bowed.

"Good Morning, Miss. My name is Michael Whitney." The young woman was no doubt startled by his presence.

"Oh...hello...Mr. Whitney, was it? Scarlett Bu...um, Katie Scarlett O'Hara. Nice to meet you." She gave him her hand and he kissed it gently. He noticed that his heartbeat was racing and he hoped that she could not tell.

"Miss O'Hara, I hope you don't mind my interruption but I've noticed you standing here for several days and I just had to make your acquaintance." He had a charming grin on his face as he looked into her eyes. 'What fascinating green eyes! I could look into those eyes forever.' He thought to himself.

"You've noticed me?"

"Why of course, I have to admit that I've been intrigued by you since the first day of the trip."

Scarlett was stunned, she imagined that she had gone unnoticed by everyone else on this boat besides her children.

"But...why?"

"Surely you must know what a beautiful sight you are standing here."

"Fiddle-dee-dee. Mr. Whitney, your charms will not work on me. I'll ask you to save them for someone else."

Michael chuckled to himself, he was surprised, as most women generally took kindly to his compliments. He could tell that she was definitely different from most other women.

"I apologize, Miss O'Hara. Have I offended you somehow?"

"No. But I have no use for men who try to flatter me so."

"I thought most ladies like to be flattered."

"Perhaps silly girls that are trying to find themselves a beau or a husband. I have need for neither."

Michael couldn't help but chuckle again...this time out loud.

"May I ask then if you are already married?"

"You may ask, and no, I am no longer married."

"Are you widowed?"

"I am divorced." She said bluntly.

Michael was shocked, and yet even more intrigued.

"Divorced? What fool would have divorced someone like you?"

"Perhaps I am the fool. In any case, it is of no concern to you."

"I'm sorry, but any man that would divorce such a stunning woman is a fool."

"I'll remind you, Mr. Whitney, that I don't need your flattery."

"Yes, of course. Because you have no need for a beau or a husband. How about a friend?"

Scarlett stood looking at Michael, her big green eyes were even wider now. She didn't know why but she felt instantly comfortable with this man she'd just met. Friendship? She has not had a friend since Melly died and there really was something about him that made her feel like she could trust him.

"I...I, well, I don't have any friends."

"If you allow me, I really would like to be your friend."

Truth be told, Michael was sure he wanted to get to know more about her and if she was willing to be his friend, he would be happy with that.

Scarlett nodded and he grinned.

For the rest of the trip, Scarlett and Michael spent countless hours talking. She had shared her past with him and even been honest about all of her husbands and why she married them. He never judged her and in fact, with every story he seemed to be more and more intrigued by her.

Michael has also shared his history with her. He told her about the girl he had loved before he left to join the war and his heartbreak when he had returned home to find she had married someone else. Since then he concentrated all his energy into making money and traveling, determined to never again suffer the hurt and pain. His parents had wanted him to get married and there were many ladies that wanted to be courted by him. But he never found any of them the least bit interesting.

They continued to share there life stories and in just a short time had realized they truly found a friendship with one another. He had even met Wade and Ella. Both children were hesitant at first but Michael's humor and genuine interest in them and their mother had won the children over. Towards the end of the trip, onlookers watching the four of them laugh and play would've thought they were a family and not strangers just a few days ago.

On the last day, as Michael was getting ready to meet the Scarlett and the kids for breakfast, he was thinking about how much had changed in just eight short days. He had to tend to some business in London but he had also decided that he would visit Ireland to check on them afterwards. He almost wished he didn't have to go to London at all and that he could instead go straight to Ireland with Scarlett, Wade and Ella. He had become increasingly attached to all three of them.

(End of flashback)