1857, Savannah

Miss Anne sat at her desk, penning her annual report on her charge's progress to Monsieur Robillard. Reflecting on that first year, she recalled how tiresome it had been. Miss Scarlett was such a spirited creature, willful and disobedient. It had taken all the patience she had harnessed during her years as a governess to keep the child indoors, let alone teach her anything remotely useful. She glanced back to her previous reports.

1850, Scarlett O'Hara

At five years old, the child is wilful and overly spoilt. She is barely literate and her attention span is little to nought. However, she is clearly an avid fan of outdoor activities.

Hm, that was an understatement. Come rain or shine, Miss Scarlett would be climbing up trees or running in the garden, even if she had been forbidden. Especially if she had been the one forbidding her. She had no regard for instructions and it had taken the tutor a while to understand that if her time outdoors was threatened, the child would be wont to be more attentive. Backed up by her employer, Miss Anne persuaded her charge to turn her attention to her books.

1853, Scarlett O'Hara

At eight years of age, the child remains wilful though her literarary skills are tolerable. She has limited understanding of the French language though she is surprisingly accomplished with the piano. I suggest that her piano time be limited unless improvements are made.

After that particular report and the subsequent upbraiding from her Grandfather, Scarlett's enthusiasm for education increased tenfold. Miss Anne had already limited her time outside to a bare minimum. She would die if her time on the music box was cut short!

Scarlett O'Hara did not like being in Savannah. All there was to do was read and study. Yes she was slowly becoming more accomplished but to what end? Unbeknownst to her, a state of depression had reared it's ugly head. She grew more sedate and listless as the constant studying threatened to consume her. The adults did not understand that Scarlett was not a literate creature. In their minds, she was the offspring of a Robillard and would be treated as such. Pierre had maintained high standards and would not allow anyone of his blood to slacken. His expectations were harsh and she craved for the simplicity of the country life and her Pa. If she was with him, she would be riding daily. Now, Suellen would take her pony and ruin her.

It wasn't fair!

As the days passed, there was only one event that broke through Scarlett's melancholy and that was the constant visits of a Mr Christophe Chevalier and his son, little Henri.

The two children had first met when Scarlett was five and Henri was ten. Scarlett had been in the library when the Jerome entered, announcing a visitor and that Monseiur Pierre had demanded her presence. Miss Anne hastened to ensure that her charge was tidy, before bringing her to the lounge. Her Grandfather, another man and a boy rose at their entrance. It took a gentle nudge to remind Scarlett that she needed to curtsy. The boy found this amusing and it took a not-so-gentle nudge to remind him that his laughter was inappropriate.

"Ah, Christophe, may I present my Granddaughter, Scarlett and her Governess, Miss Golding. Ladies, this is my good friend Sergeant Christophe Chevalier and his son, Henri."

"Good day sirs, I hope you are well."

"We are well Miss Scarlett, I hope you are well also?"

"Yes thank-you."

"Why don't the two young ones go outside. Monsieur Chevalier and I have business matters to discuss."

With that, Miss Anne took Little Henri and Miss Scarlett outside, leaving the two men to once again make their plans. Pierre had never been a man for polite conversation. He preferred the direct approach.

"Well? What do you think? She's the very image of my daughter Ellen isn't she?"

Christophe spoke with care. "That may be so but she is still a peasant-man's offspring."

Pierre gave an arrogant shrug. "Not to worry Christophe. She's young yet. Miss Anne will see to it that she's accomplished. I'll see that she's sent to the best school in France, when the time comes of course. Her parents will push for the local academy but I'll see that she makes a good bride. Don't give up hope yet."

Christophe was not so easily convinced. "We shall see."

Meanwhile, Henri, who was used to the more sedate females, found little Miss Scarlett a wonderful distraction. She was more of a boy-child with her penchant for climbing trees and running around. He found that he quite liked the little cat-like creature. Miss Anne was as ever, ready to control her charge.

"Miss Scarlett, you come away from that tree. A young lady does not partake in such activities."

He held in his laughter when the girl stuck her tongue out once her Governesses' back was turned.

Later, when walking home, his father turned to him and asked what he thought of Miss Scarlett.

"I like her. She is wonderful father."

Christophe's answer was a grunt. He felt uneasy but he had given his word to Pierre that he would wait and see. Failing that, he would ensure that his son had plenty of choices for his future bride. The Chevaliers had never wanted for anything!

Once again, Henri was a frequent visitor. For Scarlett, he was a suitable playmate and a better alternative to all the studying. However, the young boy thrived in the time spent with his feline friend. She was bold and daring and constantly ran rings around him. His most cherished memories revolved around spending time with Scarlett. In his young boyish dreams, she was who he wanted to grow old with. She was his whole world! He had known from their first meeting that life would never be dull if Scarlett was nearby. However, it wasn't until the following year that was able to understand and identify the feelings she stirred in him.

That was one of the worst days of his life.

1851

Scarlett's love of climbing trees never vanished. At six years old, she was an expert and everyone knew it. All except Henri.

"Whoever climbs to the top of the tree first is the winner. The loser has to address the winner as the Champion of the Trees forever."

"Forever?"

She shrugged. "Well, for a week."

Scarlett and Henri both ran for the tree however, Scarlett's slight build proved an advantage and by the time Henri had pulled himself up on the branch, she was already halfway to the top. Henri knew it was a lost cause.

"Scarlett, you've won, you're the Champion of the Trees."

Undeterred, "I haven't reached the top yet."

Growing concerned, "Scarlett, don't go any further, it's not safe."

"Don't be such a baby Henri."

"Scarlett, please, come down!"

Scarlett ignored Henri, so driven by her own challenge. She paid no mind to the fragility of the branches, determined to win.

But the recent rain had made the higher levels slippery and Scarlett's slippers were not the best for grip. Still she pressed on. She leant forward trying to reach the uppermost branch. The weight was too much and Henri cringed as the snap echoed. Scarlett's foot gave way and she plummeted to the ground.

XxX

Pierre was in his study when he heard the commotion. His servants, forsaking their usual control, watched as Jerome carried the unconscious girl inside and upstairs, Henri following close behind.

It was a long and difficult afternoon as the Doctor inspected the young girl. In that whole time, Henri never left his station, waiting for his chance to check on his friend. Sometime in the night, the Doctor stepped outside to talk with Pierre. Henri took his chance and slipped in quickly.

There lay Scarlett, fast asleep. The left side of her face was bruised, the draft the Doctor had prescribed rendered her unconscious to the pain. Henri stepped closer and sitting in the chair opposite, grabbed her tiny hand in his. She was normally such a strong creature. He hated how fragile she looked.

It wasn't fair!

He sat like that for several hours, refusing to leave her. Pierre did not have the heart to have him moved. They waited until the early hours of the morning for her to open her eyes. She woke, disorientated and frightened. Pierre's gruff thanks that she was well was not enough to soothe her. Henri tried his best but all Scarlett wanted was her father.

She returned to Tara less than a week after her fall.

1857, Scarlett O'Hara

At twelve years old, much progress has been made. I am delighted to say that Miss O'Hara has mastered the French language well. Despite a lack of interest in literature, she has made steady advancement, although she will never be a devoted literate. Her piano and mathematics are exceptional for her age.

Pierre POV

Pierre was pleased at the accomplishments his Granddaughter could now demonstrate. He now felt an element of pride with her. She was finally ready for the next stage of his plans. He intended to take her on the Grand Tour. Although it was meant for Southern gentleman of a certain age, the experience would be well-worth the personal cost to him. It was true that Scarlett had achieved well under the tutelage of Miss Anne but that was nothing to what the Grand Tour had to offer.

They would first travel to Dover, England, making a short break in London. From there, they would cross the English Channel into the Spanish Netherlands, stopping in Belgium. Miss Anne would accompany them. She would be good company for the child and ensure that her behaviour didn't disgrace the family name. They would next sail towards the Alps, going by way of the Rhine to Basel.

Arriving in Paris, he would arrange for the usual lessons in dancing, fencing and riding. Of course these activities were more for the young men but what was the point of having money if it could not purchase what you wanted?

By this stage, the Chevaliers would also be in Paris and he had high hopes that Scarlett would appeal to Henri.

From Paris, they would continue on to Switzerland, Spain, Barcelona and Florence, taking the time to visit all the historical points of interest in Pisa, Rome and Naples. By then, Scarlett would have reached the desired level of education that Christophe longed for. She would be a powerful ally for the Chevaliers. Of that, he was certain. They would make a short stop in Vienna and Holland, before once again crossing the channel and returning to the Native American soil.

Pierre calculated that the trip would take roughly two years, leaving enough time for Scarlett to make a short visit to Tara, before the time came for her to attend school in Paris. She would border there and Henri would visit, when his schedule allowed him the time. He judged that it would not take long for a certain announcement to be made.

Pierre Robillard would broke no refusals. No when he was so close to achieving his goals. The Robillards would be connected with the Chevaliers through marriage. Scarlett would be Henri's bride. There was no-one who could stop him.