Thank you all for your support! I really appreciate it, and love you all.
Things are getting very messy, indeed, and it will take time to untangle it all.
There is, as you will see, a countdown that had been settled :)
I hope you will like this chapter. Sorry for the eventual mistakes, I'll look to it tomorrow, when my mind is rested.
.
Chapter 19
Scarlett stayed still a long time, not even daring to breathe. In her mind rang many words, and around her, his arms were tight, and strong, and too hot…
"Great balls of fire !" She cursed loudly as she slipped from his embrace, jumping from the bed.
She began pacing feverously, remembering the previous events.
Oh, how obvious it had been, when he had handled her the drink! He was really thinking her a great fool, for falling for the same trap again and again! But not now, she had thought. It would not happen again.
She had thus played his game, and waited her time, the moment when he would let down his guard.
And when he did, she had turned quietly the platter where he had put the glasses on.
How satisfied she had felt, when he took the wrong glass, and she was surprised by how easy it had been, to fool him. Maybe he had underestimated her. Or maybe he was just tired. Or an effect of old age. Who cared? For once, she felt she had the advantage against him.
But then, it did not work immediately, as it had with her. And she remembered Mrs. Meade's words, telling her how many drops could be useful "to have quiet time".
Funny how the old woman had been so keen on thinking of her a beaten woman. She wondered what might have made her thought so, and when she spontaneous protested it wasn't so, the woman had patted her hand with pity and slipped a sleeping draught in her reticule.
He certainly had taken his sweet time. So in the end, seeing no effect and as he seemed unsettled by her lack of reaction, she had settled on playing her part.
She had waited on her bed then, her hand, under the pillow, gripping a paper-knife as she imagined what would happen. In her mind, he would go to her, take her into his arms and act so scandalously, and she would scare him, showing him she would not be such an easy woman. He would look at her with these dark pools of his, but she would not look down, he would see she was not one to trifle with and she'd lean in and then… and then…! And then he'd make passionate love to her till the morning…
She paused, the blush on her face growing as she felt like a young girl mooning over her first beau. The images came to her, vivid and vigorous, with a heat so intense she felt herself melting. She could almost see, feel his muscles, well-developed and strong, so strong and virile and powerful, moving in front of her, as he…
"Roarrrrr…."
She yelped and jumped, surprised like a frightened cat. Her heart stopped for a few painful seconds, before drumming with a regained intensity that made her cheeks burn. Her eyes turned towards Rhett, who had turned in his sleep, his mouth opened enough to let out a loud snore.
She scowled and stomped her foot on the ground.
"God's nightgown!" She swore. "What's with you roaring like a lion? Do you believe yourself the king of the animals, even in your sleep?"
She paused, considering. Her eyes went to the ceiling, though she could not see the rich and ostentatious carvings.
"King… Rhett King Butler. Well, that wouldn't surprise me it is that. You're conceited enough to have King as your middle name."
She shook her head, trying to resume the course of her thoughts. By God, he was right, she really needed to focus. But then, then! Yes, he had taken her into his arms, and she was about to do as she had planned. But then he had talked, and she was fairly sure he had quoted some infamous nonsense again, and with something that looked a little too much like self-pity. She had almost rolled her eyes at that moment…
Until the world "love" was uttered, and she began to pay attention.
"You love me…" She whispered it, as if uttering it would make the matter more concrete, palpable to her. Then, as the realization settled in her mind, a smile came to her face and her eyes brightened. There, she could not keep it to herself. "You love me!"
With a joyful laugh, she let herself fall back on the bed, at his side. Her eyes glittered with love and tenderness, and at that moment, there was nothing she wished more than to see him open his eyes.
How much of the drug had he put in the glass anyway?
"You know what my mother said, when I was caught doing some mischief and it backfired at me? 'Tel est pris qui croyait prendre'. Such is taken who thought would take. I know it might surprise you that I know such a thing. And I intend to surprise you even more."
She caressed his cheek, marveling at its smoothness.
"Well, my darling, you're certainly not as shrewd as you think you are, though one cannot deny your cunningness. Or maybe it's because you're older now. Don't worry, I'll take care of your old rheumatisms and slowly deluded mind," She chuckled, and he seemed to grumble in his sleep. "Oh, don't scowl at me like that. You're no old man. But you must be so tired, my love… It seems things have been getting out of your attention lately. But I don't care. You are my man, hard, cunning, mocking, and passionate, and while I absolutely hate when you're being willingly obscure, I wouldn't have you any other way."
She pouted, considering his beloved face, the roots of dark hair that had near the temples turned a bit to grey, the closed eyes, still very much alive under the lids, the strong nose, the neat mustache above such indecent lips…
"But don't play the martyr on me. I would not tolerate that. I will not just wait for you. I intend to do better than that," His hand in hers, she squeezed it, then kissed it with fervor. Her lids fluttered as she leaned in, tempted. But then, as she felt the hint of its softness, her heart squeezed a little too hard, and she refrained a cry she buried against his chest. On her forehead, she felt his pulse, so placid, so calm.
What was it in this man, that made her feel so very defiant like a wildcat, and then coward like a mouse when they were that close?
She was tempted to laugh and cry at the same time.
"You told me you wanted me to stop fighting, to let you fight for me. That you wanted to pet me. But can't you see, my love? I am no pet nor child, even if sometimes I feel like it when I'm with you. But that won't do. I want you to have me as your equal. As your woman. You ask a lot of me, it's only fair then. I want to fight your fights, by your side. I don't want to be waiting like some lady in distress. You told me once I wasn't a lady, and you were right by that. And you know who was right about me, though you might not like it? Ashley. Ashley told me I would want all of a man, body, heart, and soul. The opposite is true. I want you to want all of me, body, heart, and soul. I want you to give me your heart, properly this time, because I already gave you mine, and it's waiting for you to claim. I want to know your thoughts, even if for now you intend on keeping them. And if it has to end with me alongside you, a rope on both our necks, so be it. It'd be better than to be at the backside, watching."
She sighed contently, pressing herself against his chest, marveling at the beatings of his heart.
"It was me, then…" She wondered once again, with a happy laugh. "Oh, the devil you are, to have laughed at my expanse so! What did the soothsayer say, again? Lower your weapons and I'll lower mine. Be true to me and I'll be true to you. But I see I will have to prove it to you then, that I can fight for you just as you can fight for me. I want to prove I am worthy of you, darling, and I want to prove it without you having to help me."
She raised her head and kissed his forehead, before leaning hers on his. She closed her eyes, a satisfied smile on her lips.
"You and I, we will be so great, together… I see that."
She hummed and let herself count the quiet rhythm of his breathing, leading her to a peaceful sleep, certainly the most peaceful she had for a long time.
When she awakened, he was gone. Only stayed on her bed the hints of his scent, cigars and leather, intoxicating and tender. She lingered a bit to savor it, before raising, a stubborn pout on her face.
He wanted to play that game? Well, fine. Fine.
She considered her situation, then settled on her next move.
Of course, she would need to cancel it all. Rhett was on her side, after all. With him as an ally, what could she fear?
India would be waiting for her tomorrow at Uncle Henry's. She had met her at Mrs. Meade and suggested the meeting. At the moment, she had thought it would be better if she could just take the act for herself, and India had been too happy to let her, afraid as she was with new threats that had been sent her way. Whether it was from Rhett or others, she would not say.
But now, maybe she, Scarlett, could be the one to offer it to her husband.
Would Rhett be proud of her for securing it? She certainly hoped it would be the case.
But then, there was the matter of Todd and his group, and there she knew she had to find a way out of this. This would certainly not please him very much. She was a bit unsure about Patrick and Olsen's reactions. But then, now, Patrick had a debt with her, and she intended to use it.
Humming, she prepared herself and scowled when she failed to lace herself as she wanted to. Frustrated, she settled on a simpler dress, that she could wear more easily.
The children were already gone, Wade at school, and Ella certainly at the park with Prissy and she was disappointed at sleeping for so long. Why, she realized with surprise, it was almost the beginning of the afternoon!
But then, it seemed, like Rhett, she had had a lot of sleep to catch up.
She sighed, but continued her way, so excited she forgot to eat.
She took the buggy and went to the store, smiling wide, and wider when she finally met her manager, who was scowling at the counter.
"They're here, Ma'am. Again."
He had grumbled yesterday when Patrick had arrived, and she presented him as a new employee. And even more when Hugh Olsen had joined them.
They needed to meet, after all. And she did not want them to be at the warehouse, unsure at which time Rhett would arrive. They had settled to meet the day after, then, at the store.
She sighed. "The auction will be over soon, Hugh. I told you why it was better to prepare it there."
"Still, Mrs. Butler. I don't know these men. Well, John is a good lad, but the other… He's good for nothing, and the blond one is looking at you too closely for a gentleman. I know, I know, you don't care a fig about him. And now there's an old man too! Where do they come from, all of them?"
She laughed at his offended face and looked at him with fondness.
"Thank you, Hugh, for your concerns. You know, I've explained to you. They are people that contacted me to help me with the auction, and actions at the orphanage. With you nearby, at least I'm sure my honor is safe."
Or what was left of it. But he seemed content with that affirmation, though he had his own opinion on her honor, it seemed.
She patted his hand with affected gratefulness and entered her office.
But as the door closed and heads turned towards her, and she remembered a certain night when guns were pointed at her.
The smile dropped from her face, and suddenly she did not feel that much at ease. Rhett was not that close, after all…
But still, she had to do this!
Maybe if she played the foolish god-fearing lady? Rhett had always said she was almost believable with that act…
It would not hurt to try… would it?
"This needs to end," She began, distorting her face in distress. "I've decided…. I can't do this. I can't! He's my husband and I… I… I feel like I'm going to burn in hell for this!"
They looked at her with bewildered eyes, before finally exchanging glances. Then, something seemed to snap into the air.
This was a time to decide where loyalties resided, she realized.
"We should have known this was a mistake." Hugh Olsen scowled. "We should have gotten rid of you, since the beginning… In fact, we should…"
His trembling hand went to his belt, where his gun was. Scowling, Patrick snatched him from him.
"Shut up, Olsen!"
The old man raised wide eyes at him, surprised by such a behavior.
"McConach?"
"She has saved my life. I owe her. And loyalty with my people is not a laughing matter. It's for life."
Olsen looked at them with deep incredulity, before a scowl appeared on his face, and he began to raise his hand in accusation.
"You'll regret it! All of you!"
"Oh, shut up, Olsen, your plan was bad from the start," Patrick finally turned to him with a groan. "You were the one who decided that a whorehouse was a good place to reunite. Mission for the government, my foot! You did not even have a plan about how to persuade Fenton to give us the plans before she arrived. Thus the reunion."
"We could find another woman…"
"And end up with the very same situation," John completed.
What an incompetent team I have fallen into, Scarlett thought on her corner, completely disillusioned.
The man shook his head, offended.
"You'll regret it! All of you!"
And with that, he ran from the room, visibly terribly discontent.
"Let him grumble," Patrick said to John, who was about to go to him. "He's an old man."
"He knows many things."
"Nothing has been done," Todd added. "Yet."
He finally turned towards Scarlett.
"For you, my lady," He bowed to her, presenting her a paper from his satchel. "Though sadly, it seems for me that you intend to end our little... scheme."
Suellen's claim, in paper and signed. Her greedy hands took it and she read the lines eagerly.
"It's for the best. I knew I could count on you. My knight." She raised her eyes at him, suddenly alarmed."She did not doubt anything when you did not sign, and your name was not on it?"
His eyes glinted as he looked at her.
"I dare say she was not reading the papers when she signed it."
Was he trying to make her jealous? She was certainly tempted to laugh at him.
"She was certainly counting the bills."
Seeing Todd's reaction, she had hit the nail right on the head.
"Good."
She put her name on it and signed it. She would then bring it to Uncle Henry to certify it.
She knew her sister. She would not try to verify it. She would just flaunt her money and think she had had the last word.
She'd let her think so. But in the end, Tara would be safe. They will thank her when they'll realize what she did. Suellen would sulk as she always did, but she'll see the light. And even if not, at least, now, she had what she wanted. Money.
And Scarlett had Rhett. That was worth more than money.
"Are you sure about what you're doing? About… what will happen with your husband?" Todd paused, his eyes widening as if in realization. "Is he threatening you?"
She did not say so. After all, that belief had quite helped her, and she wondered if it could help her even more in that situation. She raised her eyes on him.
"I am sure of one thing. My husband cannot be bested, at least not for long. He will always find a way."
Beside him, Patrick McConach laughed.
"She's right about that," He said as he patted Todd's shoulder. "The old fox has many tricks on his sleeves. Tell me, lassie, maybe you could find a way to make him help us."
"Maybe."
"No matter what, I'll always try to protect you," Todd added, ever in his favorite role.
She almost rolled her eyes.
"I know you will."
He'll try. And he'll fail miserably.
"So, now, what are we going to do?" Patrick suddenly scolded, dismayed. "We were promised a lot of money."
She froze, counting, her old insecurities coming back to the surface. But then shrugged.
"I'll pay you all for your troubles, gentlemen," She said as excitement took over in her. "This, I promise to you. Give me a few hours and I'll give you the money. Double for your pain."
Rhett was on her side, after all. What had she to fear, now? She'll talk to him, and the matter would be settled.
She closed the door behind them and let out a relieved sigh.
"Are they going?" Hugh grumbled.
"Soon, Hugh," She said with a smile. Soon.
She left the store, then continued her way, happily. This had been easier than she had thought! She took the buggy and wandered for a time, so cheerful she even saluted some people on the way. Then, a sight made her stop. Her heart skipped a beat, and suddenly it felt a little bit like fate.
She stopped in front of a little shop, considering the dress in front of her, that was on display. It made her remember the old times when she was just a girl, and she felt like she was on a mission.
An idea came to her and she grinned largely, entering the place and asking for the owner.
When her order was settled, she hummed happily and regained her buggy.
Oh, Rhett would be so surprised! She thought with glee. When he'll see her, with that dress, and he'll lead her to that ball… She knew it, he wouldn't be able to resist her!
Oh, and they'll dance, and dance. It would be like rewriting history. Yes. It'll be a new beginning, and this time, they would get it right. Oh, she couldn't wait for it to happen.
On her lips was the air of Dixie, and she savored it like a well-earned nightcap.
She was halfway home, crossing the park they were used to take long walks in, when she heard a cry calling her. She stopped the buggy and blinked, surprised by the vision of Prissy running towards her in disarray.
A feeling of dread suddenly took her.
Where was Ella?
"Miz Scahlett! Miz Scahlett!" Prissy whined. "Lil' Ella… she be gone !"
She raised from the buggy and shook the servant by the shoulders.
"Gone? Where could she have gone?"
"I dunno, Miz," The girl cried, waving her hands nervously. "Well, one time she be dere, 'Oder she be not, an' I…"
Oh, she was tempted to slap her! Instead, she took her by the wrist and led her back to the park.
"Show me where you have seen her last! Come on, Prissy, we'll have to find her, and quick!"
Quickly, Prissy showed the place they had stopped, told an almost incoherent tale by its ramblings and unclearness about a dog that had scared her so, jumping on her, and then the little girl disappearing.
They searched around, for what seemed for Scarlett's nerves a long time.
Her little girl, alone in the park, so naïve, so trusting. Could someone have snatched her away from Prissy? Was she already too far gone?
Oh, why couldn't Rhett be there? They had gone to the park quite a lot these days! Why couldn't he be there, like the other days? What could have prevented him?
Or maybe it was only her fault. If only she had not overslept….
She felt like a goose without a head, running on the grass like that, until her shoes slipped from her feet. She felt its wet freshness on her skin, but her body was hot and vibrating with fear. She felt Prissy had lost her tracks, but then she did not care. That girl was no help anyway.
Oh, if only someone could help her… Anyone.
Her gaze suddenly met Pansy's, who stopped abruptly when she saw her.
She took a step back, resolute, her pride forgotten.
"Pansy? Pansy, you have to help me!"
The young black woman looked at her with a scowl, then turned her back on her.
"I have nothing to do with you, Mrs. Butler."
She felt the helplessness nagging her, and the fear left her lips before she could stop it.
"Ella is gone!"
Pansy froze, then turned back to Scarlett. Her eyes were wide and fearful.
"What?"
"She's gone!" Scarlett cried, her voice slowly leaving her. "She… Prissy…"
She felt arms around her, and then the story told by Prissy was repeated.
Pansy patted her back awkwardly, but she continued, sniffing through it.
Somehow, telling it again, and to someone she knew would understand and cared for the children, she finally felt calmness returning to her, and she began considering things more clearly.
No, crying would not settle the matter. She needed to find witnesses. She needed to…
"Ma'am…" She heard. "Ya're… ya're her mother…"
She froze, turning towards the voice that called to her.
She left Pansy's arms and took a step forward.
In front of her was a boy, dirty and bloodied, a bruised mouth a little agape.
"You…" She recognized him. "You're that boy that's always coming at the store, that… Billy!"
He looked at her, but it seemed like he did not really see her. Instead, there was a blankness in his gaze that fed her fear. She took him by the shoulders and began to shake him, first lightly.
"My daughter is missing. I know you're always lurking on the corners, watching her. And now, I see you, all bruised looking like a simple-minded! But you're not, you've certainly seen something!"
"She… There was a man… She…"
"Where is she?"
"He's under shock, Scarlett," Pansy intervened.
"Well, then, take him!" She snapped. "There's food and water in the trunk of the buggy. At the side of the road."
Seeing as Pansy was scowling, and she could see she was about to protest to assist on her search of Ella, she said, more softly. "Please. Do it. Do it and return once he is settled in it. Try to get him to talk. He must know something. I will continue."
Pansy looked at her closely, then nodded, taking the child with her.
When she was gone, Scarlett raised her head and pondered. They had looked on the clearer areas. But then, there was also a gazebo, almost at the limit of the little wood.
No, she would not just come back home without her child. She would find her, no matter the cost. And she could not bear imagining the gaze of Rhett if he knew it.
Determinately, she made her way to it, and it was even more painful when she found it was empty. She was about to let out a cry of frustration, when suddenly she heard a bark, and a tearful giggle. She froze and turned her head.
From the woods came Richard Fenton, a dog by his side… and little Ella on the other, her tiny hand in his. He seemed to be telling her a happy story, and she was looking at him with bright eyes.
Scarlett gripped the wood of the fence of the gazebo, then hurried towards them, her instincts telling her to take Ella and go, run until they finally find the buggy.
As if he had felt that, the man's eyes raised at her and he smiled.
"Oh. There's your mother."
Ella's eyes left him, and a wide smile came to her tear-stained face as she saw Scarlett. She ran towards her, screaming "Mama!" over and over. Scarlett took her fiercely in her arms, feeling with relief her little body against her. She gripped the fabric of her dirtied white dress, her heart racing and racing.
"Mama," Ella cried. "I was so afraid! There was an evil man! He tried to take me away!"
And then, as if remembering her manners, she turned back to Richard and curtsied, her hands still gripping her mother's dress.
"Thank you… m'lord!" She said with a sob."I was so afraid! Mama, he had saved me from that evil man!"
More like he was the evil man himself… Scarlett thought. She took Ella's hand in hers and kissed it, before turning to Richard. She met his gaze and held her breath.
Behind her, she heard hurried steps, and she knew Pansy had joined her.
With a voice that was calmer than she felt, she turned to Ella.
"Ella, go with Pansy. She will lead you to the buggy. Your friend Billy is here as well. We were all so very worried, you know."
"Billy?" Ella blinked, her green eyes so innocent it hurt. "May he stay with us? Please?"
"Of course," She said absent-mindedly. "My sweet, I'll be there in a few minutes. I need to thank Lord Fenton."
She needed the boy, she could see that. He had certainly seen something…
Pansy scowled when Scarlett dismissed her, giving her Ella's hand. But then she mouthed her that she would explain everything, and after observing her for a time, she seemed to accept it.
Finally, they were gone. She turned towards Richard who was still looking at her curiously.
There, she realized the danger in this man, and as she saw it, she began to guess everything that had happened. Her mind ran miles, before she finally found her voice, her hands joined firmly in front of her.
She had to get rid of that man, she realized. Not just now. But forever. He was a threat to her family, but not a threat that could be easily handled. How blind she had been! In her newfound happiness, she had almost forgotten who she was dealing with!
She needed to play along. See what he was looking for.
She lowered demurely her gaze.
"I'm thankful for you to have saved my child."
"It's alright. Every gentleman would have done the same."
But you're no gentleman.
"It's fortunate I have found her," He continued. "And fortunate that I found you. People, these days… they're like animals in cages, jumping on little children like that."
He really thought she had bought it, didn't he?
"I'm most thankful…" She played along.
He raised a dismissing hand.
"Bah, it's nothing!" He said. "In fact, I think this meeting is quite fateful. For, in fact, I was looking to talk to you… Oh, how should I proceed?" He scratched his head as if it was hard for him to say the words, but in his eyes, there was a glint of mischief. "I have found out the most incredible thing… I'm afraid I must tell you… Oh, and you're in quite a vulnerable state, now! To tell you that at such a moment!"
She blinked.
"Tell me what?"
He shook his head.
"Oh, it's so unfortunate. For so great a lady like you…"
He was trying to play with her fear.
"How so?"
His eyes were intense on her as he said the words. No, there seemed to be no concerns for her feelings, only a will to shock her with the information.
"Your husband is involved in the selling of young orphans to a most disreputable house."
She froze.
He really thinks me a fool, she thought, irritated. He's getting desperate.
Well, he was a patient man, this one. After all, yesterday, he had also provoked a meeting. She winced once again at the memory, before remembering what he expected her reaction to be.
"No!" She cried, this time more genuine, for she really felt the fear rising in her heart. Not of Rhett. But for her. And for her husband. "It can't be!"
"And a murderer!" He added ferociously, before raising an object that he had put on his pocket. "And this was his weapon."
The paper-knife.
Her fingers trembled.
"Can I see it?"
He blinked, as if surprised, then took a step back.
"I'm afraid I must keep it, waiting for other proofs that will come in time. Witnesses, that for the moment fear to talk."
She needed to get a hold into that.
"Please do. And I want to see them."
He looked at her, then an amused smile came to his face. He put back the paper-knife in his pocket.
"You're still disbelieving, then?"
"Well, isn't a wife supposed to believe in the goodness of her husband at all times?"
He stared at her as if she was a silly little thing. Good. There was a moment when he had almost seen her true feelings, she had sensed it. But now it was settled. He underestimated her.
"Your husband is a rascal, my dear, I think we can both agree on that. We are both victims of his schemes and greed. I want him to get what he deserves. Losing everything he had to another, and watch as they prosper, before meeting his own end. I want him to pay for everything he had done. And who knows? Maybe you could love me too. And it has certainly not gone without your notice that from our first encounter, I am entirely fascinated by you. I'm not an unlovable chap, you see, I'm sure you'll find it all in your advantage."
He was leaning on her, and she remembered what happened yesterday with a shudder. It needed not to happen again. She did not want that. She took a step back.
"This is no place to talk about that!"
"It's a fortuitous meeting."
"I need to make sure my child come back home safely."
"I can accompany you. I so long to see that dear Rhett."
She stopped him. Oh, certainly not!
"It would not do…Oh, I would not… be able to hide… my newfound feelings."
She batted her lashes towards him, as if to make him grasp a secret meaning. "You are my savior, after all…"
His eyes widened, then raked over her body from head to toe. "I understand."
Like a fish on a hook. He had expected her to fall quickly, and now that she hinted at that, he believed it without second-guessing it. The arrogant peacock.
"Then meet me again in two hours."
"A secret meeting?" He seemed to contemplate it. "I like the idea. Where?"
Of course, you would, she thought.
"The warehouse."
He repeated the words, as if it was a promise. Something glinted in his eyes, and she did not like it.
"But by then…" She said, as if she was a frightened lady, afraid of feelings she could not understand. "Goodbye!"
She ran away, and she knew he was looking at her, believing every word she had said.
She would need to find a way, and quick.
With a strength she now knew she possessed, she joined Pansy, Prissy, Ella, and Billy, and they went home, silently, Scarlett's mind racing with all the possibilities. Prissy led Ella back to her room, but as she was about to leave, Pansy stopped Scarlett and looked at her with hard eyes.
"Now you're going to tell me everything."
Scarlett sighed and led her to the study. She needed an ally, she knew that. And she had been helpful. She had helped, even after their quarrel… Yes, she could trust her. For Ella, Pansy could do that.
She told her everything, then waited for her reaction, her heart hoping it would settle everything.
Instead, there was a scowl on Pansy's face as she heard it all. She felt her hopes going down, before disappearing miserably.
"You and him… You're playing with people and their lives as if it was a game! Do you realize it?"
"I didn't want to…"
"In such situations, not wanting is not enough!
"Don't you think I'm not trying to fix it?" Scarlett retorted, feeling the unfairness of it all.
"I do know you're trying to fix it!" Pansy exclaimed with irritation. "You'll have me on your back until you do!"
Scarlett blinked, unbelieving.
"You'll… go with me?"
"It's that or I'll take the children from you and escape in another country. And I don't want to get caught by your people."
Then, looking at her, she shook her head, and there was almost a fond smile on her face. But mostly irritated.
"You two are meant for each other…"
On Scarlett's mind came Rhett's image, and she smiled, the curves of her lips turning dreamy and soft as she almost forgot what had almost happened.
"I know!"
"That wasn't supposed to be a compliment."
"It is for me."
"Can't you just settle your marital quarrels in the bedroom, instead of using the world as your battlefield?"
"I guess that's an idea."
They looked at each other, then finally, a laugh came to them. An absurd laugh, filled with relief and the ridiculousness of it all.
"There, there," Pansy finally said. "So, what's your next step?"
Scarlett's eyes widened, and she returned to the cold reality. She pondered, her gaze hardening. Finally, she raised her head and began to devise a plan.
They both decided to go to the store, knowing the men were waiting for her. Oh, if only she could get them on her side, she thought. Maybe with money, they could… After all, they had already promised to leave it to that only a few hours ago. Maybe…
But the meeting began on an odder note than expected. Because when they entered her office and joined the group, Pansy froze, her eyes settling on John as if she had seen a ghost.
"Aren?"
John looked at her with his big brown eyes and took a step back. His lips opened almost unwillingly, as if he was revealing a secret, a tender secret that was now unveiled.
"Pansy…"
Silence filled the blank between them, unsettling and almost cold.
"Fiddle-dee-dee, how many names does this man have?" Scarlett scoffed, before noticing the uneasy distance between the two, Pansy's face showing a conflict between joy and irritation, and the man in front of her that seemed to hesitate between running away and taking her into his arms. "God's nightgown, don't tell me you're both long-lost lovers who meet again after dire circumstances?"
"No!"
"No?" John's head turned abruptly toward Pansy.
"Well, in fact…"
"Well, damn me." Scarlett cursed, before realizing she was beginning to talk like Rhett. She chuckled. "Fiddle-dee-dee! That is all nonsense. Being close to books certainly clouded my mind." And him. And him.
He'd laugh if he knew he was making a romantic out of her.
"Anyway," She cleared her throat. "Change of plan. We have a peacock to pluck."
And a fox to keep out of it. At least until she could find a way out of this and make sure the children were safe. She needed to keep a close eye on Richard. Just like Rhett would say, she needed to distract him.
"And… the plans?"
She did not even blink.
"It's a scam."
Well, she didn't know that. But she wanted to have them by her side, and she was ready to lie for that.
Patrick cursed. "So we've been working for nothing?"
She smiled.
"No. We can still make him pay the bills."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Patrick scolded. "And why would we follow you?"
"You, you have a debt with me," She pointed, her eyes hard on him as he winced. "What had you said, again? Loyalty is not a thing to trifle with with your people? As for the others… I am Rhett Butler's wife. If you can rely on his cunningness and way of making money out of nothing, then you can count on me for the same." She felt powerful then, and it was as if Rhett was on her side, watching her with approbation and pride. At least, she wished he would. "I promise a great deal of money to whom will help me. If it fails, it will be me paying it. If not, it'll be Fenton"s."
They looked at her in what looked like awe, and she felt a quiet satisfaction at this. Even Pansy seemed to look at her with new eyes, more respectful.
Little did she know that in that moment, she was not only feeling powerful. It radiated from her, a strong mix of charisma and charm that was inspiring and irresistible.
"I'm in," John said.
"Aye," Patrick nodded.
Todd Smith bowed. "And I'm at your service, milady. What do you intend to do?"
What would Rhett do?
She took a step forward.
"McConach, I need you to go to Belle's house for me. It seems she needs a silent investor, for it seemed my husband gave up on that little... business of his," She felt sure of that. After all, why would he continue? "Make sure she knows one is interested in it. When the papers are signed, the deed will be with the name of Lord Richard Fenton in it. There, we'll need to make a link with the orphanage. Mr. Smith, you told me you had something."
"I do," He replied with a smile.
"Then that settles it. No, for the matter of the silent investor..."
"I'll do it," Pansy intervened. "A woman may find her way easier in there."
"No!" John said. "I'll do it."
"Aren, stop it."
"She knows who you are. But she doesn't know me."
"Not a lot does, in fact," Scarlett muttered, irritated.
"Then I'll make sure it gets published. At least somewhere."
Scarlett blinked.
"You have a contact with a journal? You?"
"Do you really think I contented myself with a few talks in the kitchen?" Pansy seemed to be quite ruffled by that. "I have been sending under a pen name pamphlets to a newspaper before you even realized there was a whole other world in front of you."
"Well played." Scarlett huffed, more than a little miffed. "But then, it makes me wonder why you stayed a servant for so long, if you could do that,"
"Nobody pays attention to the maid. No attention, no problem."
"That's my woman," John -or was it Aren?- grinned.
"Not yet," Her voice was cold, but there was a subtle teasing in her eyes. "I haven't forgiven you yet."
"Stop it, you two!" Scarlett chided, almost jealous by the atmosphere they brought to the group, before focusing on the matter at stake. "But then, it might not be enough…"
"So, am I going to the whorehouse, yes or no?" Patrick intervened. "I rather liked that idea…"
She rested her eyes on him, considering.
"You… You did tell me you had a debt to settle with me."
"I do," He was wary, now.
"Then there may be a more important matter I will ask of you, while... John goes to that house. Become my employee. At my home. Protect my children. In no way must they be used against me or anyone else. And there's a boy, that may have seen something. He'll need to be safe, if we want the plan to work."
The red-haired giant cursed in Gaelic, his foot stomping the ground. But he seemed to accept nonetheless.
A few other matters were discussed, and finally, they went on their own ways. Pansy joined her in the buggy, and for a moment, she felt confident and strong.
Yes, she could settle it without Rhett. In fact, it could be the proof she needed to get him to understand she could fend for herself, she could fight for them.
And then, there was another matter, that she did not want to think, but that kept creeping in her mind.
If Rhett knew what she intended to do, he would try to stop her. He might even get in the line.
No. She needed him to be safe. She needed him to be the guarantee that no matter what, her children would be cared for. She needed to know he will still be there, strong and remarkable, and alive.
She told Pansy to wait in the buggy after she settled it on a dark corner. The night was already falling, and she wondered how time could have gone so quickly.
Was Rhett wondering where she was? Were the children worried? She would need to reassure them when she comes home, she thought. After all, it already happened, times when she passed the whole day at the store, coming until late in the evening….
Before opening the door to the warehouse, she took a big breath of air, hoping it would give her enough courage to face the enemy. She squared her shoulder and scowled to herself. What was she afraid of? She had survived Yankees. She had killed, and lied, and learned from the best. She could handle it.
He was here, waiting for her. He smiled when he saw her, the smile of someone who thought he had won it all.
She went closer to him and nodded.
"I've decided," She began, hurriedly, her hands joined in front of her like a prayer. She knew her eyes were bright and big, almost naive to an outsider. "You were right. Rhett is a terrible man and he needs to be stopped. I'll do it. And I'll give you Tara and Twelve Oaks in proof of my loyalty."
He blinked, surprised.
"I thought I would meet Miss Wilkes during the week?"
She fluttered her lashes.
"I thought it'd be easier if she thought it was me buying it, as she is a friend of the family," She raised innocent wide eyes on him. "I hope that it is not bothering you. I thought, that, after all, if we are to be getting married…."
A dismayed frown appeared on his forehead, and she was tempted to laugh. But he composed herself rapidly. "Marriage? Well, of course, my dear, of course. So it'll be… well, like an advance."
He squeezed her hands so much she thought he wanted to break them.
"Yes. But the appearances need to be kept until then."
"How, then? When?" His fingers drew insistent circles on her knuckles. His eyes were dark with an excitement he did not hide.
Was it some kind of foreplay, to him?
"Once I have the deeds, I will put it in my jewelry box. You will buy it at the auction on Friday."
"And you'll sign the divorce papers."
"On Monday, after the Ball."
"You drive a hard bargain."
"I know what I'm worth. You'll get the key when we'll meet at the ball."
"Indeed," He nodded. "And you'll give yourself to me on Tuesday."
He did not intend on marrying me, she had realized it. This was just another ploy to make Rhett suffer. Just as well, she was not intending on signing the divorce papers. In fact, she had considered it at first, when she thought Rhett did not want her, only to trap Richard to do just what he offered, so that she and the children could benefit from it all. Cruel man or not, that one was titled and had a lot of money. Thus what had at first given her the idea to take Twelve Oaks on her own. But he just needed to believe she would.
And maybe, putting the divorce papers in front of Rhett might be the way to push him out of his reserve and say openly he loved her? She considered. That in fact, he did not want her out of his life?
"You are quite bold, my lord," She batted her lashes coquettishly. "And your advance?"
I'll be your pretty fool, she thought. At least until it suits me not to.
"My advance?"
"It seems I have to wait a long time before getting married to you…"
"And what would you want?"
"The plans."
He laughed.
"You want to know my secret?" He leaned towards her, smirking. "There's no plan. It was all just a scam for you to turn to me. I wanted you to open your eyes on your husband."
She froze.
"So… no petroleum, then?"
He shrugged.
"Most likely there is. All good lies always have at least one hint of truth. But it seems the plans have been… gone."
She blinked, surprised. It seemed finally her little lie wasn't so much of a lie, actually. How convenient it all was. She'd have one less sin to confess. Well, then, that settled his fate.
"From the first moment, I wanted you as my ally, for you are as much a victim in all of this than me, and I wanted to make Rhett busy. I knew he would not resist the opportunity of getting easy money. The thing with rumors, is that it quickly goes into wild directions. And now that I met you… And that kiss I have stolen from you…. It haunts me still. Would you forgive me for that? Now, what would you think of my advance?"
She shuddered with the memory. But he seemed to think it was one of pleasure and arousal, for his lips stretched at the corner, his eyes glinting with a light that made her recoil.
Fiddle-dee-dee! What did so many people think of stolen kisses as that much important and binding? It was no big a thing, and she hadn't liked it when his mouth had touched her, her mind relieved at the fact that at least, no one could see them at that part of the store. And he talked about forgiveness, but his smugness told her he wasn't sorry at all!
She looked down demurely, her hands gripping her skirt with apparent nervousness.
"I'd say honesty is the best advance I could have received."
"Then, when that dear Rhett is under lock and keys…"
She felt his hands on hers, and she so wanted to get them away from him.
"We'll see him both and relish at his misery."
He thought he had trapped her. That she was fool enough to betray her husband for some vague promise. Well, she would be the one to laugh in the end.
"I'll be free," She said softly.
His hands squeezed her, before he put them to his lips, a fervent glow in his eyes.
"We'll be free."
On her cheek, there was an angry blush and her eyes glowed emerald
"Yes, we'll be."
Rhett and her. Oh, she couldn't wait to see his face when she'll serve that insufferable man to him on a silver platter. He dared threatened her child, her, and her husband. He dared to unsettle their lives for some twisted revenge that should have been forgotten long ago, and that maybe wasn't even based on anything at all!
That would show Rhett. Yes, he would see then, that she was able to fight for him, to fight for them.
"I have to go."
That seemed to awaken him from his trance. His hands left her as if she had burned him, and she was surprised by such a change in his behavior.
"Of course… Of course," He mumbled, nodding. Then a smile came to him. "Till then… my sweet sultana."
He left hurriedly and she was glad when finally the sound of the door echoed in the room.
She took a little time to compose herself and left too. She joined Pansy in the buggy and told her in a weary voice, before taking the way home. But as she did so, Pansy stopped her.
"Stop there. That's where I'll stay."
Scarlett, surprised, let the reins fall from her hands.
"Won't you come home with me?"
"No. I said it to you. I intend on having my voice heard, and I realized it would not do if I was still your maid. And while you apologized to me, I can see I could never respect myself, you, nor you me if I were to be still your maid. At least if you were true with that offer of friendship."
"I am!" She protested.
Pansy nodded.
"Then instead, I'll work with you for whatever plan you have. I can see you are brewing another one, and for Wade and Ella's sake, I'd better see their mother does not go too without my notice. I promised Wade, after all."
Scarlett looked at her, feeling unbelievingly grateful, then embraced her.
"Thank you."
Pansy patted awkwardly her back, and finally, they went apart.
When Scarlett went home, it was dark and empty. The silence was unsettling, and the shadows like ghosts that were looking at her, judging. She continued, half nervous, her way toward the stairs.
"Come here, Scarlett."
She froze. Rhett's voice came from the study, that she now could see was filled with light, and she knew she could not avoid it. She turned to him and joined him in the room, closing the door behind them.
He was settled on the sofa, eyeing her closely, so intensely she felt herself shivering and self-doubting. Her hands gripped the hem of her dress to keep her fingers from fidgeting.
But yet she raised her chin and met his gaze.
"Yes, Rhett?"
He raised from the sofa and waiting, his eyes still on her.
"You're quite late, my dear," He finally remarked. "Dinner has been served. The children are off to bed."
"It had been a busy day."
"It seemed so," He said, not commenting more on the subject, for he could see she would not say. "I've seen we have a little guest."
"So we have."
"You know people may talk."
"He was wandering on the streets. I couldn't just let him."
"You would have. Once."
"I've changed," She shrugged, her eyes defiant. "You have a ward, after all. I've never questioned that. Am I not allowed to have one too?"
His mouth went down at the corner, and she could see he wasn't pleased by her remarking on this. She was tempted to scowl. Why, what a hypocrite, she thought. When he is doing it, it's all fine in the world, and when it's me, it's a scandal.
But then it seemed this surge of feelings was the drop that unsettled it all. Her shoulders dropped, and she felt so very weary. Her eyes blinked, and she thought she might pass out from it.
She had been trying so hard to hold back, to contain. But now, she couldn't.
"Rhett…" She took a step closer, her body shaking as finally the emotions she had tried to keep in check came bubbling down in the surface. "I don't want to fight with you."
He froze, then looked at her pale face, the eyes that expressed an exhaustion of mind and body, and the mouth that was no longer scowling, but was softly open in a plead. He stepped forward, agitation coming to his expression, but then stopped in front of her, as if hesitating. His fists clenched, and then he shoved them almost angrily in his pockets.
She half wanted to chuckle fondly at the gesture, that she now recognized for what it was. But then it would break it all.
"Scarlett…. What happened?"
The tears were about to slip. She let it go with a cry.
"Oh, no question. Just this once, please!" She put her arms swiftly around his stiff chest, her eyes begging, but not daring to cross his. "Hold me, Rhett. Hold me without question, without conditions. Hold me as if you could not bear to let me go. Hold me… hold me as if you loved me still!"
As she finished her words, his body relaxed, and she felt with pleasure that he returned her embrace as fiercely as she did.
"Darling!" She felt him leaning on her, his nose nuzzling her hair. "It seems you are going through a lot, Scarlett, if it leads you into my arms weeping like that." He paused, reflecting. "Maybe you should give it all up. It doesn't seem to make you happy. Maybe you should…"
Her grip on him tightened.
I can't, she wanted to say. Not now. Not before I know it is safe to. Not until I have that stupid paper-knife. Not until that man was under lock and keys, far from her, the children, and Rhett.
"Just hold me, Rhett. That's all I need for now."
She closed her eyes and savored the moment. Silence was surrounding them, and she felt as if somehow the air in the room was purer, crisp, and pleasant. It was filled with his scent and hers, comforting mix that put her at ease. She leaned into this warmth, her heart leaping with hope.
Finally, he broke the silence.
"Do you want to do something, my pet? A little poker, maybe?"
"No. No game between you and I. At least for tonight."
"Then, what do you want us to do?"
She considered.
"Could you tell me a story? You always were so good at this."
He smiled softly.
"I believe you bested me at that."
"I want to hear your voice."
There was a mocking surrender as he sighed, his hands gripping her shoulders as he looked into her eyes. "Fine. But I fear I have no story that comes to my mind now. But then I'm re-reading something now, dear, and maybe you'd like to hear it."
She nodded, and let herself be guided to the sofa, her hands on his as he faced her, his dark eyes barely leaving her. He nodded back, then took out a book from his jacket.
She raised an incredulous eyebrow at him.
"How many things can you put in that jacket? What else do you keep in there?"
"Wouldn't you like to know, my darling?" He smirked, his eyes teasing. "Did you know that curiosity killed the cat?"
"And satisfaction brought it back. I don't see your point."
He laughed shortly. "There's none."
She settled more comfortably on the sofa.
"So, what is happening in this story of yours?"
He smirked.
"That's not my story, my pet," He said. "That's a fine little novel from one Englishwoman, daughter of a pastor…"
"I dread the dullness of it," Scarlett could not help but comment.
He chuckled.
"Oh, you'll see. That pastor's daughter has quite the dark thoughts about her. Here, a man is hosted by a strange and aloof landlord, who seems to have secrets, as well as his entire household. So our… well, hero asks a few questions to the servant, who's very happy to oblige."
"What a gossip."
"Indeed, my dear. Now hush," "Before I came to live there, She commenced -waiting no farther invitation to her story: "I was almost always at Wuthering Heights…"
As he continued, she put her chin on his shoulder, reading the words as he said them, engulfing herself in the story he was telling her. She saw the moors, wild and raw, with its rocks as hard and unwelcoming as knives. She felt the cold and vigorous wind around them, and the strange sense of fatality that was surrounding them all. In her mind, the conflicts were true, and she found herself understanding and hoping, hoping. Yes, she understood all the heroine's feelings, torn between that wish for easiness and comfort, and fortune, and that love she could not stop.
"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same; and Linton's is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire."
His voice was deep as he read that part. It raised a bit, and there was that glint she knew the meaning now too well. She closed her eyes and her embrace of his arm tightened.
He seemed to stop a little, as if wakened up on his trance, then patted awkwardly the hands that were nestled at the crook of his arm.
He continued and she drank from his words like it was pure water and she was lost in a desert.
"…my love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff!"
Her lips moved as he said that and the words impregned her mind. But in her mind, it was not that fictional character she thought of, but of Rhett.
"Are you crying?" He took notice on that. "Damn me, I don't have any handkerchief now."
"It's alright," She said as she wiped them with her fingers, laughing almost at her foolishness. Rhett's hand was gripping hard on hers, now. "It's silly, really. Why did he leave? Did he not love her?"
"He did," He replied, releasing her. "But then he could not bear thinking she did not love him, that she did not think him worthy of her."
"Well, he's a fool," She scolded, and he chuckled at this. "He is! It is so obvious she is in love with him and she wasn't meaning what she said!"
"You think that because as a reader, you have access to every information."
"Stop talking nonsense," She chided. "He knew her since the beginning, he should have known she did not mean what she said!"
"Sometimes, it's not that easy, Scarlett…"
"Maybe it should," She said more softly. "Maybe it would all be so much better if they just talked about it and be honest about what they really feel."
Rhett paused.
"Maybe," He finally said. "But that'd make for a shorter, less interesting story. Not a story that one can take as a lesson."
"How does honesty make for uninteresting stories?" She relented, baffled. "How does it end?"
His eyes darkened, and it shined like a warning.
"She chose the man that seemed to have the most money and comfort at the moment. She died."
She froze.
Funny how now that she had no doubts over her own feelings and his, it felt easier to go past his words and see what was underneath.
"Oh." Oh, no need for your veiled threats, my love, she wanted to say. I'm by your side… "And… Heathcliff?"
"He got his revenge in the end. And a lot of money."
She let out a laugh.
"And we both know how happy that can make a person."
He looked at her with genuine surprise.
"You think so, my dear?"
"I know so," She said, softly. Her hand squeezed his arm as she hesitated. "Rhett…"
"What, my dear?"
"I love you," She raised her eyes on him, and it shined true, too true for her to bear it without feeling she might explode. She tried to laugh it off. "And that girl was foolish not to choose Heathcliff. I just wanted to say it."
He did not answer back. But he did not need to. She felt him release a breath, and his muscles under her relaxing.
She knew it now.
Yet, she couldn't say so. Not now.
"Did you, now?" He said. "Don't you have anything else you want to say?"
"Mmm…" She hummed, before examining him closely. "Do you know of the tale of the misunderstood but loyal spouse?"
Something lightened up in his eyes. There it is, she noted. The cat waiting for its prey. She did not hide the love, did not hide the faith.
Trust me, she wanted to say. I am by your side.
"I can't say that I have. Though it seems quite familiar to me. Would you tell it to me?"
"Maybe one day. When you tell me your own stories. I always loved hearing them." She waited a little while, observing him, waiting for him to add anything. He did not, and even though she expected it, she was a bit disappointed. She kissed his hardened cheek softly, her lips almost tingling as she took pleasure on its smoothness. "Goodnight, my love."
He looked into her eyes deeply, then seemed not to find lies in them.
But would it be enough for him to trust her in the end? Could he do it so blindly when it came to her? He wanted her to do that when it was him that was scheming. He wanted her to meet him in the end. But when it was her?
She sighed and turned away.
He cleared his throat.
"By the way, my dear, before you go," He said, stopping her in her intent, his hand catching her wrist. "An old friend of mine will be coming tomorrow, for lunch. I would like you to be there to greet him."
"Oh," She said, shrugging. "Alright. I'll be there."
"You might know of him," He added, his eyes resting on her. "I dare say his arrival yesterday made quite an impression, and that with his titles and wealth, I do think you'll be interested to meet him. Lord Richard Fenton, from the Old Continent."
She blinked. One shiver ran down her spine. She paused, examining Rhett, before realizing he was still observing her as well.
"Alright then," She could not help but crack a smile, shrugging as she regained her composure. "So be it, I'll meet your friend, husband. After all, aren't I a dutiful wife, in my own way?"
This reaction seemed to surprise him, and she left with his dumbfounded expression with a gleeful feeling of mischief in her stomach.
He may suspect something, she could see that. And when he was like that how could he even deny he cared? Well, it did not matter. He could keep his secrets. She trusted him enough not to pry by herself when now she knew he was on her side. She would not keep her love hidden, at least when they were in private spaces. She would show him she could be soothing, loving. She would not let him come to her bed, no, not now. He would need to earn that. But she would make sure he knew he was wanted. They would make it, yes. Not even someone like Richard Fenton would stop them.
She wanted to believe it would be enough to keep him waiting.