Chapter 67
Scarlett wearily returned to the Peachtree house. Wade opened the front door to welcome her. He was at home for the holidays and he had grown much taller and darker. But something in his manners disconcerted Scarlett. He seemed a little nervous and unhappy. They both walked into the parlour and Scarlett watched him as she untied her bonnet. Wade had picked up a magazine and after rolling it up, he was listlessly tapping the side of the table with it.
"Mother, I've been thinking-" he began seriously. "I think I had better look after some kind of business. I don't think I want to study law. I don't think I am suited to be a lawyer-"
Scarlett said Wade tap his feet and the small twitch in his eye as he spoke the words.
"But why Wade? asked Scarlett, feeling herself growing upset. "You know you've always wanted to be a lawyer-"
Wade shrugged his shoulders feebly and shook his head. "I.. I don't think I have what it takes. It isn't all just books, Mother- I have to see people and see how things happen in real life circumstances-"
"So what? Wouldn't that be interesting?"
"But I-"
"Wade, listen- you know your Aunt Melanie would have loved to see you become a lawyer-"
"Yes but-"
"I could ask Mr. Hennessy to get you a place at the law office. You could go and meet his clerks and get some ideas of how these things work-"
"Oh, I don't know-" Wade flushed and blushed at this. "I wish we could forget about all this- I didn't really want to be a lawyer. It was just one of those things-"
Scarlett started at him for a long time. "Wade honey, just give me one of your old law books- I want to read it."
Wade looked at her in surprise and wordlessly he ran up to his room to get a small, thick book on civilian rights. Scarlett skimmed it and then read a page. It was dry and terribly boring at first glance.
"Well, Mother?"
"It's very interesting" said Scarlett, softly.
"Really?" asked Wade, hopefully. "I.. I know it is. But if you read chapter five, there is this quote from-" Wade launched into a long, incoherent explanation and Scarlett watched how animated his eyes became and how his voice squeaked with pleasure while talking-"
"Wade, I didn't understand everything you said. But I'd like to read your book."
"Do you like law too, Mother?" asked Wade with a grin. Scarlett just smiled and gave a small nod. As he strode out of the room, she said to herself "It's because I like you-"