Chapter 112

The next day morning, Scarlett was surprised to find Rhett waiting for her at the end of the stairway. He looked as if he had been waiting for her for some time. Her eyes narrowed when she remembered the events of yesterday and wondered what he could possibly have to say to her. She had planned to leave to Atlanta during the coming week. Suddenly a mad hope came into her heart that Rhett had perhaps regretted being so cruel to her and had come to make amends. But even then, her own common sense instantly pushed down that notion. She looked coolly at him, waiting for him to speak.

"Scarlett, I am glad you look yourself this morning! I want to discuss that matter of money with you. I supposed I must have been foolishly moved by your tears yesterday to promise you some money. I'll be brief. I cannot give you any money because I myself am going on a little trip soon and I need it. I am planning on putting the money to good use in some new foreign investments-"

Scarlett looked startled. "Well, I am not asking much,I-"

"I can't even spare you ten dollars-" said Rhett, walking away.

"Well! Of all the miserly-" Scarlett felt angry and hurt. "I made this trip here for you and its cost me ever so much! That dress I wore yesterday- that was the most expensive one I ever had and I did it all just to learn to get along with your own family- I did everything for you and you refuse to help me!"

"I never asked you to come here!" replied Rhett,suavely.

"You keep saying that but you liked having me here for a a while, didn't you?"

"No, Not at all-"

"Well! Then I'll sell the damn house!" replied Scarlett, tartly. "God's nightgown, I won't be beaten by your penny-pinching-"

"Hush hush, Madam. If my Mother were to hear your Irish tongue, she might fall down in a faint! And I won't let you sell the house. You would still need my signature on the document and if you forge it,I'll-"

"What about helping me restore Tara's grounds and all that, eh? You haven't been very frank there, have you?!"

"Oh, I'll help with that. There is another small investment I am planning to make on that bit of wasteland-"

"Wasteland!?"

Scarlett looked too angry for words. Her face turned red and she gathered up all her self-control and walked away from Rhett.

When her anger subsided, a definitive gloom settled over Scarlett. She was now sipping tea at the parlor and everything seemed so tedious and hopeless. She vaguely sensed that perhaps Rhett might be withholding his money because he exerting some control over her. But she couldn't understand how or why. She had been trying to own up to her failures, trying to abide by his family's rules and ways and he still wouldn't see her point of view. And she had been so sure of winning his love and respect. When she thought of the work ahead, she felt gloomy and upset. Somehow she had imagined life to be much easier.

She felt a hand on her arm and she looked up. Rosemary was standing beside her with a kind look on her face. "Scarlett, I just want to say that after everything that happened yesterday- I really do understand your reasons for coming here. And I think you are very brave to face Rhett. I.. I want you to know that we don't think of you the way he does-"

Scarlett's hand trembled but she managed to nod her head.

"I.. I actually went and did something that I thought you might like- I hope you don't mind?"

Scarlett looked up. "What is it?"she asked. Rosemary sat beside her and showed her the letter in her hand. "Some weeks back, I wrote to the Reverend Mother of the convent here and asked if you could possibly meet your younger sister who is living there - Careen? And usually they don't encourage visitors but finally I received a positive invitation. We could go and meet your sister tomorrow?"

"Oh!" replied Scarlett, frowning over the letter. She glanced quickly at Rosemary, hoping that there wasn't pity or ridicule in her eyes. But she saw only sincerity and she decided to be gracious.
"Careen is my youngest sister. She wanted to be just like my Mother - Going to the convent was entirely her idea."

"So,shall we go tomorrow?" asked Rosemary, relieved.

"Yes."