A Dire Situation Chapter Seven
Disclaimer: Not mine
Note: Hey I'm so so so so sorry that I haven't written in so long. I hope you enjoy this next instalment. PLEASE let me know what you think.
"Scarlett. Welcome. I'm most glad to see that you have decided to come. I must admit I was a little afraid you may have changed your mind." There was little malice in her tone, but Scarlett picked up on it and Belle was forced to conceal a slight smirk at Scarlett's reaction to the would-be innocent comment.
"I don't know what could have possibly given you that idea Ms Watling. I am a woman of my word as I'm sure you will find out." Scarlett didn't want to play games with the women. She needed this money, and she was tired of games. But still, she refused to be toyed with completely.
"I realise that Scarlett and I will apologise. Shall we start over?"
Belle rose from her seat and extended her hand to Scarlett, which she accepted with surprisingly little reluctance, which Belle found reassuring. Scarlett would be cooperative, she knew this now and so she felt she could now safely cease her attempts to undermind her and the two could get down to business.
"Please sit down, we have much to discuss."
Scarlett obliged. To tell the truth she was more than grateful to have to opportunity to sit seeing as how her legs were shaking so. She was more frightened than her pride would allow her to let on and Belle's opening statement had caught her more than a little off guard. None the less her mind was made up. She was here now, and knew there was no room for turning back.
'Imagine if mother could see me now' she mused. 'What a spectacle I've become. '
For the next hour or so Belle and Scarlett discussed much, with the ease of two of the oldest friends. The women were more similar than either would care to admit, and they did in fact find themselves, in spite of that reluctance, agreeing with one another on a great many things.
It was settled that Scarlett would live in Belle's establishment for the duration of the time she worked for her. Oddly, it was Belle who had thought it best that Atlanta did not know that Scarlett was currently living as one of their number to which Scarlett immediately agreed.
"After all" she had said, "If it was known I was here I would be so busy calling on all the old pea hens I'd never have any time for work"
Belle found this reasoning most amusing. She had to admit she was very much enjoying Scarlett's company.
Scarlett felt no fear that her new line of work would soon become public knowledge. She knew, of course, that many of Atlanta's upstanding 'gentlemen' frequently visited Belle's. But, being raised as she was, she knew it was the worst form of social decorum for anyone to admit such things to one another. Indiscretions were never spoken of.
So even if the husband, son or brother of one of the fine ladies she knew paid a late night visit and accidentally bumped into her, they would never think of sharing the knowledge with anyone who could do the slightest damage to her reputation. For they would, be incriminating them selves also. It was all so simple, and the ridiculous notion made Scarlett want to laugh.
Clients, Belle had warned Scarlett, could not be screened and so she had no way of knowing whom she may end up with. Scarlett fretted for a moment thinking she may end up 'entertaining' one of the many Atlanta gentlemen she knew. Belle promised her in turn that she would attempt to keep a look out to avoid such embarrassment for both parties and a potential loss of business for herself.
"You will become very popular my dear. I can assure you of that. And I will be keeping you very busy. When word gets out about my fantastic new girl every Tom, Dick and Harry will be wanting his turn. We can't disappoint the masses, and besides all the more money for you." She said. "And I." She added as an after thought.
Scarlett laughed. She felt that Belle understood her in a way that no one else other than Rhett had ever come close to.
'Rhett!'
Fear clouded Scarlett's features. He would come here. He always did. He was a regular. What would he think of her? Oh it was all too much.
She had, of course, thought of Rhett's opinions before now. But never before with such nauseating clarity.
She wondered what his reaction would be. She had refused to be his mistress on many occasions, and now, here she was, performing such a derogatory task for money. And from strangers!!
But like a tonne of bricks another revelation hit her.
He had refused her. She went to him first and he had said no. He could have gotten the money from a million sources. She knew that. He had just wanted to make her suffer. He drove her to where she was now. And she would revel in his reaction when it came. And it would come, she would see to that. She would do her job, and she would do it well. She would make him want her like she had wanted his help. And then, oh and then she would refuse him.
She was excited now. She had a plan and a purpose. A new life flickered into her eyes and she snapped back into her planning with Belle with so much vigour that Belle was originally startled.
Belle had had no idea what Scarlett had been thinking. But the final result was breath taking. Such life, such enthusiasm. That was what was going to make them both very rich women. How exciting this was all becoming.
Belle had taken Scarlett on originally as a bit of a game, some fun, someone to toy with. And perhaps, she thought with pensility that came rarely to her, out of a little sympathy for this most fascinating woman.
For the greater part of that day Scarlett and Belle looked through clothes that would be suitable for Scarlett's new profession. It was a most enjoyable occasion as both women shared a passion for all things rich and beautiful. And Scarlett was so thirsty for grandeur and wealth after the suffrage of war that her tiny reactions of pure joy were charming to witness.
With several decorative dresses set aside Scarlett realised it was finally time for her to return to Aunt Pitty's. She would have much to do she realised, what with planning her imaginary return to Tara and making the final calls to old friends before her decension into the underworld of Atlanta's whores and rouges.
Scarlett decided her conscience would be no friend to her now. So with that discarded she began to look forward to her new beginning with excitement. Particualy her first encounter with Rhett, which she knew, would come eventually. For once she would have the upper hand. She knew the shock of it all would be more than enough to throw Rhett completely off guard, if only for long enough for her to feel success.
Bidding goodbye to Belle, who it must be admitted, was sorry to see her go. Scarlett stepped out through the back door and onto the streets of Atlanta. How false everything appeared to her now. At least inside Belle's people were ready, without hesitation or apologies, to admit and rejoice in the falseness that was their livelihood. This made them unique and wonderful to Scarlett who had grown up so sheltered in that fake world where unpleasentries were ignored.
She would not be seeing Belle tomorrow. But the day after that she awaited with an anticipation so strong she could taste it.
Please review I'm so sorry again that it's been so long I intend to be more regular now, but I really need to know if you think it's worth continuing.