A Dire Situation

Chapter Eight

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Scarlett returned to Aunt Pitty's home with the ready made excuse that she had been wandering around the town, anxious to see for herself the extent of the war damage. She was prepared for the berating she would receive for not taking with her a companion, however, as always, she dealt with it accordingly using her wily charms to get herself out of harms way.

"Oh Aunt Pitty" she said when that most unpleasant matter had been dealt with, "It has been wonderful visiting you, but I simply must return to Tara tomorrow, I fear I am being sorely missed out in the fields. These things don't just come about by themselves and I'm certain the fields will quickly become a shambles without me there to oversee their developments."

Aunt Pitty looked slightly crestfallen at her words. She wasn't overly fond of Scarlett but she did so enjoy company, and though she hated to admit it, her niece did add a certain element of life to a household.

"I do understand Scarlett, though I beg of you to stay another day at least. You're working yourself far to hard at home, and it is most certainly not lady-like work. Why don't you stay here, send for your family and you can all make this your new home?"

The idea was more than preposterous to Scarlett, who regarded Tara as so much more than a home but her life, her only connection to the old days. But she knew Aunt Pitty had to be handled with care, so she balanced her words carefully.

"Nothing would please me more darling" she began "But it would be more than cruel of me to uproot Pa from the land he loves so dearly when his time of life is nearly up." For effect Scarlett placed upon her visage a look of sadness and turmoil.

She noticed with glee the uncomfortable look that now shadowed the poor old woman's face. It was horrid of her, she knew to bring Gerald into her scheme, but it had been the only way to avoid further confrontation on the topic. Pitty was so afraid of death and dying that she knew the subject would now be dropped with haste.

"Oh my poor dear, of course. It was awful of me to even suggest it. You do what you must. But remember I am here for you whenever you need assistance." Pitty was most flustered now, and extremely anxious for the awkward conversation to be ended.

Scarlett was amused and only a little sorry. Pitty could never offer her the kind of help she needed. She knew she was on her own now, and possibly, due to her upcoming actions, forever. But she was slowly making peace with the fact.

"Oh you are a dear sweet thing Aunty. I thank you truly from the bottom of my heart. I will catch the morning train tomorrow. However I am most grateful for you hospitality."

"The morning train?" Exclaimed Pitty startled. "Please consider the afternoon train at least, and make some last calls with me to all your old friends."

Scarlett scowled inwardly. She would be taking the afternoon train. But not, as Aunt Pitty would like to assume, in order to make some pleasant calls. She had to see Belle tomorrow, and pick up her money.

Belle had decided that Scarlett could most defiantly be trusted to come through on her word. So she elected to give her an advance on the money she would surely make. It would be more convenient she reasoned, as it would eliminate the need for future coming and going from Tara.

"I'm sorry dearest, but I have already made my booking. I do promise to visit you again as soon as possible. And next time I will, of course bring young Wade with me."

Pitty had been most upset by the absence of the boy she thought of as her grandson. So that was more than enough for her to forget the unpleasantness of Scarlett neglecting her duty by farewelling the old crowd before her departure.

The next day Scarlett awoke early and bid goodbye to poor Aunt Pitty as she left the house under the pretence of catching the morning train.

She arrived at Belle's and was let in through the back door as usual.

Belle handed Scarlett an envelope holding the precious money that was worth more than life to Scarlett, as it would save her Tara.

"I'll be seeing you soon my dear. Good luck taking care of those at Tara. I have complete faith in your ability to pull the deception off without flaw."

Scarlett was a little taken aback by such praise coming from Belle. And as she clutched the envelope in her hand she reached out and embraced her.

"Thank you. I don't know what else to say but that. Thank you."

Belle had difficulty recovering from the shock. She felt more than a little flattered, and overwhelmed by such a display of gratitude from a woman she was growing to see as her equal in most things.

"Don't be ridiculous Scarlett" she murmured, moving her hand slightly to wipe a rouge tear from her eye.

Lucky for Belle Scarlett failed to notice the display of emotion, and continued.

"I'll be seeing you day after tomorrow."

"Yes, until then."

Belle gave Scarlett a slight push out the door, anxious for her to leave as she was having trouble dealing with her contrary emotions. Which she figured could become rather embarrassing this early on in their fragile friendship.

Scarlett obliged by leaving, rather anxious herself to get home and complete the next phase of her plan. Now that her mind was so irreversibly made up she was in a hurry to get on with things.

Scarlett boarded the train, and in what seemed like no time at all she was home. Her mind was busy, she reasoned trying to fathom the bypass of time, that she had had a lot to think about after the events of the past few days.

She was dreading her return home slightly. She had no idea how she would explain the way in which she got the money. Obviously, the truth was not an option. And despite all the time she had had to think on it she had still not concocted a plausible lie. She figured she would be divinely inspired when the time came. After all hadn't fate been on her side more or less over the past few days?

She had discovered a way to save Tara all by herself, and compared to that, convincing her family with some falsehood would be a simple task.

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