A Dire Situation

Chapter Thirteen

Rhett Butler shoved hid hand into the pocket of his neatly pressed trousers and pulled out some money to pay the driver of his carriage. Prices were criminal these days he thought. But then, he supposed, it was fair enough that everyone was taking advantage of the post-war situation, he knew that he himself had.

Rhett then turned and looked up at the shabby building before him.

He had never exactly been to Tara before, but even from the glimpse he had gotten of it in passing that fateful day he had accompanied Frank Kennedy to Twelve Oaks, he could tell it had fallen into a state of miserable disrepair and poverty.

A wave of unwelcome pity for Scarlett spread over him as he gazed upon the ruins of her childhood home, the same place she was attempting to make a life now.

To him that notion seemed impossible, however knowing Scarlett as he hoped he did, he did not put the task past her.

Not wanting to waste anymore time Rhett asked the driver to return in a few hours, this was only to be a day trip after all, he then began to make his way up the red brick path that lead to the decaying mansion.

Rhett could scarcely believe he was here. How ridiculous would he appear to an observer? Traipsing around the country trying to help some woman who never fails to let her disdain for him show. What a fool he was.

However upon seeing the sight of the house, and recalling Scarlett's thin frame at the jail house, he knew he should be here, doing the right thing. 'For once', he couldn't help but think.

He approached the house slowly feeling slightly apprehensive. What on earth would Scarlett think of him showing up on her door step? She might even be mad. She was so unpredictable.

Climbing the last step Rhett resolved to just go in and see what happened. If worst came to worst and she was angry and they began to fight, Rhett knew he would always come out best anyway. Scarlett, although a passionate fighter, was not a skilled one and Rhett could out-wit her in a heart beat.

So, with his plan intact Rhett gave three sharp knocks on the front door and waited to be admitted.

Elena spotted her instantly and began to hurry over. There was no time now for formal introductions so she simply wound her arm around Scarlett's own and whispered.

"I've been sent to collect you Miss Scarlett. You're to come with me."

Scarlett stared blankly at the girl who had thrust herself upon her and was now whispering as though the pair were involved in some extreme conspiracy.

'Although' Scarlett considered 'in a way they were'

Realising she had hesitated perhaps a moment too long Scarlett sought frantically for something appropriate to say. Though nothing seemed to come to mind.

Elena could see Scarlett was trying to say something in return, although the poor girl looked utterly bewildered.

"Please Miss, there's no time for that now. If you'll just follow me we can discuss whatever you like in the carriage."

With that Elena tugged on Scarlett's arm and all but dragged the poor woman through the gathered crowds and behind the old warehouse.

"After you Miss" Elena stated, holding the door open for Scarlett and standing back to allow her to pass.

Elena was trying very hard to be her most charming self. She really wanted the famous Miss O'Hara to like her.

Scarlett climbed into the carriage feeling like a sleep walker, or a puppet, she wasn't really in control of her own actions, but she was performing them all the same.

However once inside and seated she began to feel slightly better.

Her conversation with Ashley had shaken her a little, but all in all she was pleased with the way it had turned out.

She could now hardly believe she had wasted so many years of her life pining after him. She had married Charles because of him. And due to that she had had a child, moved away from home and missed the chance to see her mother one last time before she died.

'Waste', she had thought bitterly on the train. 'Waste waste waste'

She despised waste, and throughout the train trip her feelings towards Ashley had progressed from anger to bitter resentment to a feeling bordering frighteningly near hatred. She had found it surprisingly easy to blame Ashley for most of the recent events in her life that had gone wrong, and she liked to have someone to blame.

Admittedly each scenario had ultimately been her own decision, but he had always been the ever present driving force.

But that force was gone from her life now, and the thought calmed Scarlett enough to allow her the clarity to asses her new surroundings.

Thinking more clearly now Scarlett turned to her new companion.

"Thank you for receiving me at the train Miss" she said in her most polite voice, realising that it would be important for the girls to like her if she were to have even a minimally comfortable time at Belle's.

"My name is Scarlett O'Hara"

Scarlett had barely the time to complete her sentence before she was cut off by the excited young girl.

"I know who you are Miss Scarlett and it was a pleasure to come get you a real pleasure"

Scarlett felt overwhelmed by the girl's display of warmth and she was exceptionally grateful for it.

"My name is Elena Miss, Elena Porter" the girl chirped extending her hand to Scarlett.

"It's very nice to meet you Elena" replied Scarlett

"Well I must say you would be anxious to get home after all that travelling you've been doing so I suggest we head off" said Elena, at the same time she stuck her head through the window of the carriage and gave the driver the signal.

The coach took off flawlessly while Scarlett was left to ponder Elena's words.

'Home? Anxious?' she was anxious, there was no doubt about that. But as to whether she would begin to call Belle's establishment home or not remained to be seen.

Rhett walked back down the front steps of Tara feeling utterly bewildered.

He had knocked on the door and been greeted by a young woman whom he had assumed to be Scarlett's younger sister.

He had soon learned he was correct and that although Suellen had answered the door, she was not about to permit entry.

She had been looking at him with distaste, probably assuming he was a Yankee, while refusing him entry through the door when, with a stroke of luck, Melanie Wilkes had passed by.

"Who's there Sue?" she had questioned gently, as Suellen was blocking Rhett from her vision.

"It's a man, inquiring after Scarlett" she had replied abruptly

Melanie at this point had stepped forward, "I'm very sorry but my sister in-law.." she stopped short when she recognised him, "Why Captain Butler what a pleasant and unexpected surprise" she had exclaimed rushing towards him to clasp his strong hands in her own fragile ones.

In that moment Rhett saw that the poverty at Tara was universal, it had affected everybody. Melanie was thin and even paler than he had ever had the misfortune to see her as. Scarlett's sister was also looking non-too robust. Rhett was glad he had come.

"Please do come in." Melanie had continued ushering him into the house "You won't think me rude if I inquire as to why you are here will you Captain Butler? Only, I'm just assuming this isn't a social visit. It's well out of your way"

Rhett chuckled softly and sat down on one of the chairs Melanie had lead him too.

"Not at all Mrs Wilkes, of course not. However actually, in a manner of speaking this is a mere social visit. I don't suppose Mrs Hamilton is around right now is she. I was hoping to have a word with her." Rhett looked around the room apparently carelessly though his eyes were sharp missing nothing, trying to see if Scarlett was here, hiding from him. He wouldn't put it past her, it was very possible that she was still extremely mad at him after what he had put her through at the jail house.

Melanie looked at him strangely but continued all the same "Oh I'm terribly sorry Captain Butler but you just missed her. She took the morning train to Atlanta this morning." Melanie's eyes and smile were apologetic but Rhett was having difficulty masking his confusion.

'Why on earth would she return home for a day only to go straight back again? Unless she had somehow come across the money and had needed to bring it home. But in that case, why was she needed so promptly back in Atlanta? Rhett feared his worst case scenario was becoming a reality.

"Oh I see Mrs Wilkes. How unfortunate that is." Rhett commented, more for lack of anything else to say, although he felt he should say something.

"Indeed. I'm terribly sorry you came so far out of your way for nothing Captain Butler. However since you're here can I offer you anything to eat or drink? We don't have much" she admitted rather ashamedly "But whatever we have is yours."

"No no nonsense Mrs Wilkes please do not apologise, it's nothing to do with you. And I'm afraid I'll have to turn down your offer of refreshments as well" Rhett certainly had no intention of taking from them what few supplies they had.

"I'll just show myself out since it appears my reason for being here is herself not here" he chuckled slightly hysterically at the irony.

Melanie looked at him again in that strange way she had been since he arrived, but the look was gone in a fleeting moment.

"I would never allow a guest to show himself out Mr Butler, even if this is not my own home. Please allow me" At that she got up and led him to the door.

"It was a pleasure seeing you Captain Butler, I'll be sure to tell Scarlett you stopped by"

"Yes please do that. Your not sure how long she'll be gone are you Mrs Wilkes?"

Rhett's tone was bordering on desperate and that fact did not escape Melanie. She wondered briefly what business Mr Butler could possibly have with Scarlett that would render it necessary for him to make the trip all the way to Tara. But she knew it was none of her business and so she decided to leave it be and not interfere. After all, she was more than certain Scarlett was capable enough to handle anything that may happen by herself.

So Melanie divulged to Rhett the plausibly conducted lie Scarlett had told her the evening before about the money and the charity work in Atlanta she now planned to do.

Melanie could tell that Rhett believed the story no more than Ashley had seemed to. Ashley had been furious last night after Scarlett had told her tale, and Melanie had had to do her best to calm him down. For she had faith in her sister in law, and knew that even if she was lying, she would have a darn good reason for it.

"Well thank you Mrs Wilkes and good day" Rhett said heartily tipping his hat politely.

Melanie nodded and shut the door quietly.

Rhett then began his bewildered walk down the front steps.

'What was Scarlett playing at?' Although he had pondered that same question on many other occasions, never so more seriously than now.

He feared greatly that her enticing little offer had been made to some other distinguished gentleman who had not been fool enough to turn her down.

Rhett was beginning to strongly regret his actions at the jail house only a few days earlier. 'Why hadn't he just given her the money? He could have gotten to his funds in the blink of an eye and it was more than obvious she needed it. Scarlett O'Hara didn't work the fields for nothing, and it was clear from one glance at her hands that she had been working hard with them'

And now it may be too late he knew. He would have to try and find her. He was booked on the afternoon train and so could begin his search tonight. But where on earth would he begin looking?

Because he knew, despite what Mrs Wilkes had told him, Scarlett would not be staying with her Aunt Pity.

Rhett was fearful now, very fearful. So caught up in his own thought was he that when a deathly calm voice spoke to him he was remarkably stunned.

"Mr Butler. A word please"

It was Ashley Wilkes.

After the several minutes of mindless chit chat Scarlett was subjected to in the carriage she was happier than she assumed she would be to be arriving at Belle's at last. Thankful she was to be out of the carriage, and the company of Elena who appeared to have a talent for one sided conversation, making it completely unnecessary for Scarlett to do anything but nod and murmur. It was enough to give anybody a headache.

Elena began to lead Scarlett up to the front door, but Scarlett hissed at her and stayed put.

"Oh" Elena exclaimed "Oh that's right. Belle said you might be wanting to take the back way for a while." She said looking at Scarlett like she would a troublesome toddler.

"Well come on then"

And so the pair walked off in the direction of the back door, which Scarlett now knew well.

"Belle has asked that you be taken straight to her Miss. She's in her parlour. I'll show you the way."

Scarlett knew the way, but she was thankful for the company. She always found it easier to appear strong when there was someone she was proving herself too.

Elena swung the door open, and there, seated at a huge oak desk was Belle Watling.

"Scarlett" she exclaimed rising from her seat.

"Welcome back dear. Please come in. You may leave us Elena." She finished not even looking at the girl.

Elena stalked out in a huff. Belle hadn't even congratulated her on not making a mistake.

"Good day Belle" Scarlett began timidly. "It's nice to see you again"

"Come now my dear none of that shy nonsense, not with me." Belle chuckled in very much the same infuriating way Rhett did when he was laughing at something she had said or done.

Belle sensed her offence and hastened to remedy the situation. "Please Scarlett, sit down." Belle gestured to a chair and Scarlett took a seat.

Belle herself sat in the chair opposite her while discreetly eyeing the girl up and down.

'This may take longer than I originally assumed' thought Belle, although she didn't let it worry her. She was referring to Scarlett's less than glamorous appearance.

While there was no denying that she was stunningly beautiful, there were a few things she would like to see altered before setting her to work. After all she assumed Scarlett would want to sell herself at the highest price, and for that to happen there were a few simple changes that had to be made. Belle made no hesitation laying out her thoughts to Scarlett.

"My dear as I said, I'm so glad to see you here, and I'm sure you're very keen to see your debt to me paid off. However I am going to have to delay the time when you will be starting work."

Scarlett wasn't sure whether to feel disappointed or relieved. On the one hand she had wanted to get this over with as soon as she could so that she could return to Tara, Wade and her family. But on the other hand she thought it would be good to wait for a bit, see how things work before being thrust right into the action.

Belle could see Scarlett's mind ticking over, processing the information and she was pleasantly surprised when Scarlett met her eyes directly and stated "I'm listening Belle, what is it that's on your mind?"

Belle barely flinched as she relayed her worries to Scarlett.

"Well Scarlett, firstly I just think you need some time to absorb what we do here. Watch the other girls, talk to them, learn from them. That way you won't feel so nervous. It will also give you a chance to gain some weight, for, forgive me for being frank my dear but you are almost unhealthily thin."

Scarlett knew that fact was undeniable. She didn't even require a corset any longer. The war and its aftermath was her metal cage now.

"I know what you mean Belle, and thank you for taking these things into consideration, it's very thoughtful of you." Scarlett smiled at her, genuinely thankful.

Belle was taken aback. She had been called a lot of things in her time. But thoughtful had never been one of them.

"It's nothing Scarlett really" She attempted to cover the whole thing over as procedure. But she failed miserably. She didn't even convince herself.

"So," Scarlett began, for some reason eager to change the subject. "What do you propose I do instead?"

"Ah well" began Belle thankful that moment was over, "I have done this with a few of my girls in the past, and generally for different reasons. What I'll have you do is this; each night you will dress yourself up as though you are going to be working. But all you do is walk around, socialise, talk, flirt if you like, get to know the customers, let them know what they are missing from you and what they'll get when your time comes. But never give too much. You're aim is to leave them mystified. From this position you can observe the other girls and become more comfortable in the environment. Because I warn you now my dear, it certainly is an environment that takes some getting used to."

Scarlett now felt more than a little relieved. 'Talk? Flirt?' She had been trained in those arts since she was in the cradle, and never was there a more accomplished student. This part, at least, would be easy for her.

"How long do you think I will be doing that for Belle?" Scarlett questioned, smiling slightly, now eagerly anticipating her task.

"Well that all depends on you my dear" replied Belle smirking at Scarlett's confident grin 'We'll see' she thought to herself.

"I would say no less than two weeks though"

"Excellent" responded Scarlett, all traces of nervousness now gone

"Shall I show you to your room Miss O'Hara?" exclaimed Belle suddenly, rising from her seat and offering her arm to Scarlett.

Scarlett giggled and rose herself, taking hold of Belle's arm

"Why that would be simply delightful Miss Watling" she replied, and the unlikely pair began up the stairs arm in arm.


Hello, here's the next instalment. Thanks to all those who reviewed, sorry if the last chapter appeared to be going no where but I'm trying to give the opinion of Belle, as well as Scarlett and Rhett because I feel she is just as important in this story. Please review and the next part should be up soon.