Chapter 121
No matter how reassured she felt after pouring her heart to Mrs. Finch, Scarlett couldn't help looking toward her coming trip to Tara with some apprehension. She usually trusted her instincts in this kind of future foretelling. She knew Will Benteen well enough to be sure that he wouldn't leave Tara even for a week or so without a good plan. And he must have a good reason to be teaming up with someone like Rhett. Regarding Rhett, Well had always been neutral. Yet something had swung Will's opinion of Rhett in his favor. Scarlett was sure that this had something to do with her own folly. And what about Suellen? Scarlett knew Suellen to be easily anxious and always scheming for comfort and society. If Will was gone, she would need somebody to drive her to town or market place. But she might not need to go so often if say.. she was carrying another baby.
"Another baby!" thought Scarlett, with wonder. "Yes, that must be it. That would explain why Suellen might not need Will too much and why her own presence might be welcomed at Tara. But still-"
Scarlett finally arrived at Tara on a bright summer morning. Ella was on a school summer holiday and she was glad she was spending it with her cousins down at the farm. The coachman brought up their trunks and Scarlett walked up the steps to the dear old white-washed plantation house and cheerily greeted her sister and her husband. By now Scarlett's nervousness had subsided and she was determined to be as gregarious as possible.
As she had suspected, Suellen was carrying her fourth baby. She gave a weak smile and laid her own hand meaningfully on her well-covered yet large tummy. Will was the same as ever, although he did hint at having something interesting to say. Then he glanced at Suellen who quickly walked into the kitchen. This interaction alone sank Scarlett's spirits.
It was only during dinner, after a fine meal of roasted chitterlings, mashed potatoes and yam, gravy and a large layer cake that Will began by telling Scarlett about his proposed trip to England with Rhett.
Scarlett tried to appear as nonchalant as possible.
"Rhett came down to the farm a month back-" said Will, his face devoid of expression.
"He did?" started Scarlett, at once alert and it became more difficult for her to maintain her attitude of equanimity. "I..I did tell him about Tara-"
"You did?" asked Suellen, eagerly.
"Yes" replied Scarlett, taken aback by her sister's enthusiasm. Something was definitely going on. "But do go on Will- What did Rhett say-"
Will appeared as if to hesitate and Scarlett turned to Suellen. Then Will spoke again.
"Ahem.. he offered to take me on his trip. Said we could look at different types of cotton seed and perhaps even strike some useful partnerships for business. He said he was looking for somebody honest and trustworthy- And he uh.. offered that you might come and stay here at Tara, looking after things while I was away. It would be very kind of you if you-"
"But I have come here to stay for a long while. I've arranged everything at home. I have a new housekeeper, Mrs. Finch and she is taking care of Wade. And I will be here for at least another 4 months or so-"
"That's fine" replied Will, rather abruptly. He stood up and beckoned to Scarlett to the small room at the end of the hallway. He gestured inside. Scarlett followed him and looked into the room. It had been newly furnished - new drapes on the window, a new tall study, a new comfortable sofa- but it was still her Mother's room! There was a freshly painted shelf upon which sat some fat ledgers. Will coughed lightly. "Rhett told me that you were good with the books, Scarlett. He uh.. spoke long about how you managed Frank's store-"
"I see" replied Scarlett, coldly.
"But do you like it, Scarlett?" asked Suellen, timidly. "I selected those furnishings. I know it isn't good as those styles in New Orleans..or ..or Charleston-"
Scarlett replied, "It's fine, Sue. I think the room has got a good facelift. I like it-"
"Oh good!" sighed Suellen. "Oh Will, then Scarlett will work from here- Everything will be all right when you leave-"
Will nodded once to Scarlett and then once to Suellen and Suellen quickly turned to Scarlett and beckoned her into the room. Will abruptly left.
Suellen smiled ingratiatingly and Scarlett immediately had her guard up.
"Do you like the table and the new shelves, Scarlett? We had them especially made for you. I told Will how clever you were- you always were very good at calculating things-" Suellen's voice faded a little. "Scarlett, I want to tell you something but you must promise not to be angry with me-"
"What is it? asked Scarlett, her eyes already flashing.
"Well, dear.. when Rhett came to visit us, he didn't just talk about Will and the trip- actually he spoke for quite a while. Will and I- we never really felt we knew Rhett until that day-"
Suellen stared nervously at Scarlett and her big sister prompted impatiently, "yes?"
"Well, Rhett went unexpectedly into a matter which Will and I first had no idea about-" Suellen's eyes went round and wide. "He told us about you and Ashley-"
Scarlett stifled a shriek and quickly clung to the edge of the desk to keep from falling.
"Oh don't be angry- and.. and don't faint. It..it isn't as bad as you think- just listen to me-oh.. "
Suellen ran out to get some water while Scarlett pondered in desperation whether to jump out of the nearby window and run to the edge of the forest.
When Suellen came back, she looked even more flustered than Scarlett. She set the glass of water aside and dropped down next to her sister. "Oh Scarlett, I know things have never been so good between us regarding beaus and all that- but do give me a chance to explain- Rhett was telling things about you and Ashley and at first we both were very embarrassed- but then I told Rhett that .. well I-"
Suellen stammered in fear.
"I don't need you pity or your defense for my honor-" cried Scarlett, angry tears splashing down her face. "God, I wish I was-"
"Don't say it!" interrupted Suellen, her face ashen. "It isn't worth it. There wasn't any truth in what Rhett said. I knew that- I told him so as well-"