Meanwhile, Scarlett had not forgotten her promise to Melly, to take care of Ashley and Beau. But she had been at a loss as to how to best achieve this without her actions being misconstrued. When Wade came over, she made sure he was always well fed, and he never went home empty handed. But she wanted to do more, for Melly.
As she pondered this dilemma, she realised that India was the key to this problem also. She, Scarlett, could have no direct influence on Ashley, and little on Beau, but India could. India was effectively the head of that household, and the only one with any backbone. Scarlett sighed; she would have to work through India.
She dressed carefully for her next visit to Aunt Pitty's house. Respectable, but not flamboyant. She hated to look so drab, but she did not want anything in her appearance to irritate India. At least, not at this delicate stage of negotiations.
She was annoyed when Aunt Pitty answered her knock. Pitty was usually out visiting on Wednesday mornings and Scarlett had thought to catch India alone. But Aunt Pitty was delighted to see her. 'Scarlett!' she exclaimed. 'this is a pleasure. It has been so long since your last visit I thought you had quite forgotten us. Will you take tea with us?'
'Thank you Aunt', Scarlett responded.
Fortunately Aunt Pitty was happy to chatter on and did not ask too many questions of Scarlett. She did enquire after Rhett, but Scarlett merely said he was away on business and she was not sure when he would be back.
Then she invited Scarlett to attend a musical evening at her home, and Scarlett smiled with genuine pleasure as she accepted. It was the first invitation she had received since Melly's death and her heart rose at the thought of being in company again.
India sat quietly listening to the conversation. She looked somewhat uncomfortable as Aunt Pitty offered her invitation, but did not oppose her.
Two days later, Scarlett tried again to catch India alone, and this time she was successful. India greeted her coolly, but did invite her in.
After they had settled themselves in the parlour Scarlett came at once to the point of her visit.
'India', she began, 'I have come about a delicate matter which concerns us both, in which I need your assistance.' India sat poker faced, staring at her intently.
'Just before Melly died, she made me promise to look after Ashley and Beau'. India's eyes widened at this but she gave no other sign of having heard.
'Well, the thing is, that I am sure you will agree it would be most improper for me to be seen to be helping Ashley. If he knew, he would refuse my help anyway. And that is why I need your help. I know that Ashley does not earn a great deal at the mill, and I would like to contribute to the household expenses without his knowledge.'
India glared at her icily. 'We don't need your money. Every one honest is poor these days.'
'Well, that may be so', Scarlett concurred politely. 'But it would so grieve Melly to know that Beau wears trousers that show his ankles and shoes that squeeze his toes. And she begged me to make sure he had a pony and went to college and Europe and all. I'm sure I don't know what to do'.
India blushed with shame that Beau's clothing inadequacies should be noted and spoken of.
Scarlett sat, hands folded politely in her lap, with her most innocent helpless expression on her face, allowing the silence to stretch out.
After a very lengthy silence, she resumed. 'Of course, I will not force you to accept anything from me. I would just like you to know that I am happy to help out should the need arise. Also, I have opened an account for you at Kennedy's store. You are welcome to purchase items there on credit, with no obligation for repayments.'
India chewed her bottom lip as she considered the propriety of accepting Scarlett's offer. It was certainly very generous, and it was such a struggle to make ends meet. But to accept charity!
As if Scarlett had read her thoughts, she continued 'Of course it would not be charity, because Melly was my sister-in-law as well as yours, so it is just family helping family. Please think on it India.'
At that she rose, and made her farewell. She smiled smugly to herself as soon as she was out of the house. India would not be able to resist her offer of free goods from the store, she was sure of it. And some of the weight of responsibility for Ashley and Beau lifted off her shoulders.
The musical evening at Aunt Pitty's the following week was well attended, and Scarlett glowed with happiness to be included. India treated her politely, and others took their lead from India. Finally she felt she was making progress in her quest to reenter society.
And when she visited the store a few days later she smiled with satisfaction to see that India was making good use of the account she had set up for her.