Chapter 19. Duncan' stratagem in Atlanta
March 9, 1876, headquarters of La Mode Duncan, 26 South Battery, Charleston
A few more hours, and he would be on the train. He could not wait!
He had to make an effort to concentrate. What was she saying?
"Fortunately, the ten additional seamstresses we hired on February 26 will help fill our extra workload. I have also asked all the « little hands" to temporarily extend their hours. Three new dresses, including your new masterpiece in such a short time... In addition, changing the color theme for these latest designs increases the contingencies. I do not need to remind you that each piece requires over seven hundred hours of work. Are you sure we will be ready in time? »
Duncan tried to soothe her. "The other dresses are almost done. I have every confidence in you, Blanche. You will make sure the result is perfect, as usual. »
His assistant accepted the compliment but was not reassured.
She still could not believe it!
ooo
On February 22, her boss called her to tell her about a change. He had decided to add three dresses to the fashion show scheduled for the end of May, including the one that would close the exhibition. The model, selected for a long time for this purpose, would be relegated to the same rank as the others.
He explained to her that he had worked all night before on his flagship piece. The other two garments would be derivatives to match the brand's new jewel. "It will symbolize the artistic dominance of "Duncan Fashion" over the American Haute Couture world! The three templates will be ready by Friday, even if I have to work on them day and night." His tone was sharp.
He seemed possessed by a new energy.
He asked her to contact Alexander Stewart, that Saturday, February 26.
"Ask him if he could provide two more young girls to wear my gowns. Of course, I will see him on March 6 at the annual Iron Palace show. However, it is imperative that the Director of Staff give us their measurements now so we can build the patterns. »
The young Frenchwoman accepted the flow of new orders without flinching. They were going to shake up the methodical organization of production that she, as the Director of the workshop, had been thinking about, checking, and implementing for months in view of this great event.
Deep down, she was stunned! And this word was weak... Adapting to the vagaries of the clothing world was a rule she had learned since the age of thirteen when she first worked in the textile industry. But the new constraints demanded by the designer were beyond her comprehension...
"Two models? Will one of the girls already scheduled for the show wear the third dress? »
Duncan was caught off guard. "Plan for someone as close as possible to the size communicated. If none of those already hired fit within these measurements, be sure to find one from the Iron Palace staff. Pointing out to them that it is not certain that we will actually use the services of that third young woman. »
ooo
On this Tuesday, March 9, Blanche was getting increasingly confused by her boss's imprecise requests. Hiding her exasperation, she dared to ask, "When can I confirm to Stewart Enterprises that we will indeed need a third person? »
Duncan stared into the distance. "Soon, I hope."
Then he left to return to the Magnolias' Mansion.
Duncan Vayton's loyal assistant could not believe her eyes…. The perfect tailor, who was praised for his talents in planning and rigor in work, had undertaken to put down all his sacrosanct rational rules.
She already had noticed his unusual behavior three days ago, at the Iron Palace. He looked like he was participating to his New York exhibition almost as a spectator! Everyone had been enthusiastic about the great couturier. Otherwise, Blanche, who had been in daily contact with him for years, was the only one to notice his lack of involvement, as if his mind was elsewhere.
When they returned to Charleston, he told her that he had to leave for a short trip. Today actually, he was about to abandon the sewing workshop for four days, leaving Blanche in turmoil.
What happened to the Duncan I knew? She did not have the answer.
ooooOOoooo
Atlanta, Thursday, March 11, 1876, Kimball House Hotel
"Atlanta!"
The city that he had never care of visiting today seemed like heaven.
The driver placed the large box next to him. Duncan had brought only a small piece of luggage. He would spend only one night in Georgia's capital. It did not make sense for him to spend any more time here when he had long days of work ahead of him at La Mode Duncan.
Never mind the exhausting hours on the train! The reward was within reach – or more likely within eyes.
The trip was short. The carriage stopped in front of the Kimball House, the largest hotel of Atlanta, settled on 33 Pryor Street. (*1) Luxury was everywhere inside this yellow painted front building. But Duncan did not glance at the monumental four-story open-air lobby. The passionate of botanic did not care for the abundance of plants and flowers surrounding a central fountain. The room he had rented was spacious. In fact, it did not matter. Above all, he had to get rid of the fatigue, accumulated by the long night spent in the sleeping car, in which a simple curtain separated the passengers' beds. A refreshing toilet would be salutary!
The laundry service had ironed the clothes specifically chosen for the day's purpose: unostentatious elegance.
He was ready!
Exchanges with her had taken place by telegram. He proposed a date, which he said was the scheduled inspection of the Vayton & Son property. She accepted in return, confirming that he would be welcome to come to her house on Peachtree Street, at a time convenient to him, as soon as his business meeting in Atlanta had ended.
Duncan took a few minutes to visit the beautiful mansion he owned with his agent, previously warned by telegram. The agent came to pick him up at the hotel, surprised by this unexpected visit. Duncan did not linger, and gave the order to sell the house.
Seeing the building had only been a pretext. It would allow him to attest, in front of Scarlett O'Hara, that he was coming in her hometown strictly for business purpose. He thus concealed the fact that this exhausting round trip by train was only motivated by the desire to be at her side for a few hours.
The issue now was to get her to come to Charleston on Saturday, May 27…
ooooOOoooo
Atlanta, March 11, 11:30 am, Peachtree Street
The carriage dropped him off a few feet away in the late morning, in front of the imposing O'Hara home.
The style is a bit unusual, he thought.
With his heart pounding, carrying the large box stamped with the name "Vayton Ready-to-Wear" in his arms, he pulled the door knocker and waited.
Pork greeted him and took the package off his hands. He made him wait a few moments so that he could warn of the guest's arrival.
Duncan paid no attention to the decoration around him. In a few moments, he would see her again!
A minute later, the butler opened the door leading to the parlor.
As soon as she saw him, she stood up to greet him. Her scent preceded her even before she reached out her hand for him to place a light kiss on it.
"Scarlett! I am so happy to see you again! "
He openly admired her cream taffeta dress adorned with black velvet braid at the bottom of the sleeves, surrounding the collar and bottom of the skirt. A wide black belt accentuated the thinness of her waist.
The fashion professional exclaimed, "This dress looks great on you! Give me the name of your designer so that I can be inspired! "He said with a broad smile.
Scarlett laughed "What a flatterer! »
She invited him to take a seat. "Please excuse me for a moment. I am going to let my cook know that there will be two of us for lunch. Unless you have another appointment scheduled?"
Duncan hid his enthusiasm, "I would gladly accept your invitation, although I would not want to cause you any embarrassment. »
She replied in her charming voice: "It is an honor for me to invite the greatest American designer!" Her dimples deepened with pleasure.
The young man took advantage of this short interlude to take the cardboard box and place it on the round table.
He was opening the box and carefully taking the clothing out of the tissue paper when she came back.
The young woman chuckled with pleasure and admired the embroidered magnolias, stroking them with the top of her hand.
"It is beautiful! It takes a real magician to design such an original dress. I sincerely thank you for taking the trouble to bring it to me." Then she noted: "What a happy coincidence that you had to come to Atlanta for your business. I want you to know that I am delighted of your visit! »
They were close to each other now. His voice became huskier. "This dress is but a pale ornament that cannot compete with your beauty. »
Scarlett's cheeks flushed with confusion. She lowered her eyelids modestly, while inwardly savoring this declaration.
Pork announced himself. "The meal is served, Ma'am Scarlett. »
ooo
Scarlett guided her host to the dining room. He saw a long table and high-backed chairs.
She invited him to sit down opposite her.
Discreetly, he glanced at the empty seat at the end of the table. Where was the Master of the house?
"We are going to have lunch alone together because my children are spending the morning at their cousin's house. You will meet them later. »
Duncan digested this flange of information, even though it did not answer the question that had been burning in his mind.
"When are you going back to Charleston? I imagine the workshop is a hive of activity right now. »
He nodded. « Indeed. Blanche had to hire six more seamstresses to make sure the last models were made on time. I shall be leaving tomorrow morning on the first train to see how their work is progressing. »
The discreet Pork was serving discreetly – without showing his surprise of the sudden irruption of a stranger, all alone with "Ma'am Scarlett".
The meal was light, consisting of fresh lemon salmon and fragrant rice.
Duncan accepted a glass of wine, appreciating Scarlett's company.
He cleared his throat. "I would like to invite you tonight to a restaurant. The one of your choice. You will be my guide!" Then, ostentatiously staring at his plate, "With Mister O'Hara, of course! »
He tried to swallow a mouthful of fish. His throat was constricting. He was waiting for the knife to fall on his hopes.
Scarlett put down her cutlery. In a firm tone, she replied, "There is no Mr. O'Hara! »
In surprise, Duncan looked up and sought her gaze.
His host was feeling it was time to clarify the situation. She owed him the truth. Her store was going to represent the prestigious brand La Mode Duncan. He needed to know about the infamous separation.
"I am divorced." Her voice was firm, confident. Without the shadow of any embarrassment.
Duncan's heart leaped. She is free!
He struggled to contain his joy. "Please forgive my indiscretion. I am confused about opening a wound. »
Scarlett pushed her plate back. She suddenly had no appetite.
"Do not be embarrassed, Duncan. We are in business, and it is only right that you get to know the woman who will be promoting your name here in Atlanta. I can assure you of one thing..." Her voice had hardened.
Their eyes never left each other. The hue of her iris had changed. It was no longer the calm lakes of soft green. With wonder, he got hypnotized by two sparkling emeralds.
"It was a difficult time for me and my children. But everything is perfectly fine now. » The lightning disappeared as quickly as it was born.
"How about dessert and coffee in the drawing room? Followed by an excellent liqueur - she looked at him with a mutinous pout - that I had saved for my distinguished guests.»
He found himself unable to answer her immediately. Too many thoughts were colliding in his head. They all led to the same conclusion: Scarlett is free!
oooo
They settled comfortably, he in an armchair, she on the sofa.
The owner of The Boutique Robillard enthusiastically talked about the progress of her project, including the fitting of the exhibition space with beautiful mahogany store furniture and a set of chandeliers and sconces, just ordered by catalog.
"Before we go to the restaurant, we are going to stop by the premises I have chosen. It is in the process of being renovated. When the work is completed in mid-April, it will look great! »
Duncan was amused to see her so determined. „I admire your energy. What a brilliant business woman you are! »
She savored the compliment. "From the owner of the prestigious House of La Mode Duncan, it goes straight to my heart." With a small, light gesture, she placed her hand on it to confirm her sincerity.
Duncan did not miss the opportunity to look down at her breasts, which were highlighted by the V-shaped neckline. He imagined the hollow announcing the birth of them and blushed slightly.
"Is your father also in the textile industry?"
The Vayton heir briefly talked about the death of the patriarch, telling her that he was now leading Vayton & Son Ltd, as well as the numerous enterprises of all sorts in the United States.
Scarlett did not hide her astonishment. For the first time, was standing in front of her a man more powerful than Rhett Butler!
"I was probably predestined to emphasize in textile business since we run the largest cotton plantation in South Carolina." It was not boastful of him to say this. Having been born the heir to an empire, he was simply attesting to a fact that he had been aware of since childhood.
When Scarlett heard the word "plantation," her mind started to wander. The image of Tara in its heyday pinched her heart.
Duncan caught the young woman's vague look. "Scarlett, what is going on? You seem very sad all of a sudden." Without realizing it, he had risen to sit beside her to comfort her.
"I am thinking of Tara, my plantation in Clayton County. Before the war, our cotton fields went on as far as the eye could see. Like the Irishman he was, my father often told me that the land was all that mattered in life. Then came the war.»
"Did the Yankees burn down your plantation? »
Scarlett looked at him. Why confide in him when she barely knew him?
He took her hand. The reassuring warmth that was radiating from his body, so close to her, was giving her a sense of comfort.
"I was living in Atlanta with my sister-in-law and aunt when Sherman's troops threatened the city. We were dying of fear. As the Yankees were about to enter the city, time stood still in our house. Because there was no doctor, I had to deliver Melanie's son myself. Such a frail baby..." The flow of her words slowed, as if she were taking the time to view those dramatic moments, frame by frame. "The moment the ammunition stockpile was burned, we fled with my son, my sister-in-law, her baby, and my servant. »
"How did you get through that deluge of fire? It must have looked like hell!»
"Yes! The beginning of the cataclysm, anyway. A friend of mine stole a wagon with an old horse so shabby that the runaways had not been tempted to recover it."
Duncan squeezed her fingers a little tighter between his own. "A friend?"
Scarlett did not feel like talking about Rhett. "Yes. He helped us all the way to Rough and Ready. When we arrived at Tara, the house was still intact. I was relieved, for a short time. Then I saw my mother's body lying in the living room. She had just died. And my father... He had lost his mind!" Her voice choked.
Duncan dared to caress her cheek furtively. "Oh, my dear! This story is atrocious! »
Scarlett found this gesture too intimate, but she allowed herself a second of softness. It had been so long since she had felt a man's skin on her cheek...
Then she straightened up slightly to let him know that the moment of intimacy was over.
Duncan was breathing heavily. His fingers left her face.
"You were so young. Your husband was fighting on the front lines, I presume? »
"My first husband, Wade's father, died at the beginning of the war. »
"Oh I am sorry. »
Scarlett responded with an imperceptible shrug. "I was seventeen when I became a widow. The night we returned to Tara, the world was turned upside down. Our most loyal slaves who had remained, together with my two sisters, my father, my little boy, Melly with her baby, all turned to me, waiting for my help. "What should we do? What are you going to do?"
As she was telling her story, Scarlett realized the weight of responsibility that had fallen on her on that fateful day. She sat up straight. Her whole being seemed to have hardened.
"They were all counting on me, like children. While I was so young myself! But I fought back. I planted the cotton with my hands; I forced those around me to do the same. We had to find a way to survive. It was that or we would starve to death. When I think of Wade! He was crying so much because his empty stomach..."
Duncan felt affected. "You have been so brave! »
She shrugged. "I had no choice. Then the Yankees came back and burned the little crop we had produced. We resisted though. Until I was threatened to take Tara away from me if I did not come up with the money to pay the taxes. »
The young man could no longer speak. Deeply in osmosis with her grief, he was feeling ashamed. Ashamed of his privileged life on the battlefields at the head of his regiment, while, at the same time, Scarlett had to fight bravely alone to save her people.
"Were you able to pay the taxes and keep Tara?"
Instead of answering him right away, Scarlett stood up and walked over to the sideboard. "Would you like to try this liqueur? It is a vintage cognac. Definitely one of the best," according to my former husband.»
She sighed wryly, "There is a little left. He certainly would not mind sharing it with you..."
Duncan noticed the bitterness in her tone. Disregarding the discretion his gentlemanly status required, he ventured, "He hurt you, didn't he?" That was not a question.
Scarlett handed him the balloon glass and poured herself one as well. "It is not my favorite alcohol, but I am happy to share it with you. That way the bottle will be empty. Isn't this funny, Duncan? It was the last trace of my husband's existence in this house. "The sentence was meant to be ironic, but her intonation broke at the end.
Then Scarlett shrugged her shoulders. "Getting back to the end of my story, I remarried, and I was able to save Tara. I turned Frank's little hardware store into a major store in Atlanta. I bought my sawmill. We had a little girl, Ella. Then my second husband was killed by the Yankees, while he was on a punitive expedition with members of the Ku Klux Klan, to avenge an assault on me. »
Noticing that Duncan was distraught by her story, she sat down beside him. "It is so strange to confide in you like this. Anyway, this story belongs to the past. Tara is just a farm now, but the house is still standing, inhabited by my sister and her husband. My children are healthy, and all is well financially now. »
The tone became playful again. "The icing on the cake is that I am starting a new adventure. Thanks to you, I have the chance to offer excellence to my customers. Let us stop talking about me. Now it is your turn, Duncan. Tell me how the fashion show in New York went. It was last week, wasn't it? »
Duncan Vayton struggled to regain his composure. Valiant Scarlett! So much drama! And three husbands. The last of whom was still alive, and whom he already hated without knowing him.
"You should have been there, Scarlett. The celebration at Iron Palace was fabulous. La Mode Duncan collection was the most applauded. I must admit I underestimated the infatuation of the New York and American upper class for Haute Couture! »
Under the pressure of his host, he revealed to her the names of the famous women who had asked him that day to imagine an ornament for them, together with the festive ambiance, the colors shimmering, etc...
They did not see the time pass, carried away by their light-hearted exchanges about life in New York.
Suddenly, joyful shrieks from the lobby brought them back to the reality of Atlanta.
oooo
The next moment, one heard three small knocks at the door. After Scarlett agreed, the door opened to reveal three children.
Duncan looked at them curiously.
Scarlett stood up, followed immediately by her guest.
Ella rushed into her arms, all excited. "Mother! I wish you could have been with us. We were out of Atlanta to visit a toy factory. »
With a gesture, the mother calmed her daughter's excitement. "That sounds very interesting. But before you tell me more, behave yourself, Ella Lorena. I want you, your brother and your cousin, to greet our guest, Mr. Duncan Vayton. »
The little girl looked at the elegant man with huge blue eyes. She curtsied shyly.
Duncan gave her a broad smile. He admired the cascade of red hair. Probably the same shade as Scarlett's second husband, he thought.
"I am honored to make the acquaintance of such a lovely lady! »
Ella blushed with pleasure and stood next to her mother.
Wade had stayed in the doorway, scanning the stranger. Ever since Rhett Butler left - he refused to continue calling him Uncle Rhett - he felt he had a noble task, to protect his mother from any potential danger. Approaching fourteen, he was the man of the house now. A man who had to make sure Scarlett did not have to suffer anymore. Instinctively, he sensed danger incarnate in the man.
"Duncan, this is my son, Wade Hampton. »
The boy approached him and greeted him politely with a nod.
Duncan realized at once that he was looking at Scarlett's protector. He had to make a friend of him, no matter what.
"I am glad to meet you, Wade. »
Then, addressing his mother: "You are, without a doubt, safe, under the protection of such a vigorous young man! »
Scarlett smiled, pleased with her offspring. Wade accepted the compliment without flinching.
She then pointed to another boy, a little younger than her son, who was obviously related to him, as they looked so much alike.
"And this is Beau Wilkes, their cousin. »
After greeting him, Duncan could not help but ask, "Is this the boy you were telling me about earlier?»
Scarlett briefly took Beau in her arms. "This is definitely one of the acts I am most proud of, bringing this little man, my dear Melly's child, into the world.»
Beau blushed at the compliment. He adored his Aunt Scarlett.
"Beau, where is your father? »
"He had an appointment, and told me I could stay with Wade for another hour. »
Satisfied with the answer, Scarlett told them they could play in their rooms.
oooo
Duncan moved closer to Scarlett again. "You have two beautiful children! »
Suddenly, a fulgurance jumped to his mind. Of course, here is the opportunity of a lifetime! He thought.
"I have an idea. Did I ever tell you about the Haute Couture show I am going to hold on May 27 in Charleston? It will be a large-scale reception where all the honorable society of Charleston and South Carolina will gather. Scarlett, you would do me a great honor to be my guest that day.»
He had taken his most charming voice to convince her.
Scarlett immediately replied with regret: "I am touched by your invitation, but it is not possible. The Boutique Robillard is scheduled to open on Friday, May 7. I cannot reasonably be away twenty days after that. »
He quickly dismissed the excuse with a wave of his hand. "I see no obstacle to your coming. All you have to do is entrust your store to your first sales clerk. In any case, I have a proposal for you that you cannot refuse. »
His enigmatic tone amused the young woman. "Really? »
Duncan closed his eyes for a second, breathing hard. He was taking a chance.
"I want this Haute Couture event to make a mark, to be even more original than my friend's, the famous Worth. I have been thinking for several days about a special "touch" to add to this prestigious day. Finally, the providence has just brought me the answer a few minutes ago. I found the perfect solution. »
She was looking at him now, intrigued.
"I would like your daughter, Ella, to close the show by accompanying the star model who will be wearing my signature dress! That day will be a milestone in Ella's memory. The greatest personalities of our Old South will admire her. Guests will be amazed and dazzled to see a little girl representing American fashion. »
Duncan had put all his seductive power into his demonstration. He concluded, "Please do not say no. Let's take your daughter as a witness. I am sure she will be delighted with my proposal. »
Scarlett could not help but laughed. "You are a master of persuasion. I must admit that your offer is totally unreasonable and whimsical! »
Duncan was breathing easier. "Then let us call Ella, and accept, Scarlett!»
Defeated by his eloquence, she rose to ring the service bell by way of assent.
Prissy appeared almost immediately. "Can I help you, Ma'am Scarlett?"
"Yes, Prissy. Can you warn Ella that she is expected immediately in the living room? Thank you. »
Soon they heard the hurried steps of the little girl. "Did you call me, Mother? »
Scarlett took her by the shoulders: "I have some great news for you. What if someone asked you to dress up in a beautiful gown and show it off to people who would admire you? Mr. Duncan is offering it to you. Do you want to? »
Ella's cheeks turned red with confusion, going from the man to her mother. "Oh, that would be wonderful. Bridget and Karen would be so jealous. »
Scarlett giggled like her little girl. "That is a good argument for liking it - one your mother has used more than once. »
Then, looking at Duncan, "I surrender! You have won. This is a chance for Ella that a mother cannot refuse to her daughter.»
The weight that had been pressing down on his stomach since his departure from Charleston magically vanished. "Fantastic!
"Addressing the little girl, he said, "Ella, I am so honored that you have agreed to represent my fashion house. Let us get down to business now. »
In a flash, he took out of his jacket a small notebook, a pencil and a seamstress ribbon. "I am going to take your measurements so that your princess dress fits you perfectly. »
As an expert, he took only three minutes to write down the information. "It is all over. I look forward to seeing you in Charleston, with your brother and Mother, of course. »
The name "Charleston" rang in Ella's ears. She looked at her mother questioningly. The latter, understanding immediately what she was thinking, replied reassuringly, "Everything will be fine. Now thank Mr. Vayton, and say goodbye. »
Her daughter happily complied and began to run up the stairs.
Duncan saw Scarlett turn pale. She rushed down the hall. Nervously, she shouted, "Ella Lorena, how many times have I told you not to run up the stairs and to hold onto the banister? »
Her daughter turned around, confused. She too had not forgotten her mother's fall. "I am sorry, Mother! I will not do it again, I promise.»
Scarlett seemed to calm down and walked back into the living room with Duncan.
"Excuse me," she said, "but these stairs..." She paused. She was shivering.
"What is going on Scarlett? You are shaking! »
She nervously adjusted her hair. "It is nothing. Just images from the past that came back to me suddenly. »
"Would you like to tell me about it? »
She succeeded to calm down. Her gaze carried into the distance. "I took a bad fall on these stairs." Instinctively, she had brought both hands to her stomach.
Duncan immediately understood what this feminine reflex must imply.
Tramping over the discretion his status of Southern gentleman compelled, he exclaimed: "God, how did you put up with this misery? »
She shrugged. It was just a few months before my little Bonnie..." Her voice faltered:
"Bonnie was so pretty with her black hair and blue eyes. The same Irish eyes as her grandfather. She was full of life. Everyone had to bow to her little whims. She had such an obvious talent for charming those around her..."
Scarlett's eyes had turned a tender green at the mention of her precious Bonnie. "She was having fun leading her father by the nose." She could not go on. The images of Rhett holding his daughter adoringly in his arms was still breaking her heart.
Duncan felt a sense of union with her. "I am sorry to revive your grief, Scarlett. What a terrible tragedy! I wish I could ease your pain a little. May I ask you the reasons for her death? »
Every time she thought of her missing little girl, her apparent solidity was shaken. In these moments, she wondered if the self-confidence she had so hardly regained, step by step since her divorce, was only a facade that could collapse at the slightest evocation of the past.
She swallowed the tears that threatened. "Her father had bought her a pony that she loved. She was learning to ride it and do little jumps. She insisted on having the bar risen and..." Scarlett concluded, "She was four and a half.»
"Scarlett..." He could not add anything else.
They remained silent for a few moments. She had lowered her head. He put his hand on her shoulder as a sign of commiseration.
At this precise moment, one knocked lightly on the step of the door and that Ashley saw them almost embraced. He stopped dead in his tracks. Pale.
ooooOOoooo
Note :
(*1) Kimball House : In 1870, Hannibal Kimball bought a lot of grounds near the Union Depot where the Atlanta Hotel had been before being burned in 1864 during the Civil War. He built there the largest Atlanta hotel at that time. It was located at 33 Pryor Street, between Decatur Street and Wall Street, bound by Peachtree Street.
Luxury was everywhere in this yellow painted front building: a four-story open-air lobby rich with plants and flowers, surrounding a stunning fountain ; with modern fittings such as elevators for the six stories, central heating for five hundred rooms, and gas-light chandeliers. The first level was animated with sixteen stores.
That hotel was destroyed by fire in 1883. A second hotel was built on the same spot in 1885, and was also named the Kimball House.