Chapter 24. Both alone in the World
Saturday, May 27, 1876, 8:30 p.m., Charleston, 26 South Battery, garden of « La Mode Duncan »
Alone in the world! They were alone in the world... Alone on the dance floor anyway.
The first melancholic notes of "Lorena" rose in the purity of the moment. (*1)
All the guests had turned their chairs in the direction of the wide perimeter squared by the hanging lanterns. Hypnotized by the perfection of the scene that was unfolding before them.
"Spotlight on young people straight out of a novel!" commented a dynamic lady at the table next to the Vaytons'.
Melina found this observation relevant. Her romantic inclinations were satiated by the osmosis between the love ballad sung with a deep voice, and the halos of light twitching on the floor, transforming the shadows of the two dancers into distorted and multiplied ghostly witnesses of an embrace they were protecting.
Turning to her mother, she said, "It looks like Duncan designed their outfits in memory of the storybooks Ms. Fleurette used to read me. Do you remember, Mother? He was as attentive as I was when my French preceptress taught me - what was that story called? - Les contes de Perrault. (*) I wonder if my big brother has not dreamt of Cinderella or some other princess while sketching "Thunder of Georgia". And of course, he drew himself as Prince Charming."
"Perhaps," Cathleen replied cautiously. Since Scarlett O'Hara's appearance on top of the balcony, she had been careful with every word exchanged, lest she inflame her neighbors' feverishness even more, if that were possible.
Only the kind Roselyne shows her enthusiasm to be among us. While the Butlers would like to disappear into a mouse hole! One thing is certain: I never thought that the lady from Atlanta could cause so much trouble among us...
Rhett chafed at Vayton's sister's infantile remark. A Prince Charming! A trifled Prince, yes! Whom Scarlett will get rid of after two dances.
At least, he hoped so, because, for the moment, it was the other who was hugging her. And Rhett who was sick of seeing them embraced.
"But my heart beats on as warmly now,
As when the summer days were nigh.
Oh, the sun can never dip so low,
A-down affection's cloudless sky. » (*1)
How you must be enjoying this situation, Scarlett! To have the eyes of the entire audience glued to you - and incidentally, to be able to make me suffer.
Sommeliers and waiters had quietly started to bring in cold drinks and spirits again.
Rhett took a few sips of whiskey to comfort himself. I am not going to get drunk tonight! That infatuated Vayton wouldn't forget to take advantage of it.
Wade and Ella had moved closer to better admire their mother dancing. Blanche, under the discreet instruction of her employer, had come to talk to them and make sure they were served lemonade. She had offered to lead Wade to the head table so that they could both sit down, but the young boy preferred to stand until their mother returned. For there was no question of enduring Rhett Butler's presence any longer than necessary.
Duncan placed his hand gently on Scarlett's waist. Very lightly, just a touch, to force himself to restrain the urge to hold her tight and glue her body to his.
The singer had barely begun the verse before Duncan knew he was in for a rude awakening.
Scarlett looked at him, smiling mischievously. "My dear Duncan, it seems to me that the minute has passed. " Her eyes did not tell the same story as her mouth. They were demanding, relentless, Duncan thought.
A flush of heat invaded the young man.
He had to show all his years of experience as a seducer, a master at modulating the tone of his voice, so that he could be as convincing as possible:
"You have already figured out that there has never been a fifteenth model who has sprained her foot. " He cleared his throat to save another second of respite. "I do not know how to apologize for this shameful lie. I was carried away in a spiral whose sole purpose was to make you the queen of my fashion collection. But I was so afraid you would refuse..." He had to stop because he could hardly swallow his saliva.
Scarlett looked him straight in the eye: "If you want us to be friends, you have no choice but to be honest with me. I have been exposed to enough lies that I refuse to be manipulated by a man again. Which you have begun to do. »
The guests admiring the elegant dance of these two beautiful young people could not suspect the tension that had built up between them.
This was not the case for Rhett. Accustomed for fifteen years to watch for the slightest change in Scarlett's mood, thanks to imperceptible facial expressions or her very particular body language which only he was able to detect, he immediately caught the raised chin, the slight sideways movement of her head as she looked at her interlocutor: She is reproaching him for something. Probably the fact that he exposed her to my presence... His heart clenched. He was unashamedly happy to see her after all these years. Even if it broke his heart that she was on someone else's arm.
The singer expressed the emotion Duncan had felt on their second meeting:
"A hundred months have passed, Lorena,
Since last I held that hand in mine,
And I felt the pulse beat fast, Lorena,
Though mine beat faster far than thine." (*1)
The powerful heir gathered his strength and humbly confessed: "From the first minutes I saw you, I felt..., I imagined..., I had the need to create a dress of light and fire. You know how artists are, impulsive and whimsical. I needed to turn my vision into a masterpiece for the fashion show dedicated to the Old South. Only you could embody this flame of my imagination. But I was afraid... to scare you. We had only just met. »
They continued to waltz. Scarlett listened to him, ready to jump at the slightest argument that she would consider misleading.
Duncan recalled the first moments of their meeting that had been so meaningful. "When you tried on the dress for your store opening, I took the excuse of the seamstress' check up and had Blanche take down your entire measurements. »
She looked at him, taken aback by what he had just revealed. "Are you claiming that, from my first visit to your workshops, you intended to create your masterpiece with me in mind?"
Duncan sighed. "Yes, I admit it. After you left that night, I locked myself in my office. I worked with a fever, which did not subside until three days later, when I was able to submit to my workshop's director the sketch on which my seamstresses would build my masterpiece, to your measurements. Then... When I came to see you in Atlanta, I absolutely had to convince you to come to the celebration. »
"To do this, you dared to use my daughter as an alibi. "Scarlett's voice was acidic. There was no way she would agree to manipulate her children!
Duncan tried to plead. He slowed the pace of their dance, so he could focus on the weight of his words. "It is true. But you have to admit that she added a fairy-tale touch to the parade. And... you could see for yourself how happy she is tonight. »
He has a point. A great point. Ella will remember the "Princess of Atlanta" for the rest of her life. She tried one last time to get him to back off.
"What if I hadn't come after all? You took a big risk! »
The designer replied: "Only you could embody the real 'Thunder of Georgia'. However, my pragmatic Blanche had required one of the fourteen models to have roughly your measurements. The staging would have been a bit disjointed. But... anyway, I simply could not imagine that you would not come.»
Looking into her eyes with all the gentleness he was capable of, "And here you are. The show was a total success. You are the queen of the evening. »
The last verse of "Lorena" was about to be started.
The most important lie still needed to be cleared up.
As if this information was just an unimportant detail, she asked, "When did you know?"
Duncan paled, blushed...
Obviously, he has something to be ashamed of. Dear Duncan is not as good a liar as Rhett. She was waiting, testing him to see if she could actually trust him.
After a deep breath, he confessed, "At the end of the evening at the restaurant, when the Chef came to greet you, he called you Mrs. Butler. »
Scarlett still did not understand. It was not enough for Duncan to make the connection with Rhett.
"I have something else to tell you, Scarlett. One that I am afraid will upset you. »
Faced with her incomprehension, he dived in, "Eleonor Butler lives in the house next door to our Magnolias Mansion, on the Battery. That is why my mother invited them to our table. But we were sure your former husband would not accept her invitation."
Scarlett stopped dancing. Motionless, as if struck by lightning. "But then, the day I came to your mother's house for tea..." Her sentence remained suspended.
"At the time, I had no idea. I had heard about his slights, and bits of information about his divorce, his little daughter, his exceptionally beautiful former wife... That last mention does not do you justice. You are... above all earthly beauty. »
Scarlett laughed. "Really, you are an outrageous flatterer, Duncan. But, let's face it... If this information came to your ears, I am guessing other rumors tickled you, didn't they? And that they might have caused you to lose face with the good people of Charleston by choosing me to represent your brand." The innuendo was unvarnished. Dangerous. "Incidentally, too, by carelessly throwing me into the lion's den. »
"Yes, Scarlett. I got wind of these echoes. By chance." His tone became firm, authoritative: "What did I care! What do I care! You are brilliant, proud, brave, willing. No lady present tonight is a match for you. To hell with backbiting! And to hell with Charleston if anyone ever had the audacity to try and block you! »
Scarlett stared at him intensely. Blown away by the portrait he had just drawn of her. He took the risk of standing up to the people of his world and imposing on her, despite hearsay. Furtive images crossed her mind: a dress much too low-cut, whispers thrown on her passage, aggressive glances announcing an execution, and then, the frank smile of Melly, the arms turned in her direction to welcome her, forcing each present guest to greet her.
Duncan is the only one, along with Melanie, who dared to take my side against all odds. They are alike... She paused for a moment, so startling was the conclusion: Similar in the faith they have in me.
The last verse of the song was heard: "But there, up there, it is heart to heart."
Without warning, Duncan turned his index finger toward the band members. They understood their client's command, and played the opening bars of the piece again.
From his chair, Rhett had not taken his eyes off the couple. He caught Vayton's maneuver to drag out the moment of intimacy with Scarlett. And this heady air which tormented him, forcing him to remember another ball... At the charity ball, when you had spotted me and tried to flee your booth to avoid me, your dress had hung up. I came to free you. The orchestra was playing this music. Do you remember it, Scarlett? Do you think about it while he is embracing you?
To calm his nervousness, he grabbed a fork set up on the tablecloth, and started to distort it. A way to externalize his rage. Fortunately, he did not have to undergo, for the moment, the curious glances of the Vayton ladies who had momentarily left to discuss with one of their acquaintances. Roselyne, for her part, had left to refresh herself inside the building. So he could rant and rave, without his mother and sister daring to say a word.
Scarlett was still reeling from the realization that someone had now taken over from her beloved Melly to fight for her. Yet she was not fooled by the host's discreet order to the orchestra. He uses the most convoluted stratagem to prolong our solitary dance and embrace me. How romantic!
Except that the over-rehearsed tune made her uneasy. For disturbing images were emerging. Another ball, other arms. More powerful. Iron arms that, despite her efforts to obscure her view as they swirled around the guests' table, she could see against the impeccable suit of the motionless shadow. To hell with memories! And to hell with Rhett Butler! He cannot wait to dance to Lorena with his little blonde goose...
Duncan, for his part, was feeling lighter, freed from the weight of the lies that had risked irreparably damaging their budding relationship. He decided to take full advantage of these magical moments, the two of them isolated on the dance floor, and allowed himself to tighten his arm around the young woman's slender waist.
"You seem to favor this old song. First to signal my entrance to the stage, and now to mark the opening of the ball." She had made this observation to chase away the melancholy reminiscences the magic of the lyrics that imprinted too much on Atlanta.
Duncan's step paused. For the first time since discovering Thunder of Georgia on the steps, his eyes left hers. He looked into the distance, into the darkened part of the garden.
"Is it indiscreet to ask if this famous song evokes painful memories?"
Duncan seemed to awaken from his trance. The bewitching blue of his irises imprisoned the thousands of emerald sequins:
" I am going to tell you a secret. My secret. Why I chose this ballad to announce the presentation of "Thunder of Georgia", why I wanted to share this first dance with you, to the rhythm of "Lorena".
Duncan's voice was muffled, as if coming from afar, from another space-time. His delivery was hesitant at first, then the assurance of the heir to the Vayton empire took over. "As you know, the story is a sad one, a preacher too poor to marry his beloved. For me, it reminds me of a specific, painful day. Will you allow me to tell you about it? »
Scarlett nodded, intrigued by her dance's partner sudden look of emotion.
"My regiment and I were surrounded by the Yankees. We had suffered many casualties. It was snowing. I remember it like it was yesterday. My trusty right-hand officer had been mortally wounded. He was dying, delirious. I talked to him, talked to him, to make him forget his suffering and soften his last moments. The plantations, our brave ladies of the South..."
"That's when he started to sing "Lorena". Oh, with great difficulty! He could hardly articulate. He had to stop after each stanza, so much his forces abandoned him. »
To support his story, Duncan began humming the lyrics of the ballad.
Scarlett reflected: A voice that's made to give ladies the shivers...
"Oh, the years creep slowly by, Lorena,
The snow is on the ground again.
The sun's low down the sky, Lorena,
The frost gleams where the flow'rs have been."(*1)
"With great difficulty, he told me, in fragments, about his wife waiting for him faithfully in the country, about their deep love, which he knew would accompany him for eternity; about the certainty that the last image he would have, before closing his eyes, would be that of his wife embracing him tenderly to the sound of "Lorena"."
Duncan was growing more and more emotional. Scarlett could feel his heartbeat through the hand that had intertwined with hers.
"His speech had become unintelligible. But he continued to whisper:
"Our heads will soon lie low, Lorena,
Life's tide is ebbing out so fast.
There is a Future! O, thank God!
Of life this is so small a part!
Tis dust to dust beneath the sod;
But there, up there, 'tis heart to heart." (*1)
There was no need for Duncan to hide his emotion. Scarlett could barely make out the blue of his irises, so dilated were his pupils.
"At that very moment, he closed his eyes for good. I am certain that his last vision was of his beloved. Then I thought to myself: "If this is my last day too, when a bullet hits me, I won't be lucky enough to have a loved one at home to mourn me. I shalll be all alone when the Grim Reaper takes me away."
Duncan stopped their dance steps. The orchestra, too, had finally lowered its instruments.
Onlookers were curiously observing the star couple of the festivities, entwined and motionless. Indifferent to the guests' curious attention on the evening's heroes.
Scarlett noticed his misty eyes, his panting breath. Trembling, he admitted: "Not a hope in the world. Until we met. You have given me hope again, Scarlett!"
He tenderly brushed the young woman's hair, humming to her:
"We loved each other then, Lorena,
Far more than we ever dared to tell
And what we might have been, Lorena,
Had but our loving prospered well. » (*1)
Striken, Scarlett let him deposit a kiss in her hair.
Rhett saw red. He had not realized that he had driven the tines of the fork into his palm, so much so that drops of blood were beginning to stain the tablecloth. Everything was spinning around him. A murderous fury made him stand up abruptly, under the horrified eyes of his mother and sister.
That is my wife, you bastard! MY wife! Fists clenched, he sprang up and pushed his chair back without bothering with the creaking noise he had provoked. He was about to leap in and smash his skull.
His momentum was cut short, and he almost fell on a shape that was gripping his waist. A small voice managed to penetrate his foggy mind.
"Uncle Rhett! »
Still in a trance, he discerned the red mass of hair: "Ella! »
The little girl had grown tired of standing by her brother's side. She let her gaze wander when she spotted a familiar figure. Her Uncle Rhett. Instinctively, she wanted to throw herself into his arms, so happy was she to see him again. But the years of separation and the memory of her mother's crying stopped her. Wade had strictly forbidden her to say his name in front of their mother, and to stop calling him "Uncle".
In spite of everything, he was Bonnie's father, her sister who she missed so much. And he had been a little bit hers. In the happy days when they all lived together in the house.
Invigorated by the confidence gained by her status as the "Princess of Atlanta," she decided to go against Wade's instructions and run to greet him.
Rhett bent down to level with the little girl's face. The strong emotions crossed between the dark jealousy that continued to consume him, his stepdaughter's gesture of affection, the label of "Uncle Rhett," and the physical lack of being with his family on Peachtree Street, prevented him from clearly discerning Ella's features.
He remained silent for a few moments, unable to contain the despair that was making him capsize.
"Are you shaking, Uncle Rhett? Are you sick? »
Ella's genuine concern gave him the strength to calm down. The last thing she needed was to guess her grief. She had had enough to deal with when her little sister had left.
He embraced her tenderly and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Everything is fine, my little Ella. It is so good to see you. I' a so proud of the "Princess of Atlanta."
Ella blushed with pleasure. At last, everything was going to be the same again. Uncle Rhett had returned.
He led her to their table. Meanwhile, the Vayton women were returning to their seats, as well as Roselyne.
Holding Ella's hand firmly, he made up what looked like an enthusiastic smile and bravely announced to the small gathering, "I have the great honor of introducing my beautiful stepdaughter, Ella Lorena Kennedy! »
The latter was exultant, for she had sensed the pride in her Uncle Rhett's voice. Then came a series of compliments from the ladies in attendance: "How pretty you are! "You were perfect during the show! »
The older woman said, "I'm so glad to finally meet you, Ella."
Rhett pointed out to his stepdaughter, "This is Mrs. Butler, my mother, and my sister Rosemary. You probably saw Mrs. Butler when your little sister went to Heaven." He paused, closing his fist again.
That's when he realized he was bleeding. He took a handkerchief out of his pocket to wipe himself discreetly. Then he continued the presentations:
"Next to her is Mrs. Vayton, the mother of the gentleman who made your dress, and his sister Melina. Finally the young lady you see there is called Roselyne. »
Too many names, too much information. Scarlett's daughter was a little lost. Rhett sat her down next to him. She immediately noticed the name tag in front of her plate. "You see, Uncle Rhett, I was scheduled to sit next to you. »
He finally realized that the four empty seats had been reserved, not only for Vayton's son, but also for Ella, Wade, and therefore also Scarlett.
At the thought that she would soon be near him, he found it difficult to calm the beating of his heart.
His stepdaughter clutched his hand to give her the courage to face these unknown figures. He reflected that Ella's kindness would give him the strength to maintain a respectable composure in the face of the storm he was about to face.
To face Scarlett accompanied by Vayton, he would do so with his head held high. His wife hated the weak - and so did he. He had to stop expressing despondency, grief and anger. He had to become again the unshakeable blockade-breaker who had aroused in Scarlett, if not love, at least admiration.
I have to accept reality. We are divorced, and I no longer officially have any rights over her. I can no longer control her behavior. With a twinge that made him frown: It is obvious that the place is taken, or that this pretentious man wants it for himself. He holds all the cards: youth, respect, charm...
And him... His charm... He sighed. He had grown old. And above all, he had cruelly wounded Scarlett. It was an implacable fact. If he wanted to fight back, he would have to show the same relaxed appearance he had before, the confident, powerful Rhett Butler who no one could resist. Even Scarlett.
Symbolically, he straightened up, and engaged Ella in a discussion about what she had liked about the show.
Eleonor crossed her fingers. He seems to have calmed down, thanks to the presence of his former stepdaughter. Let us pray we do not have to endure another one of his outbursts!
Cathleen could not take her eyes off her neighbor and his stepdaughter. Or rather, his former stepdaughter. She had been flabbergasted - and the word was weak - to hear Rhett Butler introduce her grandmother and aunt to Ella.
How is that possible? They had been married. Despite this, not only had Scarlett never been invited to her mother-in-law's home, but it appeared that the grandmother had never officially met her stepchildren. This is totally incomprehensible. What family is this? What wedding was this?
She had no more time to delve into the Butler's bewildering emotional sterility, as a waiter came to ask her and Melina to join the stage.
Recovering from his emotions, Duncan allowed himself one request before they left the dance floor. "We will now unveil a statue in honor of my father, in the presence of the Mayor and my family. I would like you to do me the great honor, as the representative of 'La Mode Duncan' this evening, of officially cutting the inaugural cord. Do you accept, Scarlett?"
Carried along by his energy, she accepted, without realizing that, in so doing, she was becoming more and more part of the Vayton clan.
An object covered in indigo-blue velvet with a white ribbon around it was set up on a side table. The colors of the South Carolina flag.
Duncan invited the Mayor of Charleston to stand next to the Widow and the patriarch's daughter. He was closest to Scarlett.
Everyone's attention focused on them.
The pianist and cellist began a piece of classical music.
Duncan Vayton's warm voice carried to the back of the garden.
"Dear Friends, I wanted the orchestra to play this score that few of us remember. It is "The South Carolina Hymn", written in 1807 by a native of Charleston, following a historic event, the "Chesapeake-Leopard Affair", of which we have all heard. This tune was routinely played in our town on the day of our major local and national celebrations. Unfortunately, the tradition was lost before the outbreak of war. (*2) But thanks to research by our historical society, financed by the Vayton Fund, we were able to trace it in an archive document. Mr. Mayor, and I are in favor of bringing this local hymn out of oblivion and back into our official repertoire, as it is an integral part of the history of our state of South Carolina and Charleston."
The mayor agreed with the words of the city's richest contributor.
Duncan continued. "Our late Charlestonian, my father, Aymeric Vayton, also left his undying mark on our city's history. It has been almost a year and a half since he left us. To respect the period of mourning, my family has not held a large-scale reception since his death. That is why I would like to pay official tribute to him tonight before you, the most respectable members of Charleston and South Carolina's honorable society. It is also an opportunity for me to reconnect with my roots. Come to think of it, I spent nine years in France. As heir to the Vayton & Son companies, my dearest desire is to perpetuate my father's remarkable work, both for the economic expansion of the South, and for the many social initiatives he took."
Then, turning to his family to speak on their behalf: "That is why my mother, my sister and I are delighted to know that, from now on, a life-size bronze statue of Aymeric Vayton will stand in front of the Town Hall. I am deeply grateful to the Mayor for agreeing to let the town immortalize this great man in this way, noting that the Fond Vayton & Son financed the execution of this work of art."
The audience broke into rapturous applause, for the patriarch had left behind the memory of an upright man, strong in his convictions and generous to his community.
"While we wait for the sculpture to be cast and put in place, I am pleased to unveil tonight the miniature reproduction of the statue whose engraver and caster are South Carolina's most illustrious artists."
"I will now ask the dazzling Queen of the evening, Madame Scarlett O'Hara, to kindly unveil this masterpiece."
Murmurs rose in the audience. Some were beginning to whisper that the Atlanta beauty's omnipresence with perfect gentleman Duncan Vayton was, to say the least, ostentatious.
Rhett, still clutching Ella's hand, understood Vayton's game: to impose her on everyone as an integral part of his family. A horrible doubt assailed him: how long had she known him? Is it... No! He could not have asked for her hand in marriage already! He just wants to seduce her. He preferred to reassure himself that all this was just a crude ploy on the part of the young whippersnapper .
Scarlett grabbed the scissors handed to her, and reached for the velvet fabric. With her best smile for the Mayor and the Vayton family, she cut the ribbon, and quickly lifted the fabric to reveal the statue for all to see.
After the guests had expressed their admiration for the work, Duncan continued:
"Now, my dear friends, it's time to enjoy the earthly delights of our Old South. The finest delicacies await you. Please make your way to the hot and cold buffets, or place your order with the waiters who will assist you at your table. In honor of our dearly departed, our sommeliers will be delighted to serve Champagne Dom Pérignon to those who wish to enjoy it!
Male shouts of joy erupted at this announcement.
Proud of his effect, with a smile on his face, Duncan finishes his statement: "Of course, the ball will close these festivities."
After the thanks, Duncan moved closer to Scarlett again. "At last, we can celebrate our mutual success, Scarlett. I look forward to hearing your account of the opening of 'The Boutique Robillard'!"
He led her to the head table, taking care to tuck his arm tightly under hers. As she passed, Scarlett discreetly beckoned Wade to join her.
Secretly, everyone thought the battle was about to begin...
The garden was alive with activity. Waiters and sommeliers passed from table to table. People circulated to get to the buffets or to refresh themselves in the central building. Men paid their respects to the wives of their friends, for in this privileged circle, everyone knew everyone else.
The women had the pleasure of chatting with other members of their charitable circles. They excitedly commented on every detail of the embroidery on the fifteen Haute Couture gowns. They approached one another to murmur their astonishment, with an air of understatement, at the irruption, in this elitist haute bourgeoisie, of this Georgian who never left the arm of the most coveted bachelor among the young girls of the finest families.
Blanche could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Satisfied with the work accomplished by her seamstresses, still dazzled by the visual effect of the choreography she had set up down to the second with her boss.
At first glance, she was impressed when she joined Duncan Vayton's circle of friends. There was also the language handicap, which made her worry that she would not be able to sustain a conversation with these "beau monde" people, as her mother called them.
That's why she was pleasantly surprised by the welcome she received from the small group, who congratulated her, with much praise, on the magnificent work carried out by the Haute Couture workshop.
The dress worn by the young Frenchwoman made the other three women present gawk. "It's Calais lace. I was lucky enough to work with the factory's lacemakers for a short time," Blanche explained. The men were seduced by the bright red silk ribbon, which stood in the way of the discreet, but sufficiently evocative neckline for Petyr to fix his impudent gaze on it.
John had already noticed the young woman's agility, "in action", as she directed the comings and goings of the mannequins. He appreciated the young foreigner's playful freshness, and her confounding simple accessories, such as the red belt that accentuated her slim waist, or the silk ribbon of the same color that encircled her chignon. What a contrast to the debauchery of jewels displayed around the necks of the ladies present!
She quickly regained her self-confidence and replied affably. Blanche was so used to conversing with strangers who came to drink in her parents' estaminet restaurant Bonsart in Lille!
John was listening attentively as she talked about her arrival in America with her twin daughters, Marguerite and Georgette. He told himself that she must be very attached to his friend, for her to agree to leave her family environment and bravely set off to discover a foreign culture.
Rebecca made little effort to take an interest in Duncan's employee. She could hardly hide her nervousness. She needed to be face-to-face with her lover. First, the Georgian had cornered him during the fashion show. Now she had the audacity to sit with him and Cathleen Vayton. She had to take advantage of the ball to clear up the situation. Perhaps by making him jealous? Using Petyr, who only wanted to dance, to rub shoulders with her? She doubted it would be enough. Duncan despised their childhood friend's husband. There had to be another way.
Out of the corner of his eye, Rhett saw them approaching. He prepared himself. Above all, not to let slip any sign of weakness. If she had the slightest hint that her presence was upsetting him, she would use it like a whip over his head. The old fear was even more vivid today.
Fortunately, she would not be able to hear his deafening heartbeat!
At last! What he had dreamed of so ardently was happening! Scarlett was just three feet away from him. But on someone else's arm.
He pretended not to see the latter arrive victorious, and smiling broadly.
Standing in front of Scarlett, he raised his head politely, as every gentleman should at the appearance of a lady.
Like the immortal goddesses of ancient Egypt, her body adorned with gold, silver and emeralds, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Rhett was so proud of her! He clenched his fist firmly in his pants pocket, to discreetly focus the tension that made him clench his teeth.
In her charming voice, intended specifically for the female gender - in a much more inoffensive tone than the one full of sensuality reserved for males between 18 and 90 - Scarlett addressed Vayton's mother.
"I am very happy to see you again, Mrs. Vayton, and you, Melina. I am honored that my children and I are invited to this ceremony, highlighting the memory of your husband and the artistic creation of your son. »
Rhett digested the information. So she had already met the family of this pompous Vayton. Why the proximity? Why the familiarity? His fingernails dug a little deeper into his palm.
After the two women greeted her in a friendly manner, Scarlett pointed to Wade, who was standing tall next to her. "Let me introduce you to my son Wade Hampton Hamilton. " The boy bowed slightly toward the ladies present.
"You have already noticed the 'Princess of Atlanta,' as Duncan so poetically called her, my daughter, Ella Lorena Kennedy. "The little girl smiled shyly at the gathering. She had to honor her mother.
Cathleen said gently, "You have two very beautiful children, Scarlett. And demonstrating a remarkable education. »
Scarlett answered her with a smile.
She squared her shoulders a little more, a fighting gesture that her former husband recognized immediately.
Turning to Eleonor: "Good evening, Mrs. Butler. My children are happy to see their grandmother's city. They are looking forward to getting to know you better. »
Wade and Ella did not say a word.
Her intonation was polite. But Scarlett did not bother with an outburst of affection that would have been vain and hypocritical, in total mismatch with the surly demeanor of the Mrs. Butlers towards her.
Eleonor's response was equally civil. "I am glad to see you again, Scarlett, under different circumstances. " She bit her lower lip and looked uneasily at her son, afraid he would react to the mention of Bonnie's death. He only had eyes for her former daughter-in-law. "Rosemary will be happy to show her nephews around the square where a children's playground has just been opened.»
Her daughter nodded, forcing herself to smile. But both the Butler women and Scarlett understood that it was only a polite greeting.
Duncan did not say a word. He stood straight at his "Thunder of Georgia" side, attentive to the slightest sway of emotion she might want to divulge.
Scarlett fixed her attention for a moment on Roselyne. So here is the future Mrs. Butler! she deduced. Her jaws hardened. Accentuating her haughty bearing, she fixed her former husband with an air of defiance.
He had to clear his throat to articulate. Putting his hand on his heart, he bowed: "Scarlett..." Unable to add any other formula of politeness that it is. Of fear that a flood of regrets accompanied by tender words did escape to him.
His wife's eyes lit up. More passionate than ever.
Coldly, she replied, "Rhett..." Icy.
But they did not let go of each other's gaze. As if both of them wanted to make up for the years of deprivation by swallowing as many images as possible, before facing the absence again.
The people around them were holding their breath. Finally, Duncan touched Scarlett's hand. Scarlett struggled to contain a gasp, stricken by this return to reality.
She turned back to Cathleen, and said, with a detached air, "Mr. Butler was my husband. We are divorced. »
This was no surprise to Duncan's mother, since her neighbor had confide it to her less than an hour ago. However, she was taken aback by the indifference expressed by the young woman, as if this breaking of the sacred vows of marriage was not an act rejected by their society.
Rhett took the shock, although his features expressed nothing but indifference. Out of the corner of his eye, he checked that Vayton was still touching Scarlett's fingers. A furtive gesture even more intimate than if he had simply held her hand. She seemed to accept this caress quite naturally.
He saw red. Shaken, he prepared to react by mentally encouraging himself: So you throw your disdain in my face! So be it! Let's see who will be the strongest in this little game!
He turned to Roselyne, who seemed crushed by the new information, and then, addressing his former wife, "Scarlett, let me introduce you to Miss Roselyne Tucker, a very dear friend of our family." With that, he gently took her hand and kissed the back of it.
Young Roselyne could not believe it! Her Rhett had practically taken her under his wing, against the other woman!
Duncan exhaled sharply. Reassured! Butler was openly flaunting his affair. He had nothing more to fear from him.
Cathleen was flabbergasted by this unusual situation. Two divorcees were going to sit at the same table, one seemingly courting a young girl. As for her son... God! What a mess he was in!
Eleonor and Rosemary looked at each other, sharing their anguish. Only they knew what Rhett had endured since his separation, a descent into hell. The "Roselyne" alibi was totally futile. From tomorrow, after this meeting, Rhett would continue to sink.
Scarlett came out of her trance state. Under the shock. He was shameless. Cruel and shameless. Only then did she realize that Duncan had continued to hold her fingertips. She mechanically withdrew her hand.
Duncan also came back to reality. In a soft voice, as if afraid to wake her from her stupor, he said, "Scarlett, please take a seat! He said, moving the chair slightly so that she could sit down. »
Scarlett ordered an impassive Wade to do the same. The four empty seats at the head table were finally filled.
The sommelier brought the Dom Pérignon champagne in a tray filled with ice cubes, and arranged the crystal flutes.
Duncan announced: "The buffet is open. The three of us, my mother, my sister and I, agreed on the recipes that were developed by our cook. You can all head to the two booths, service will be quick. »
Then, looking at Scarlett: "Let me play the Grand Chef. " He took on a pompous air, tinged with a French accent. His eye twinkled with amusement: "I recommend the delicate scallop terrine marinated in Cognac, accompanied by its green salad with dwarf tomatoes and saffron rice. Let us not forget its spicy marinade with olive oil. »
Scarlett played his game. "I trust the Chief's suggestion. Great idea. »
Cathleen and Eleonor were also tempted by this light meal.
Duncan said, "Scarlett, please stay seated. I shall get your dish myself. Melina, you should do the same for our Mother. »
Rosemary suggested that her mother remain also seated. She followed Duncan, along with Melina and Roselyne, toward the stalls.
Scarlett recommended that Wade stay with his sister until she was served.
Eleonor called out to her son, "Aren't you going to help yourself, Rhett?"
He replied absentmindedly, "Later. When I finish my cigar. »
He made a movement to reach the bottle of champagne. Drops of blood stained the embroidered tablecloth red.
Scarlett was keeping her guard up. Being almost alone with Rhett made her nervous. She followed his gesture, then saw the blood soaking the white cloth.
Instinctively, she could not help but ask him, "Are you bleeding, Rhett?"
Surprised that she finally wanted to talk to him, he looked down at his hand and raised it. "It is nothing. A bad handling of a fork earlier." He could not prevent an ironic chuckle, which was not perceived by Scarlett.
She took out of her small reticule decorated with pearls a large handkerchief in batiste fabric, and a long ribbon which she carried everywhere with her as a help for her hair.
The two neighbors watched in amazement as Scarlett got up and approached Rhett. He felt his heart beat faster.
With her familiar energetic air, she intimated, "You cannot stay here all evening losing blood - and incidentally damaging the tablecloth. Let me do it " She took his injured hand with authority.
At her contact, he was crossed by shivers. Her warmth, her perfume... He tried to hide his trouble by ironizing: "This is nothing Scarlett. But I fear that, if you touch it, your legendary softness will complete to open the wound. »
Scarlett was also trying to restrain the frantic beating of her heart, which had been racing as soon as their skins had touched.
In the same sarcastic tone, she assured him, "If you do not keep quiet, I may indeed enjoy digging the wound. Do not forget that I was a nurse during the war."
With Rhett's dark eyes suddenly laughing again, he murmured, "Oh, I remember your enthusiasm for healing the bloody wounds of our dear soldiers. »
Responding to the deep green irises, a sign that the panther was ready to pounce to tear him apart, he added in a low voice, so as not to be heard by the two women present: "I also remember that the softness of your hands was capable of enticing any male to knowingly injure himself in the hope that your fingers would graze their skin. " His voice broke.
Scarlett said nothing. Was not able to add anything. Disturbed by this sensual tone which transported her towards more intimate moments.
She soaked a clean towel with water, and dutifully cleaned the five holes from which a few droplets of blood were still emerging.
Her head was leaning on Rhett's arm, and silky locks fell in curtain to place themselves on his forearm of which she had raised the sleeve. A moan of pleasure escaped to him.
Scarlett pretended she had not heard anything, cursing herself for coming to the aid of the man who had just blatantly thrown himself on the arm of this Tucker, cursing even more for being so stupidly disturbed by this scoundrel.
She folded the batiste handkerchief so that it would not handicap the mobility of his fingers.
Rhett was in heaven. He was breathing in, to suffocate himself, the essence of her shampoo mixed with her unforgettable gardenia perfume. He inhaled, to better aspire it and soak his pores, the intimate odor of her body which escaped by her generous cleavage. By hoping that his olfactive memory would allow him the longest possible time to reconstitute the sensual bouquet of the effluvia of his wife. Yes ! " His " wife ! He wandered in the contemplation of the milky skin of the curve of her breasts, until getting lost in the dark valley closed by the emerald tulle garnishing the top of her bustier.
He tried to calm the tremors which agitated him, and gesticulated on the chair in order to readjust himself and block his threatening erection. Let the world stop turning! Let everything freeze...
Scarlett wrapped the ribbon around his wrist, enough to hold the bandage but in a way that did not cut off the blood flow.
"There, it is finished! " she concluded proudly by pulling the loops and the knots of the ribbon. Then she stood up abruptly.
Deprived of her contact and her odor, he held his breath a few moments, fearing that his heart would stop. It was again the sensation of lack of Scarlett which reflected, thousand times more intense if it was possible, because he had just tasted some drops of this elixir.
The two neighbors of the Battery had not exchanged any word during all this time, embarrassed witnesses of this scene transpiring intimacy.
The group returned with trays of full plates. Ella greedily told her mother about the "e-normous!" choice making it difficult to choose between everything she liked. Wade criticized her for mixing desserts and salted recipes. Scarlett told them to calm down, sit down, and finish their entire plate, "because I cannot stand any wastage" she warned them.
Cathleen and Eleonor gaped at the appetizing terrine. Roselyne's plate was only half-full, so Rhett could not think she was gluttonous.
Duncan ceremoniously placed the seafood fondue surrounded by greenery, in front of Scarlett, announcing in French, "Madame est servie! »
She forced herself to grace him with her prettiest dimples. He was so adorable, thoughtful... in love. So why had not her heartbeat calmed down as soon as she got to her seat? It is my body that betrays me. Simply because I have not had physical contact with a man for a long time. Deep down, she was aware that this was not true. Several times, Ashley had held her in his arms without him managing to arouse such an emotion.
Scarlett looked across the table to where Roselyne Tucker was standing. How young she is! She bit her lower lip in rage. How dare he flaunt someone who is old enough to be his daughter! The voice of reason reminded her that there was a seventeen-year difference between her and her former husband.
An insidious jealousy made her delirious: Did he already know her three years ago? Is that why he threw my physical decay in my face when he left me? Because he was already lusting after the fresh flesh of this goody two-shoes? »
Disgust overcame her and swept away the few minutes of unsettling intimacy they had just shared. To hell with Rhett Butler! You can mess around with any damsel you like, and even marry one. Now there is someone in my life who has bravely decided to take my side, against all odds, and who genuinely admires me, without criticizing me at every turn.
She decided that the scallops smelled delicious, and began to lick her lips with greed.
Duncan saw Rhett's gaze on her, and then his bandaged hand, tied with a green ribbon. Deep green. I am sure he did not have any bandages on before I went to the buffet. Green silk! Scarlett's! It could only be her who tended him. I could ask my mother. But, what's the use! I know the answer. There is still something between them. It is normal, they had a child together. But I will fight. He cannot win Scarlett's heart back!
He stand up, and took the bottle of champagne firmly and equipped himself with the special knife brought by the sommelier.
In a clear voice, he addressed Scarlett and the women around him, "We are going to celebrate with dignity this memorable day dedicated to our beloved Old South, the Haute Couture fashion," and then, catching the young woman's attention, "and to you, Scarlett, the 'Thunder of Georgia".
While he was cutting with dexterity the neck of the famous labelled bottle, the applause mingled with the clink of shattered glass and the simmering of the exhilarating drink in crystal glasses. A few rich bubbles escaped, but the others quickly filled the flutes to overflowing.
Eleonor realized that Rhett was the only one not eating. "Rhett! You should go to the buffet! »
Her son replied absently, "I am not hungry. I shall choose a dessert later. »
He was too engrossed at the moment in watching Scarlett literally devour her plate. He had always loved to watch her feast with relish. He knew why she reacted the way she did. The months of food scarcity spent in Tara during the war, risking starvation, had left a lasting impression on her. In front of him was at the Scarlett he loved, petulant, greedy to the point of voraciousness when tempted with her favorite cake.
He concludes, touched: Full of life. She is my whole life.
He was staring at her so intently that she felt he was watching her. She looked up, but refused to respond to the bubbly mood Rhett had in store for her. She turned away and chose to listen to the one next to her.
Rhett turned pale. He did not understand the cold look she had just given him. Just a few minutes ago, a faint hope was rising. He had felt the softness of her hands, and underneath the authoritative words, what looked like tenderness. And now she was acting as if he did not exist and listening to the other with... admiration. Disconcerted, he tried to concentrate on their conversation, because Rosemary had decided to flatter her neighbor.
"How did you come up with the idea of having models wear your creations? »
Duncan replied confidently. "The owner of the Iron Palace only took after my great Parisian friend, the most famous couturier, Charles Worth, from whom I was inspired. He was the first to break away from the traditional tailors who made models according to the clients' wishes. He proposes his creations to them, inviting them to a performance in his salons, lit in such a way as to be as close as possible to the atmosphere of the ball for which the client would like to wear the dress. The outfit comes to life worn by a "lookalike" chosen specifically because the young woman resembles the client's body type. »
"He is an immense artist. What a surprise it was for me, while reading Emile Zola's last book, La Curée, to find that the great writer, describing Parisian high society, mentioned my friend "the illustrious Worth, the tailor of genius, before whom the queens of the Second Empire stood on their knees. (*3) "I said to him, as I passed him on the staircase, 'You have become immortal by turning yourself into the hero of the great Emile Zola! »
All the women around Rhett were drinking in the young designer's words. "From my first polite visit with my neighbors, I was fascinated by the modernism that the Englishman was bringing to the world of couture. I promised myself I would follow in his footsteps.» With his irresistible smile, he added: I succeeded."
"Ah, we have had some great experiences together! One of our shared moments of glory was when Tsar Alexander and Empress Eugenie attended the night party at the Tuileries during the Paris International Exhibition in 1867. Our two fashion houses were besieged by the beautiful ladies invited to the ball for a final touch-up in a hurry. It was fun to see them jostling each other on our stairs at 7 and 9 rue de la Paix to be the first to be "saved" from a last minute snag. » (*4)
Rhett drew only one conclusion from Vayton's long tirades: He is puffed up with vanity and glorifies his so-called exploits with vulgar morgue. All this to make those who listen to him wince.
He looked at Cathleen and Melina, who were so proud to hear their beloved Duncan's accomplishments. My mother and sister, and even Roselyne, are speechless. As for Scarlett...
Rhett spied the slightest change in her expression. He noticed her raised eyebrows, her beautiful eyes now wide open, a sign of her amazement. He impresses her. This observation made him hurt. For he felt overwhelmed. Which of my current actions would be likely to impress you, Scarlett? he could not name a single one. A bitter stench invaded his mouth.
Duncan was as loquacious as ever: "Charles is a brilliant businessman, who knew how to make his designs known. You American ladies were the first to create his legend. Indeed, he used to make outfits for rich New Yorkers passing through Paris, between two departures of transatlantic ships. Isn't it the best way to gain notoriety to have your clothes worn by prominent people? That is what I did in New York: famous singers, divas of the classical theater, jostle to wear a "La Mode Duncan" outfit.
Roselyne timidly intervened: "If I understand correctly, the dazzling creations of this evening were worn by "look-alikes" of your clients. Could you tell us for whom you created the "Thunder of Georgia" model? »
Duncan's face became serious. He looked at Scarlett, who was also waiting for an answer, and proclaimed with emotion, "Scarlett was never a look-alike. No woman in the world can look like her. "Thunder of Georgia" was created for her alone! Scarlett is my muse!"
Roselyne, Rosemary and Melina could not contain an "Oh!" of surprise. The two neighbors of the Battery looked at each other, communicating their dismay.
Rhett was shocked. Hit in the stomach.
Duncan looked for Scarlett's reaction. He was pleased to see that she was blushing.
Then he looked at Rhett Butler. The two men stared at each other so intensely that they swept all other presence from their minds. They faced each other, ready to fight a duel, and to use any weapon at hand. The same raging determination made them grit their teeth. They were going to engage in hand-to-hand combat to win the only trophy that mattered, "Scarlett O'Hara"!
Melina broke the tension that had become unbreathable around them. "Let's move on to dessert! I caught a glimpse of a chocolate mousse that made my mouth water. »
"Great idea! " Scarlett stood up enthusiastically, followed by the small group, eager to stretch their legs.
"I am going to take advantage of this interlude to talk with the Generals who honored me with their invitation, and my former comrades in battle" Duncan said as he left them.
The dessert buffet was crowded. Blanche asked one of the wait staff to set aside two desserts to take to her twins. John never let her out of his sight.
Rebecca, tried, as well as possible, to avoid the improper gestures of Petyr Matisson. While wanting to do so, she almost bumped into a muscular carrure. "Rhett! " she exclaimed, a little troubled.
Still reeling from the fury that this Vayton had openly claimed Scarlett as "his", claiming ownership of "his muse", it took him a few seconds to realize that, before him, stood one of his former mistresses.
Automatically, his instinct of seducer brought him to reserve his carnivorous smile to her. "Rebecca! What a joy to see you again in this place! »
Aware that their behavior was being spied upon by this puritanical society, they only exchanged a glance heavy with sensual memories.
Scarlett saw them, as she was waiting in front of the sweet mousses. Her intuition as a cheated woman was quickly rewarded when she caught Rhett and this ostentatious and vulgar-looking woman pretending to serve each other the same dessert, brushing their fingers against each other. Their bodies were close together, with the greedy guests crowding around the buffets as an alibi.
She is so clung to him that they would not need a bed for... This reflection, which would have made her mother shudder with horror, so much it was contrary to propriety, had the effect of fanning her rage. And to prepare her revenge.
Returning to the head table, Rhett approached Wade. They had not exchanged a word since the beginning of the evening, in fact, for two and a half years. Wade had systematically avoided his glance.
He grabbed him by the sleeve. "Wade! I am glad to see you again My Son! »
The young boy had the reflex to immediately detach his arm from this hold. In a white voice, similar to his father's when he was about to confront him in the Twelve Oaks smoking room, he dared to say, "I am not your son, Mr. Butler" and sat down next to Ella.
Another piece of the wall that attached him to their home on Peachtree Street and to the memory of the family they had formed, Scarlett, him and their three children, was crumbling a little more. His brain understood this rejection. By divorcing, he had abandoned his stepchildren, without a glance behind him, offering them no explanation. He was paying for it tonight. He clenched his fists, so as not to show his table neighbors how shaken he was.
Duncan ordered another bottle of champagne. It was already the third. "It will not be the last!" he said, addressing Scarlett. "We have too many events to celebrate. Most notably and most importantly, "The Boutique Robillard"! »
Raising his glass, imitated by the other guests at the table, he toasted: "To the success of "The Boutique Robillard", Atlanta's most elegant women's wear store, and its dynamic owner! »
Scarlett was delighted with the compliment.
Rhett got another shock. What was he talking about? A new store? And why did this raptor know about it? He had to invastigate more, because he was realizing how much he had been amputated from his wife's life.
Duncan continued, "I cannot wait to hear how the first day of the opening went on May 7. Tell us about it, Scarlett, please. »
She did not hesitate. "I could not have asked for anything better! I had issued selective invitations to the ladies of Atlanta and surrounding counties, obviously according to their husbands' wallets."
She added, with the confidence of a clever businesswoman: "I still made sure to invite the Old Guard of Atlanta to the inaugural banquet" - then she added, addressing Rhett directly - "even the old magpies of Mrs. Merriweather, Meade, and Esling. Not to mention that dearest India Wilkes! »
Rhett graced her with a knowing mocking smile. "I congratulate you, Scarlett. You have certainly given those shrews plenty to talk about during their meetings. I wish I could have seen the jealousy sweating from India Wilkes' eyes." He was inviting her to tell him a little more, pleased that she had addressed only him to comment on the list of her guests. Obviously, only he, besides her, knew these harpies who had made her suffer. And certainly not this Vayton.
His joy was short-lived, as Vayton cut him off, "Merriweather and Meade, aren't those the ladies we met when I visited you in Atlanta? Discreetly, Duncan turned his head slightly to see Rhett Butler's reaction.
The latter was so incensed that he spat out the end of his cigar and angrily crushed the rest in an ashtray. So he dared to come to Atlanta! And to my house, no doubt! In our bed, perhaps? He could not take it anymore, he was losing his footing. He was realizing that Vayton was always one step ahead, and that he was unarmed. Powerless to fight on equal terms.
Ah! Scarlett! Your revenge is beautiful! How you must delight in making me understand that I am no longer part of your life. That this perfect "rich, famous and young", especially young pretentious one, has replaced me. Happy to make me suffer, aren't you, my love?
He tried to catch her sight one last time, without success.
No! If I have to give that obnoxious a free hand tonight, I will not be the only one dying of jealousy, Mrs. Butler!
ooooOOoooo
Chapter 24 Notes:
(*) Tales of Perrault: Charles Perrault, born January 12, 1628 - died May 16, 1703, famous for his Tales of Mother Goose: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, etc. ...
(*1) Lorena, 1857: the lyrics were written by the Reverend Henry Delafayette Webster. Following the forced breakup with his fiancée, he wrote her a long poem. Music by Joseph Philbrick Webster. A favorite song during the Civil War, among Confederate and Union soldiers - Youtube, Lorena ' Ladies & Love Songs of the Civil War, Tom Rouch - watch?v=ijdBSFBC284&list=LL&index=34
(*2) The South Carolina Hymn, 1807: The identity of the composer of the first unofficial South Carolina hymn will probably remain unknown. According to the description published by "The Charleston City Gazette" of August 27, 1807, "the words and music of this South Carolina hymn were written by a native of Charleston. It was a new patriotic song that became a staple of 4th of July celebrations for decades. Despite its popularity, it was never transcribed into sheet music. It turns out that it was forgotten by the time the Civil War began. "Source: Charleston County Public Library - charleston-time-machine/south-carolina-hymn-1807
(*3) Emile Zola, La Curée, les Rougon-Macquart, 1871: in his novel, Emile Zola transformed the real name of Worth into a character called Worms. "But her great part was to accompany Renée to the illustrious Worms, (in reality Worth), the genius tailor, before whom the queens of the Second Empire stood on their knees. The great man's salon was vast, square, lined with wide couches. He entered it with a religious emotion. Toilets certainly have a smell of their own; silk, satin, velvet, lace had married their light aromas to those of hair and amber shoulders; and the air of the salon kept this fragrant tepidness, this incense of flesh and luxury which turned the room into a chapel dedicated to some secret divinity. (...) There were about twenty solicitors there, waiting their turn, dipping cookies... "
(*4) Charles Worth, Ball at the Tuileries in honor of Tsar Alexander III. Source Point de history - .fr/histoire/charles-frederick-worth-le-pere-de-la-haute-couture_