Note : I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support, thanks to which I feel like renewing myself with each chapter.
Sunday, June 7, 1876, Peachtree Street
Hammer blows. At seven in the morning? Scarlett woke up with a start.
"Of course, that's Pork fixing the poles to hang the party decorations that Wade made for his sister. We need to have everything finished by the time Ella wakes up."
She was amused by her son's involvement in organizing this event. Spending five days a week at his private school, he usually took advantage of weekends to see his childhood friends.
But he had generously spent Saturday designing elaborate cardboard ornaments, and then covering them with rainbow-colored paint. As a reminder of the designs on her princess outfit, he had created three-dimensional stars, interlocking to give them even more perspective. He had even pushed the sophistication by varying the number of branches. Some were intended to be hung, others, smaller, to garnish the buffet table. He designed two 27 inches branches to be placed at the entrance of the garden.
A large white sheet banner hung between the two pillars. Wade had taped strips of black cardboard, so that it read large, "Happy Birthday, Ella, 'Princess of Atlanta"".
On the morning of June 7, Pork, assisted by Prissy, had great fun hanging these festive symbols. "It's been so long since we've had a real party here, before Ma'ame Scarlett's little girl died!"
Scarlett stretched lazily in bed. Sunday was the only day she could afford this luxury. "Might as well make the most of it, because the afternoon is going to be exhausting."
Thirty children gladly accepted to be present. Fortunately, the weather was sunny. Otherwise, all these children would have had to take refuge in the old ballroom.
Some of Ella's acquaintances, besides her classmates, had insisted heavily on being invited at the last minute. "The Charleston fashion show article has had a resounding effect! Everyone wants to meet the "Princess of Atlanta"!"
And to think that two years ago, aside from Beau and two loyal classmates, Ella was sadly alone in front of her cake." Scarlett's efforts to repair her reputation had paid off last year. At that time, her daughter had once again been graced with the presence of her best friends among the Old Guard. But this year was beyond her expectations. "In one sleight of hand, Duncan turned Ella into the most popular child in Atlanta!"
"And, thanks to him, my turnover exploded on Saturday!" As early as Friday, she had noticed an unusual attendance in the afternoon, amplified the next day. Some ladies, whom she had never met, greeted her eagerly, only to be taken over by the saleswomen, who succeeded each time in finalizing a sale. If she saw them whispering behind her back, it was no longer, as it had been for years, a sign of slander against her. On the contrary, the ladies of Atlanta and the surrounding counties were envious of the "Thunder of Georgia" who had become the muse of the most famous figure in American fashion. Scarlett reveled in their reaction. "Duncan is a magician," she concluded, stretching her arms out in her bed of satisfaction.
This made her thoughts turn to the end of the afternoon which was going to be... difficult. Ashley and Rhett, once again confronting each other. "No! The situation was not comparable with the past!" Scarlett analyzed lucidly what had changed: Ashley was free now - "My sweet Melly, how I miss you..." - free to show her his... affection, which he no longer failed to express in the open. As for Rhett, his "affection" was now turned towards other skies, towards a younger girl, thus more appetizing in his eyes.
At this thought, the sun's rays entering her room seemed weaker. A shadow threatened to spoil this promising day. It was time to get up to wish her daughter a happy birthday and prepare the reception for the adults.
Ella couldn't wait. The morning had been perfect. She had been spoiled: a new china dinette kit by her mother, a domino game by Wade. In a small, simple beechwood box, each of the twenty-eight chips was decorated with a rosewood base. The checkerboard, double numbered with a black circle, was made of bone imitating ivory, like the dice. In giving it to her, his brother had promised that he would be his first playing partner, which was, in itself, a precious sign of brotherly kindness.
Dilcey, Prissy and Pork had embraced her. The cook had decorated her breakfast plate with fruit cut into the shape of flowers. Prissy had devoted as much time to Ella's hair as was devoted to her mother. The result was breathtaking, a compound of curls and braids intertwined with ribbons. The little girl had been touched by so much attention.
But one thing had bothered her: she had been forbidden to go out into the garden. She couldn't even see through the curtains in the living room, because they had been deliberately drawn to prevent any indiscretion.
She had to wait until after lunch to put on her outfit, the famous "Princess of Atlanta" dress.
The hands on the clock in the hallway seemed to have stopped since this morning, "expressly to make me languished," Ella thought. She checked again. A few more minutes, and it would finally be three o'clock!
Scarlett took a last look at the preparations. In the garden, everything was ready. A table with trestles supported the buffet overflowing with jars of multicolored candies. Two long farm tables and benches, rented for the occasion, were waiting for their young occupants.
The Merriweather bakery had been delighted with such a large order, and their delivery man had just brought in his share of sweets, including a plethora of fruit pies and chocolate cookies. These fresh treats would not be served until the last minute, when the children arrived, like the gallons of lemonade, kept in the refrigerator.
As for the delicate chocolate mousse prepared by Dilcey, and the jars of strawberry ice cream, Scarlett was under no illusion that there would ever be enough for so many hungry stomachs.
Dilcey, Pork and Prissy were going to link up to take care of the guests, young and old. Prissy was also in charge of making sure that there were not too many flurries of activity among the children.
Wade and Beau would be the game planners.
As for Scarlett's five personal guests, they would dine later in the dining room. They would arrive in two hours to share the birthday cake.
A delivery man signaled to Pork. Scarlett looked out the window. She saw him unload from a cart what might look like a large board wrapped in a sheet, then a platform of some sort. "Rhett's surprise gift!" A pang of sadness passed through her. The trouble he was going to today to please his stepdaughter, how she wished he could have done the same for their daughter... She had to chase that regret away, at least for the party.
Finally it was the big moment for Ella: her guests were arriving. It was three o'clock. Scarlett went out to greet them and the parents who had dropped off their children.
Her daughter cried out in wonder as she discovered the garden dotted with stars. They were everywhere: on the grass, on the tables, and even hanging on a wire above their heads. Wade got an enthusiastic, wet thank you on his cheek. Embarrassed by the public outpouring, her brother left her with her friends and went to meet Beau.
Ella soon found herself at the center of a growing circle of admirers, both boys and girls, like a nest of bees gathering around honey. They all wanted to know more about the dream reception their friend had attended.
The little girls insisted on touching the magic dress that had been in the newspaper, worn by the one who had been honored by the famous people of Charleston. They insisted on inspecting the "twin" doll, under the watchful eye of Ella, who feared it might be dropped.
The boys preferred to know if Ella had really met General Wade Hampton.
One teenager was more reserved. It was Beau. Scarlett came to hug him and he gladly accepted her gestures of affection. He was so used to having the exclusive company of Ella with Wade every Sunday that this commotion around his cousin was a little unsettling. But his cousin came to his rescue, and they left the "little ones" to their childish ways, and planned activities for Ella's guests.
Scarlett enjoyed watching her daughter, cheeks flushed with excitement, opening gifts, giddy with each surprise, happily embracing her classmates.
Then Prissy and Pork sprang into action, bringing with them so many coveted treats that the buffet was in danger of being raided very quickly.
Then came the time for social play. A croquet game had been set up on the clay portion of the court. The hoops had been firmly planted the day before by Pork. Wade handed out wooden balls and mallets, and formed two teams. Six more children tried out the dominoes box. Others took the opportunity to chat fervently, forgetting that they had seen each other the day before at school.
The garden was filled with the laughter and joyful cries of children gesticulating in all directions, twirling around the stars with delight.
Scarlett was reassured. The party was already a success. "A moment of happiness that the house has not known for a long time"
Almost 5 o'clock. Her guests were about to arrive. She checked her outfit in the mirror one last time. Her hair, locked in a sophisticated bun, was enhanced by two silver combs, encrusted with tiny pearls. She had opted for a light dress in silk crepe, whose thinness of fabric curved delicately her bodice.
This cut suited her perfectly, encircling her girlish waist while hiding nothing of the curves of her hips. As for the indentation of her bustier... Scarlett had difficulty in swallowing a chuckle of pleasure at the reaction that this one was surely going to cause with one man later. As for the second, she doubted very much that it impressed him.
Her heart was beating with excitement. Finally she was going to pierce the mystery enveloping her new friend like a halo. Contrary to what she had told her, it was not only for the chance to admire the masterpiece of the great couturier that Taisy was delighted to be invited with her husband to Scarlett O'Hara's house.
The young Louisiana woman was initially drawn to The Boutique Robillard because of her fascination with the talented designer Duncan Vayton. It was an incredible opportunity for her to see and touch a collection that had seemed out of reach in New York. While visiting the new store, she quickly fell in love with the personality of the dynamic shopkeeper. She represented new blood and energy, in such contrast to the uniformed gloom of the other well-to-do ladies of Atlanta!
The Bennett couple had had difficulty adjusting to the Georgian atmosphere. They missed the hectic life of their friends in New Orleans. Harry had thrown himself into his work. He was excited about his prestigious new position at City Hall. But Taisy... she was terribly bored. That's why Scarlett O'Hara became her favorite source of diversion. Some rumors had reached her. The beautiful shopkeeper carried in her wake a scent of brimstone.
When the butler opened the door, Taisy and Harry were struck by the architectural pomp of the house. "A little too ostentatious for my taste," Harry thought. But Taisy, attracted by all that glitters, decided otherwise.
As she embraced the young woman in a friendly way, she exclaimed at the gigantic size of the house: "The style is unique. You must feel like you're living in a castle!"
Her friend appreciated the compliment: "I had dreamed it like this when my former husband built it, much to his chagrin! But..." - Her voice grew more hesitant - "It looks a little empty now."
Taisy and Harry exchanged a surprised look.
"Scarlett, that dress looks great on you!"
Her caller thanked her, "Yours would be the envy of my store!"
Harry bowed elegantly to the young woman.
Taisy noticed the glance of her husband towards the generous bodice of their hostess. It didn't surprise her at all that she was to his liking. "What man wouldn't be attracted to such a seductress, anyway?" She did not take offense.
She watched Scarlett greet an old man, accompanied by a tall, slender man. "The Southern gentleman in all his glory!" thought Taisy.
If the old man had looked at the couple facing him with an affable air, his companion had kept his eyes riveted on their hostess. "As if he was hypnotized by her!" Taisy made herself this reflection, so much his trouble was visible.
He kissed her lightly on the cheek. A brush, at most, much more revealing than a frank kiss would have been.
"Interesting exchange" thought Taisy.
Scarlett turned to her, "Taisy, Harry, meet my family. This is Henry Hamilton, the most famous notary in Atlanta. He's Wade's great-uncle. And this is Ashley Wilkes, my brother-in-law. He was the husband of my dear Melanie, Henry's niece."
"Uncle Henry, Ashley, let me introduce you to Taisy and Harry Benett. They have just moved to our town. I know you will make them feel welcome."
The Uncle greeted them with the ease of a sociable man used to immediately gauge the quality of his interlocutors.
Her husband introduced himself: "I've heard a lot of praise for you, Mr. Hamilton. Perhaps we will have some business together. It is a great honor for me that the Mayor of Atlanta has entrusted me with the leadership of Arts and Culture in Georgia's capital city."
Immediately, Harry was drawn to the old lawer, and they engaged in a heated discussion about the cultural investments being considered by the local authorities.
Taisy wanted to know more about Scarlett's brother-in-law. She had difficulty understanding the correlation between the man's family status and his gaze on her sister-in-law's cleavage as soon as he entered the house.
Scarlett had pretended not to notice. But Taisy had instinctively understood that this young woman was used to attracting men around her. "She must know perfectly how to make them turn around her little finger. And this one particularly" ironized the New-Orleans citizen.
He began to address the young woman, "I read with surprise Friday's Atlanta Gazette..." and suddenly stopped, staring at a newcomer in the doorway.
Taisy was stunned. Ashley Wilkes seemed to be turned into a block of ice, but his eyes flashed at the man who had entered the living room without the butler's introduction.
Admiring the stranger's appearance, she said to herself: "What a charm! Such a presence... And that black look...attracting like a magnet those of the "Thunder of Georgia".
She noticed that Scarlett had stiffened, unconsciously projecting her breasts forward, which had for immediate effect to drain the black pupils of the newcomer on the fine attire of the hostess, and to trigger in him a smile in corner.
Then she saw the man's eyes land - no, hover over Ashley Wilkes. On the surface, there was nothing bellicose about his look. But Taisy's trained eye detected a hint of irritation, which he immediately concealed. He greeted him with a nod, to which the other seemed to answer in a forced way.
Then he said simply, in a warm voice, "Good afternoon Scarlett!" As lively as a jaguar, he approached her and kissed her nonchalantly on the cheek, in the most natural way in the world. She gasped in surprise, then stoically accepted the effusions with marked indifference.
"How familiar! He came into this room as if he were at home. Could it be her lover? I feel like I'm watching a play where all the actors are hiding their game," thought Taisy.
Indeed, she noticed that Scarlett, in contradiction with the detached posture displayed, had turned away to calm her breathing whose bustier had some difficulty to hide the palpitations. Her brother-in-law had clenched his jaws as soon as Rhett Butler had approached her. As for this one, Taisy had the impression that he was not as conquering as he wanted to appear, if she judged it by his fist in the pocket when he moved away from the young woman.
"No less than two suitors in this show! Bravo!" Taisy inwardly congratulated the owner of "The Boutique Robillard".
In the meantime, Rhett had shaken hands with Henry Hamilton, but she sensed a hardening of the notary's attitude toward him.
Her friend seemed to recompose a posture. "My dear Taisy, this is Rhett Butler." Two terse words, without further elaboration, which immediately caught Taisy's interest.
The Peachtree Street hostess continued, "Rhett, it is my pleasure to introduce Mrs. Taisy Bennett, and her husband, Harry. They are natives of New Orleans."
Mr. Butler's charm worked effectively on Taisy when he bowed to her. He gave her an appreciative look, and... she was delighted!
Her husband turned, hearing the name of the new guest, "Rhett! What a coincidence that we both end up in this house!"
With surprise, she saw him give a friendly pat on the back to her husband while laughing: "It seems that we can't leave each other anymore! Three days already!" To which Harry answered, with the same amusement: " And it is only the beginning of a long collaboration... "
The two women looked at them, astonished. Scarlett exclaimed, "Do you know each other?"
Rhett cut short Harry's intended explanation, "Yes, we had the opportunity to exchange views on how to improve the cultural life of our beloved city. Right, Harry?" That one understood the message, and decided to be discreet about the subject of their meeting.
Then Rhett asked, "Where is the queen of the day? My surprise did arrive earlier, didn't it Scarlett?"
She replied in frustration, "Yes, and I didn't open it, if that's what you mean. I also left your second package in the lobby for you to give to her yourself.
He laughed teasingly: "You're dying to know what it is, aren't you, my little curious one?" He had for answer only an annoyed sigh.
Scarlett railed against herself. Why did his presence alone still manage to annoy her so much?
"You're late. I assured Ella that her cake would be brought at 5:15 sharp. But probably you had better things to do in Atlanta!" She couldn't hide her irritation. She was even more frustrated because it was unreasonable.
He contented himself with a sibylline "Maybe..." while not taking his eyes off her. As if he was waiting for her reaction. Oh, he was doing it on purpose to horrify her!
Deciding to ignore him, she turned to the Benetts and Uncle Henry. "I suggest you follow me into the garden, which is currently invaded by a flock of gluttonous ones. Then we'll come back to the living room to enjoy this beautiful end of the day. Uncle Henry, you who love sweets, I have a feeling that you will enjoy the tasty dessert prepared by our dear Mrs. Merriweather."
The latter agreed. "I'm looking forward to seeing Wade and Ella. How time flies. Nine years already that this dear child has enchanted us!"
Thinking of another little girl who could no longer enchant them, Scarlett couldn't help but glance worriedly in Rhett's direction. His face remained impassive. She breathed a sigh of relief.
Ella saw them enter the garden. Without hesitation, she rushed into Rhett's arms. "Uncle Rhett, I was so afraid you wouldn't come. Thank you! This is the best birthday present ever!"
Emotionally, Rhett bent down to embrace her. He could finally allow himself a moment to express his feelings. He missed his family so much! "For nothing in the world would I have been absent from my beautiful little girl's birthday party!"
Ella blushed under the compliment. Scarlett had turned pale. Not dwelling on Ella's two birthdays, which he had ostensibly forgotten, images of the family that no longer existed shook the serenity of that afternoon. Rhett's fatherly embrace, her daughter's attachment to the one man she had considered a substitute for her real father... She cleared her throat to ease the tension.
"Ella, behave yourself! You haven't greeted our other guests yet."
Her mother's apparent sternness calmed Ella's enthusiasm. She found her manners to greet her Uncle Ashley and Uncle Henry, and to give them a warm hug. Then Scarlett introduced her to Mrs. and Mr. Bennett. She performed a polite little curtsy.
Taisy complimented her, "We are honored to celebrate your birthday. Your party is an enchantment!"
Scarlett looked around for Wade. He approached, accompanied by Beau.
"Taisy, Harry, let me introduce you to my son, Wade Hampton Hamilton. And this is his cousin, Beau Wilkes, Ashley and Melanie's son."
The two boys solemnly greeted the couple, then Wade embraced his Uncles Henry and Ashley with affection.
Beau turned to Rhett, "Good afternoon, Uncle Rhett. I'm glad to see you again," and he shook his hand.
Rhett affectionately ran his hand through the boy's hair. "Me too. You've grown so much. You'll be a man soon! Your Mother would have been be very proud of you!" Ashley's son blushed with contentment.
Wade still hadn't greeted Rhett. Scarlett called him to order firmly. "Haven't you forgotten anyone?"
Rhett had pretended not to have noticed the ostensible forgetfulness of his former stepson. In front of this one who held out his hand with reluctance, he gratified him with a small tap on the back. "I'm glad to see you again, Son. You must be very busy this afternoon mastering all this little world."
Scarlett addressed her son, "Can you ask Dilcey and Pork to bring what was planned, Wade, as well as the bottle he chilled."
Rhett watched him go.
Scarlett caught his regretful expression. "Yes, you ruined it, Rhett," she thought. She asked him, "Rhett, can you get all the chidren to gather around the buffet?"
If she had been attentive, she would have seen the happy glow in his eyes. Without her realizing it, in one sentence, she had just triggered the symbolic gesture, slow and held, of reinstating her former husband in the place of the master of the house.
With a clap of his hands and his deep, cheerful voice, he magically managed to stop the children in the middle of their activities and make them obey his instruction to gather and be silent before the surprise arrived.
Then there were "Oh!" noises, echoing from one child's mouth to another: the cook, assisted by Pork, ceremoniously placed the birthday cake on the table.
The centerpiece in honor of Ella Lorena Kennedy was an impressive dessert in the form of a four-tiered "pièce montée", filled with custard and covered with icing. The pastry chef had meticulously inscribed "Happy Birthday, Ella" on the widest part of the cake with the piping bag. On the top section, nine small candles had just been lit by the butler.
Ella was at a loss for words. She had never been so spoiled on her birthday. Her green irises drowned in emotion stared at Scarlett, "Mother, thank you, this is the best day of my life!"
All the adults smiled at this emphatic statement.
At Wade's urging, everyone, young and old, began to sing, "Happy Birthday to you, Ella!" She was red with confusion.
Rhett lifted her up so she was at the right height, and intimated, "Miss Ella, the honor of blowing out the candles is yours!"
From her comfortable pedestal, the little girl extinguished the nine flames with a breath, earning applause from the guests.
Darcy presented her with the knife to symbolically slice the first piece. Then there was a rush of children holding their plates to taste the cake "as high as a house".
Meanwhile, Pork had just brought in a silver metal champagne bucket, topped with ice, and six crystal flutes.
As a connoisseur, Rhett picked up the bottle: "Veuve Clicquot! Well done, Scarlett. I thought your oenological talents were more focused on spirits like brandy." He paused for a moment, mocking, looking forward to the remark that was about to come out of that tempting mouth. As she did not answer him at once, simply gratifying him with an incendiary mask, he resumed: "You impress me. This is probably one of the top five producers in the world of this festive drink."
Scarlett inwardly rejoiced at what she was sure would not please him: "Thank you, but I have no merit in the matter. "Veuve Clicquot is a regular supplier to Duncan. Before we left Charleston, he insisted on giving me a crate. Fortunately, Pork was waiting at the station to pick it up."
The Benetts gave an admiring expression at this prestigious gift. Scarlett noticed that Ashley had suddenly turned away, but Rhett, to Scarlett's frustration, simply said, "Good!" "He's definitely not jealous of Duncan. He's really moved on..." Scarlett's inner reflection gave her a bitter taste in her mouth.
Without adding anything, Rhett popped the cork expertly, taking great care not to let the precious bubbles escape, and served.
"How do you like the cake, Uncle Henry?" The latter simply replied with an appreciative wave of his hand, continuing to savor the mouthful of custard.
After a few minutes, Rhett questioned Scarlett, "Isn't it time to give Ella our gifts?"
With her approval, he called his former stepdaughter, "We have more surprises for you, lovely lady!"
With delight, Ella opened the package from her Uncle Ashley. "The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. Oh, thank you, Uncle Ashley. Bridget had told me how enchanting this book was." She thanked him with a kiss on the cheek.
Uncle Henry handed her a more prosaic envelope. Surprised, she opened it and discovered some coins. Putting a hand on her shoulder, the old man advised her: "This is the beginning of your freedom, my little Ella. You can choose to save this money and keep it in your piggy bank for later. Or you can decide to use it to buy yourself a toy - with your Mother's permission, of course. You're nine years old now. This is a milestone. Continue to be an obedient and pleasant little girl." And he patted her shoulder, not knowing how to be more demonstrative in his affection.
Taisy handed her a small package: "Chocolate candy! Thank you, Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Bennett. I love them! So does my mother. I'll share with her and Wade." Scarlett's new friend congratulated her for being so generous.
Meanwhile, Rhett had slipped away and asked Pork to help him position the boards properly, still wrapped. and to place the large package next to it.
"So, Ella, aren't you going to ask me what surprise I have in store for you?" He was trepidatious with anticipation.
"Like a child on Christmas Eve," Scarlett thought, looking at him.
Captivated by this large masked form in the middle of the garden, Ella approached the large sheet. With Rhett's help, she pulled down the veil.
"Oh!" A simple onomatopoeia to signify her delight. The children around them added their exclamations of surprise with the enthusiastic words.
The adults had joined the group. Harry was the most admiring of them. "Rhett! That's almost a work of art you're giving Scarlett's daughter! How original!"
Ella still hadn't found her voice. Rhett paused for a moment at Scarlett's smile of contentment, and said to his stepdaughter, "Here is the first part of your gift."
Without a word, Ella hugged her stepfather. "This is the most beautiful thing I have ever received! "Ella's Theater". And all those beautiful painted characters...they look like they're going to pop out of the set!"
Rhett's eyes twinkled, satisfied to watch Ella, Scarlett, and even Wade, all three fascinated by the puppet theater he had imagined.
It was made of three wooden panels, the central part was at least 75 inches high, the solid sides not exceeding 50 inches. The carpenter had reinforced the folding screen with metal bars, which ensured the stability of the right angles of the assembled panels.
On the central panel, the carpenter had cut, from 27 inches of the ground, a window of 30 inches height and 43 inches width.
Rhett explained, "This stage height will be perfect for everyone, young and old, to enjoy the show while seated. You may be wondering why such a wide stage? Simply because we're going to need room for our characters to move around the stage comfortably."
Right now, this one was hidden by a pair of purple velvet curtains. The craftsman had carefully finished the upper part by cutting harmonious and symmetrical curves, which had been painted in gold.
Ella, Wade, and Beau had begun to closely inspect every detail of the decorated theater. The other children were milling around.
"Look, Ella! It looks like you're the one who's going to come out of the painting!" The central panel overhanging the scene represented a frame with golden moldings. But, by some magical effect, or more likely due to the painter's skill, figures seemed to burst out of the borders with vigor. In the foreground, the head of a little girl emerged from the window, her arms on the molding. She had the simplified features of a fairy tale heroine, but her hair was red and her eyes green.
Rhett commented gently, "It's no longer 'Alice in Wonderland,' but 'Ella in Wonderland. See the dolls she operates by sliding her hand into the cloth body? They are the oldest French glove puppets, Guignol and Madelon, his wife. Behind them, the police officer is watching them."
Ella drank in her stepfather's words. She had missed him so much! So the fact that he was giving her attention, and taking the time to explain the meaning of the illustrations, was in itself the greatest gift.
A few discreet openings had been provided in the middle of the frame, in order to allow the manipulator - Ella - to take advantage of the reaction of her spectators.
The title "Ella's Theater" was featured inside a wrought iron looking sign.
On one of the side panels, a thick forest could not hide the wolf, standing on two legs, whose size covered almost the entire height of the board. Little Red Riding Hood was visible at the back, but was not in danger, because the two front legs of the wolf were absorbed in manipulating two string puppets. A dozen small fantastic characters were hidden in the branches of the trees. With the optical effect, they seemed ready to pounce on the spectators. Ella exclaimed, "Wade, do you recognize them? They are the ones illustrating our oldest storybook in the playroom."
His brother nodded. He was amazed that his former stepfather had taken the time to think up such a pleasant surprise for his sister.
On the left panel, string puppets had been released from their manipulators. One lay on the ground, its legs obviously disjointed. The others gave the impression of running towards the audience, because the proportions between them were perfectly respected to give the feeling of a frantic escape, running away from their masters. But these seemed to take revenge, because the arms of the fleeing puppets seemed to go in all directions, for lack of suspension.
"Who painted these scenes? You've recruited a talented artist, Rhett! The "trompe l'oeil" work is remarkable! What precision in the play of light and shadow!" Harry, with his art expert hindsight, was impressed with the result. "It shows a perfect mastery of the laws of perspective in architecture."
Very happy with the result, Rhett declared: "All the credit goes to Scarlett! She was the one who detected the artistic qualities of a young French painter, and hired him. I just borrowed his services for two days. Without her, I would have been able to quickly find only a poor amateur painter to animate Ella's theater."
Scarlett's guests took turns congratulating her on having discovered such a talented artist.
The hostess of Peachtree Street was a little confused by so much praise, especially since the only reason she had hired Aimé Tersène was because of the low price of his services. It was the first time that she had received the slightest compliment for her presumed artistic knowledge! And the most astonishing thing was that it was Rhett who had triggered these effluvia of praise. "He who always made fun of my aesthetic tastes! It is to understand nothing any more... "
She questioned him with her eyes. She saw that his look sparkled with pleasure, and understood that he too found this situation quirky. And that he was delighted.
Harry let his motives as Atlanta's Director of Arts and Culture carry him away. "If you'll allow me, Scarlett, I'd be happy to get to know this artist. I already have one or two projects in mind that I could give him. Once he has finished his work with you, of course. Besides, I wonder..." He paused, hesitated, then resumed, "I wonder if it wouldn't be a good idea for you to help us recruit other artists. If all your contacts are of this quality, it would certainly be beneficial to our City."
Scarlett was stunned. She read the amazement in Ashley's eyes, and relished it a little. It wasn't often that she could shine in his eyes for anything other than her beauty, her passion for life or her business acumen.
Amused, Rhett apostrophized his new friend with a big laugh: "Scarlett O'Hara's talents are multiple. I was the first to spot them."
Scarlett looked at him, ready to pounce. He noticed immediately, and his teasing laughter started again.
Taisy was watching this oral joust. She caught the incensed look on Scarlett's brother-in-law's face as he gave Rhett Butler an incendiary look. Or hate. Hatred? Why, what was their relationship? "The first one to spot them"... How long had Rhett and Scarlett known each other? There seemed to be a conflict between them. At least, her friend's icy demeanor suggested as much. So many mysteries that Mrs. Bennett was dying to understand.
Wade stepped behind the screen and saw the tiered stage. It was the exact inside dimensions of the theater. It was equipped with metal rods attached to the bottom of the screen, which further ensured the stability of the whole.
The boy remarked, "The top steps are high. For puppets, is this useful?"
Rhett agreed, "But wait until your sister opens her second surprise and you'll understand. He handed Ella the large package he had brought with him on Friday.
When she opened the box, Ella was speechless at the originality of the four dolls. All the eyes of the children and adults were now riveted on these objects made of wood, cloth, leather, and paper mache, from which a special atmosphere was flowing.
Rhett took one in hand.
"Ella Lorena, I have the honor to introduce you to the "fantoccini" of Mr. Thomas Holden, the most famous English puppeteer*. His compagny has been touring the United States for two years, even in the cities of the Wild West, as far as San Francisco. They have just returned to England.
All the children had gathered around Rhett and were hanging on his lips.
Once again, Scarlett noted how comfortable he was with them. He had a talent for captivating them.
Addressing the small audience, he continued his story: "I had the opportunity to attend one of their shows. Believe me, they delight adults as well as children. His troupe is called the Imperial Marionettes. Imagine a miniature world, populated by characters no taller than 25 inches, coming to life to embody tales like Little "Red Riding Hood", "Beauty and the Beast", or "Jack the Giant Slayer". On a grandiose stage, the team can manipulate three hundred puppets! I must admit that I was very impressed myself.
Wade looked at him warily. How could this man, who had been so cruel to his mother, have the look of a child marveled by a world of dolls? He saw once again that his sister was in awe of their stepfather. "At least he's giving her a birthday present that will mark her forever!"
Pleased that so many attentive ears were listening to him, Rhett continued: "This Mr. Holden has perfected the system for handling them, and especially for making the wires almost invisible. I'll explain it all to you later, Ella. You have before you puppets that only professional manipulators can make come alive. Imagine that, to make the simplest doll move, you have to activate nine wires with one hand?"
Ella, like other children, put her hand in front of her mouth to hide her face of astonishment. And then she worried about disappointing her stepfather, "But, Uncle Rhett, I'll never be able to make them live!"
He looked into the little girl's eyes, "Don't worry, Ella. I'll be there to teach you how to animate them. Mr. Holden has taught me a few tricks, and I'll perfect them with you."
Ella was only half reassured. She hesitantly objected, "I'd love for you to teach me. But... Uncle Rhett, how could you? You're never in Atlanta anymore!"
Rhett sat up straight. He looked into Scarlett's green eyes, who was listening with curiosity. Inwardly, he admonished himself. "Come on! Courage. She must find it natural..."
One fist resolutely in his trouser pockets, the other hand resting on his stepdaughter's shoulder, he announced: "We'll have plenty of time. Saturday or Sunday, or even a weekday afternoon - after you've done your homework, of course. I happen to have to stay in Atlanta on business for a while."
Several pairs of adult eyes looked at him with amazement...
(*)William John Bullock (1832-1882), British puppet theater director and puppeteer. In the fall of 1873, Thomas Holden went to America with Bullock's Royal Marionettes. He broke away to form his own group. Starting in Philadelphia (March 1874), then moving on to Cincinnati and San Francisco, they toured the cities of the West. In 1875, Thomas Holden toured Britain with his own company. Thomas Holden is credited with the archal wire, the vertically striped stage backdrop to make the puppet's strings less visible (source: World Encyclopedia of Puppetry Arts, org - fr/thomas-holden/
Disclaimers : I do not own the story and the characters of Gone with the Wind which belong to Margaret Mitchell. I created the "world" of Duncan Vayton and Blanche Bonsart.