Close to the Flame

Chapter 8

The next couple of months quickly flew for Scarlet and Arthur. Nights were spent drinking and playing cards at the pub, singing with the locals and enjoying each others company, days were spent courting as society required. Scarlet found herself smiling when Arthur would call on her with flowers. He always brought her lilies because she had told him back home, her father has planted them for her mama after their wedding because they were her favorite. She liked the attention Arthur paid her, she'd never known what being courted was like and it was very pleasant. The best part for Scarlet was that she could be herself with Arthur. He never tried to quiet her or tell her what she should and shouldn't say or do. He fully supported her wishes and she appreciated that in him.

Arthur liked doting on Scarlet. He enjoyed when he took her flowers and she seemed to light up when he was there. He also felt like his day was better when he had a chance to go to call on her. Sir Leicester had begun to soften to him as well. Arthur knew how to court having seen men attempt to court Amelia, so he made sure to follow at the acceptable protocols. He even started slowing down on his drinking, only partaking when they were together and even then, drinking far less than usual. He felt a need to prove himself to Sir Leicester and Amelia, so he started working in the office more at the brewery to prove he was serious about earning his inheritance. For him, Scarlet was the first person to allow him to drop his guard freely and without concern. Amelia had been pleased with his changes and allowed him to return to Satis House after everything, she had finally found it in her heart to forgive his past mistakes. Arthur sat in the study and decided a letter would be an excellent way to continuing his courting. It would keep the appearance of courting fresh to have letters delivered, and perhaps Scarlet would write back. He got to work on writing a letter and when he was done, sent for a boy to have it delivered straight away to Chesney Wold.

Cathy came to the study where Scarlet and her uncle were reading after tea. She bowed and Leicester assumed there was a letter for him, when it was actually a letter for Scarlet. Scarlet was surprised and took the note, opening it and reading it quietly to herself:

Dearest, Miss Dedlock.
I need to confess something to you. Ever since I met you, I can only think of your enticing, green eyes. You filled my heart with unexpected joy and my head with amazing dreams of us together. My love can only grow more and more each day. I can enjoy no pleasures which you do not share.
I dream of us gardening and from time to time I would gently stroke your ginger hair while you keep smiling. In moments like these my life would simply be complete.
When I'm alone in the quiet, it always feels like I can hear your voice, whispering sweet nothings, just like the blessed music of a harpsichord.
Once I saw your lovely eyes I knew there won't be anything more precious to me in this whole world. I want to take you away from the ordinary, away from any upset or misfortune and we shall go together to the park.
My heart skips a beat at the thought that soon I will bring you red lilies to show you once more how dedicated I am to you, for all eternity.
Adoringly yours,
Arthur

Scarlet smiled reading the letter. She knew he had sent it as part of the ruse, but she hadn't expected it. She looked at her uncle and said, "It's a letter from Mr. Havisham." Leicester smiled and nodded.

"You may write back, it would be appropriate to respond." Scarlet nodded and went upstairs to her room to reply. She sat at her table smiling as she wrote thinking TWO CAN PLAY THIS GAME SIR. She read the letter again, suddenly feeling nervous about responding. What could she say that would top what he wrote? She thought for a minute and began to write. When she was done, she let Cathy read Arthur's letter, then the reply. Cathy smiled and nodded. Scarlet took the letter and sprayed her perfume on it for a little added emphasis and sent Cathy to deliver the letter to Arthur and wait for a reply.

Cathy knocked on the door to Satis House and gave the letter to the butler who announced her to Arthur. She bowed and handed him the letter, which he opened and read excitedly:

Dear Mr. Havisham—Your own feelings will explain to you how welcome your dear letter was to your own affectionate Scarlet, and how grieved I was to learn that you were compelled to tear yourself away from me, even for a short time; but, my dear Mr. Havisham, be assured that whether together or absent, your Scarlet is, and will be, eternally and affectionately your own. Should any obstruction arise, it must spring from yourself alone, as my happiness or misery in this world depends entirely upon your conduct; my very you aexistence being interwoven with your well-being and general prosperity.
My uncle has directed me to transmit you this letter. I must acknowledge my pride is not a little gratified at your statement, "that you can enjoy no pleasures in which I do not share." It is an avowal, dear , which thrills my heart with unfeigned joy, and never shall you have, on my part, the smallest reason to think otherwise.
Anxiously expecting to hear from you soon, I am, dear Mr. Havisham, Inviolably yours,

Scarlet

Arthur smiled and closed his eyes as the smell of her perfume hit him, he suddenly felt an unfamiliar arousal. He opened his eyes and cleared his throat before giving Cathy a single red lily for Scarlet. "Please deliver this to your mistress." Cathy nodded and left Satis House for Chesney Wold.