Close to the Flame

Chapter 9

A few weeks later, preparations had started for a grand party at Satis House. Scarlet was excited. She had found the perfect design for a dress that was being made for her. It was strange because she never cared so much about the clothes she wore or how she looked or acted, but since Arthur and she has begun courting, she took pride in looking and behaving her best when they were out in public. It was a strange feeling for her; the ruse was starting to feel more real for her. She had gotten to the point where she wanted to be someone Arthur would be proud to be seen with, and she felt like it was pointless. Arthur seemed attentive to her, but she knew his inner workings and there was no way he would feel the same for her as she was starting to feel for him. He was all she could think about, and when she got a letter from him, it made her heart ache when she read his words. He seemed sincere but she knew he couldn't be. She always wrote him back carefully guarding how she really felt, but it was getting more difficult to hide it. Since he was staying at Satis House again, nights they were able to meet at the pub were spent by the fireplace instead of the solitude of his room. Scarlet longed for time alone with him, but he insisted that they stay in the pub itself. They had fun drinking and playing cards and whatnot, but she missed being truly alone with him.

The night of the party, Scarlet took her time getting ready. She wanted to look perfect for Arthur. She has Cathy fix her hair with the red lily hairpins Arthur had gifted her. They perfectly matched her dress and she knew Arthur preferred her hair down, so she wore half up and the rest curled and down. Her stomach jumped when she heard the bell. She knew Arthur had arrived to escort her to the party.

Arthur stood in the study waiting for Sir Leicester. "Good evening, Sir Leicester."

"Ah. Young Havisham. You wanted to see me before you escort Scarlet?"

"Sir, I'd like to ask permission, that is," Arthur nervously dig in his pocket before pulling out a small box. "I have spoken to Amelia and would like to have permission to announce Scarlet and I's engagement at the party." Arthur handed Sir Leicester the box, proud he had worked so hard to purchase it himself.

Sir Leicester closed the box and smiled handing it back to Arthur. "Excellent my boy. Have you told her?"

"I would like to surprise her, if that would be alright."

"Yes, of course. If your sister is amiable then tonight you shall announce your engagement. Cathy, let Scarlet know Mr. Havisham has arrived and not a word about what you have heard." Cathy nodded and went up to bring down Scarlet. Arthur and Sir Leicaster waited at the bottom of the stairs, Arthur glancing down nervously at his feet as Sir Leicester looked up and smiled. "Ah, Scarlet. You look lovely my dear." Arthur looked up and gasped as he saw Scarlet decent from the stairs slowly.

"My God, Scar... Miss Dedlock." Arthur beamed when she stood in front of him. "You are stunning."

"Thank you, Mr. Havisham." Arthur took Scarlet's hand and linked her arm with his as they walked with Sir Leicester to the carriage to head to Satis House.

Everyone in society had already arrived at Satis House by the time Scarlet and Sir Leicester had arrived, Arthur linked Scarlet's arm with his as they walked the floor greeting various guests. All Scarlet could think about was being around Arthur. For the last few weeks, she stopped thinking about the coal mill and was totally focused on Arthur. He had consumed her totally. She had never felt this way about anyone or anything; her entire focus had always been getting the mill back and now she found herself imagining what a life with Arthur might be like, but she'd stop herself remembering that this was all a ruse for Arthur.

At the party, Arthur was in awe of Scarlet. She looked completely different, like there was a light about her. He found himself feeling that strange but familiar arousal as he watched her chatting with other young ladies. He knew he would announce the engagement much later, so he decided he wanted to enjoy the evening with Scarlet. He walked over to the group of girls and bowed to Scarlet. "My I have this dance, Miss Dedlock?" Scarlet put down her lemonade and took his hand as he lead her to the dance floor.

After a few dances, Arthur escorted Scarlet to a group of ladies, including Amelia. He was ready to make his announcement shortly. He excused himself for a meeting with some gentlemen in the study.

Scarlet sipped her champagne as she chatted with Amelia. The more she talked to her, the better she liked her. She was very soft spoken and sweet and Scarlet enjoyed her company. Amelia asked her to speak privately and they walked out to the gazebo. "Miss Dedlock, my brother is quite taken with you. I've noticed a great change in his demeanor and feel it has much to do with you."

"Thank you, Miss Havisham."

"You make a very handsome couple. I just hope you can make him happy in the ways he needs and wants. Arthur has always been... eccentric in the past? I'm pleased to see him working so hard to make a way for himself." Scarlet smiled as Amelia hugged her and excused herself. Scarlet sighed and smiled. It was wonderful to be accepted by someone like Amelia.

Scarlet went back into the party and couldn't find Arthur, so she started mingling around hoping to run into him. She finally decided to go outside and spotted him in a darker area of the garden. He was standing very close to a young man who was leaning over Arthur's shoulder whispering in his ear as Arthur laughed. Scarlet bit her lip and snuck back into the party without being seen, obviously upset. She walked quickly to a door and opened it walking into a study and closing the door behind her and locking it as she felt tears welling up. She was fooling herself. Arthur was never going to be anything more than a business partner. That was all he wanted, and Scarlet felt her heart sinking. She realized this had become more than a business deal. She had fallen in love with Arthur Havisham knowing good and well he would never be in love with her. She leaned against the door quietly crying as she heard voices coming closer. She didn't recognize them, but it was two women for sure. They spoke loudly as they walked by.
"Can you believe this is HIS party and he was propositioning different women? AND he is practically ENGAGED!!!"

"Poor girl. She's making such a huge mistake with him." The voices faded as the walked away. Scarlet felt sick to her stomach. She had seen Arthur with a man and he had apparently made advances on a woman. Scarlet felt like she was going to be sick. She had to leave as quickly as possible. Without letting anyone know, she gathered herself and walked out of the study before sneaking out to the carriages and going back to Chesney Wold.