Wilting Roses (Formerly known as Arranged)

Tragic Karma

~Chapter Five~

It was the sunrise peaking just over the tall hedges that woke Scarlett from her slumber. Her large almond color eyes opened to receive the beauty before her. It brought warmth to her heart to see all of her hard work pay off. Even after every winter when each pedal wilted and the grass grew yellow she was able to bring forth the beauty this magnificent garden held. Even birds had begun to choose the giant weeping willow tree as a home. They sang and bathed inside the fountain. Enjoying the fresh water that looked as if its reflection were merely diamonds dancing above.

Taking a deep breath she inhaled the exotic scent of roses and freshly cut grass. Making her way towards the fountain she dabbed a bit of water on her face and did her best to arrange her hair without a reflecting glass. She dressed quickly after she had freshened up, making certain that her hair was in a twisted braid and her cheeks were pinched to a blushing pink. Slipping into her boots she clipped the buttons and finally stood. Today she sought for it to be a good day and the only way to accomplish such a task would be to stay out of her husband's sight.

Scarlett smiled in confidence and made her way out of the labyrinth determined to fill her belly with food and flee the manor before she was caught walking about. The last thing she need to was to find her husband pressing his mistress against the wall while his mouth devoured her own. Over the last two years and nine month's she had grown accustomed to seeing Lady Camille about the manor. However, no matter how hard she tried she could not become accustom to seeing them in such a private manner.

The night she had caught them kissing and undressing one another outside his chamber door she had gotten a terrible lashing from Dathan the very next morning. To think of the cruel words he had said to her only made her shiver in fear. As charming as he presented himself to be, no one knew Dathan's ugly side more than Scarlett. It was the only side to him she new very well.

Scarlett frowned as she walked out of her garden. She hated being a disappointment but it wasn't like she could do something about it. Even when she had tried talking to Dathan about being friend he had laughed at her idea. In the end she simply chose to give up and simply let him be. Finally making her way out of the entrance she walked the stone path that led towards the glass doors.

"Good morning Lady Heart."

She smiled and greeted her lady in waiting at the door. "Good morning," she replied."

"Would you like some tea?" she offered.

"A warm tea would be most fitting after I have had my breakfast." She said with a kind smile.

She aided her to her room and hurried about to take out a dress for Scarlett to wear. It always felt awkward to stand there and wait for them to do their job. In all honesty it had always bothered her that they did this.

"I will make haste to prepare your bath and make certain your food is ready." She replied. Smiling, her maid walked out of the room only to appear a few moments later with a wooden container of scalding hot water. With the help of another maid they stumbled their way to the tub pouring out the steaming water.

While they made certain to level the temperature of the water, Scarlett took the time to unclothe behind her dressing stand. She hated having them do it for her, but Dathan always protested when she tried treating the help like friends. He'd often tell her that he paid them to do everything, why would she bother wanting to be friends with them.

When she had bathe and sat before her mirror she watched as three young girls worked to make Scarlett look decent.

Her lady in waiting soon picked a gown, in her arms a cream ivory dress. The smooth satin garb hugged her perfectly around her waist which was made even tinier as they tugged at the strings of her corset. Her hair was gathered so that not a single string of hair laid out of place. Coiled and pinned to look exquisite Scarlett was ready to descend and start her day. It was of no surprise to her why the maids has put on one of her best dresses. She was certain company followed on this day. Her lady in waiting bowed her head as I sign of respect but before leaving she turned with a puzzled look upon her face.