Wilting Roses (Formerly known as Arranged)

Hiding in Plain Sight

Chapter Eighteen

Day's drifted away and still there was no word from Scarlett. Dathan feared that word from her would never reach him. For the first time since had scraped a knee playing outside, did Dathan seek his father's for comfort. Sir Heart had arrived at Heart Manor feeling disappointment overwhelm him. His wife had accompanied him of course but she was speechless to everything Dathan confessed.

There was a long lecture that followed with every word Dathan spoke and for the first time he listened to his father's advice. There was nothing he spoke that was a lie. Dathan indeed had been rather cold with her and he could not argue with his father that his absence around her had been too much. His father pointed out that every time he came for a visit he was nowhere to be seen. He acknowledge all of this and took deep consideration in every word.

It was then that nearly a month's worth had gone by that his father had personally sought out Scarlett to have a private word with her. Dathan was still cowering and finding it rather humiliating to present himself before her home. He was certain they would stone him if he dared go. There was still so much more of him to mature. He didn't know how to really handle love.

"I have gone and checked with the Worthington's, your wife is there and her mother is doing well. Unfortunately, there in desperate need for money. I have offered my help to Scott but he refused it." Dathan's father said. They walked side by side, through the threshold and into the grand court lobby where the ball was to be held.

He hadn't wanted to leave the safety of his home but his father had insisted that he meet him there. Harland was anticipating the balls arrival and servants scurried about to finish the last of the decorating inside the large spherical building.

"And Scarlett, how is she?" Dathan asked.

"I have done all I can to try and convince her to return."

"Will she attend the ball?"

Sir Heart gave an exasperated sigh, clearly expressing deep concern for their marriage. "I have not the slightest clue, she seemed a bit off, distant to be more precise" he replied.

Great disappointment hit him to hear that she had the littlest of interest to return. There was no doubt in his mind that she was better off living with her family, where she was properly cared for and loved. Not to mention the man that already held her heart, Victor Killian. His eyes scanned over the massive gran dining room. His eyes failed to take in the exquisite detail from the large drapery to the marbled glass floor. All he could picture was Scarlett in his arms, a smile warming her lips and her eyes filled with love for another man.

Dathan took a sharp breath and felt his heart clench at the thought. He was torturing himself every time that bloody man crossed his mind. No doubt he was there, keeping the family company, already associated with every single one of them. Was he a wealthy man? Did he have sufficient funds to aid the family in their desperate times? Would he be able to care for Scarlett? Feeling agitated he reached for the back of his neck and squeezed it in hopes of easing the tightness there. He was the last thing on Scarlett's mind as he saw it.

"I need to ask you a favor." Dathan said to his father.

"You are asking me for a favor?" Sir Heart replied in surprise.

"There is a man competing with me over my section of the market to sell my crops. His name is Victor Killian. Can you contact your informants and ask that they find out who he is exactly. I do not need a stranger intervening in my affairs." He lied.