Page 20 of Scarlett

Chapter Seven

When it started raining, Scarlett wasn’t sure if it was a good sign or a bad sign. She lay in bed for longer than necessary and listened to the rain pelt the window and roof.

Her wedding day had arrived along with ambivalence. She’d tried to speak to Emmett the night before, but he’d gone to bed and firmly shut the door. Aurora had tried to explain he’d always been a bit quiet and shy, but Scarlett wasn’t convinced.

The man didn’t have one shy bone in his body. God, was she about to marry an ill-tempered man?

A giggle escaped when she recalled Aurora explaining why she and Evan had left the dining room table. Her assumptions of her future husband were correct. He was as aloof as he was handsome.

It was the first time she’d ever seen a man so attractive. However, no matter how handsome his demeanor was off-putting. There was definitely an invisible wall that he ensured remained intact no matter the conversation or situation.

The only time she’d seen him not seem to mind someone coming close was with Evan. Any other time, he leaned away when someone spoke to him.

Scarlett sat up and stretched her arms over her head. Never mind his personality. They’d be husband and wife and as such, she’d find a way to get to know him.

Perhaps they’d never be as romantic and obviously in love like Aurora and Evan, but they’d have a bond between them of marriage and intimacy nonetheless.

At the thought of intimacy with Emmett, a shiver ran through her. She was very attracted to him. Hopefully he’d found her somewhat pretty and would not find being intimate to be a chore.

Thankfully, she was fully aware of what transpired between a man and a woman. Her mother had always been very frank and answered every question she’d ever asked regarding marital relations.

One night she’d even stumbled upon a couple in the throws of lovemaking when going on an evening walk in the woods near her home in Georgia. She’d been mesmerized and had watched from behind a tree for longer than she should have.

The thoughts of what would happen between her and Emmett Jones later that night made her get up from the bed to prepare for the day ahead.

After a discreet knock, the door opened and Aurora peeked in. “Oh good you’re up. Evan and Emmett have left so that you two don’t see each other until the wedding.”

Scarlett frowned. “I’d not thought of that tradition.”

Her new friend giggled. “I demanded they leave. Do you have a dress picked out?”

Aurora looked to the wardrobe. On the open door, a beautiful dress that she’d hung since arriving made her lips curve.

The gown was a gift from Lady Price, a most exquisite soft cream creation with lace bell sleeves and a round neckline that would show off her collarbones. The folds of the skirt went out from the waistline to the floor.

“It’s beautiful. It’s perfect for your olive skin tone.” Aurora ran her hand down the dress. “I can’t wait to see you in it. Now get your dressing gown on, I’ve prepared some ham and eggs.”

Moments later they sat around the dining room table and drank tea.

After raps at the front door, two women entered.

Aurora rushed to greet them. The first was a beautiful brunette, the second a pretty red-haired lady with bright green eyes. Both looked to her, waiting for Aurora to introduce them.

Scarlett stood and waited for her soon to be sister-in-law to make introductions.

“These are my childhood friends, Wilhelmina,” she said pointing to the brunette, “and Lucille.” Aurora motioned to the red head.

It was unbelievable that friends from Philadelphia ended up together in the west. Scarlett couldn’t wait to hear how it came about. Instead, she accepted hugs and congratulations from both women.

When they settled at the table, Lucille’s playful gaze met hers. “I must say, I can’t wait to see how the stern Emmett Jones will act once married. Perhaps, he’ll soften a bit.” Scarlett instantly loved Lucille and smiled at the words as the other women’s eyes rounded.

“Lucille!” Aurora gasped out the word loudly. “You’re going to frighten Scarlett.”

“If he hasn’t scared her off by now, why would me saying anything do it?” Lucille laughed and patted Scarlett’s hand. “Good thing he’s a handsome devil.”

“That he is,” Wilhelmina said. “Quite attractive.”

“We’ve got four hours ladies.” Aurora took everyone’s attention. “While Scarlett bathes and relaxes, we should go to the chapel and ensure the hall is prepared.”