Page 1 of Scarlett

Chapter One

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1874

At her deskin the study, Lady Eugenia Price placed her pen down beside her journal and peered through the window to the wet street outside of her home. Spring showers were in full effect, the steady droplets like a sheet of silk. Although it was lovely to watch, at the same time quite annoying if one planned to go anywhere.

She wondered if her pupil would come that day. If it were her, she’d prefer to remain indoors and away from the rain and rapidly forming puddles. Then again, it was nice to see other people from time to time; so chancing the weather could be worth it for her student.

A black carriage rumbled by, its wheels sinking into puddles and sending muddy water up and over the sides. No, it was not a good day to be outside, as there didn’t seem to be any end in sight to the rain.

Her maid, Bettina walked in. “Would you like tea?”

She let out a sigh. “I hoped to wait a bit, but I don’t think she’ll come with the weather being so awful. I may as well have a little something.”

Lady Price stood and walked to the window to get a better look up and down the quiet street lined with thick trees and well-spaced homes of the wealthy.

In the distance a slight figure appeared. A woman huddled in a coat walked with quick steps, moving sideways on occasion to avoid puddles.

“There she is. My goodness, if I’d known she didn’t have transport, I would have sent Clarence.”

Lady Price turned to Bettina who’d joined her at the window. “Be a dear and fetch towels and set out some dry clothes for the poor thing.”

When her maid hurried off to do as told, Lady Price rushed to the front door and pulled it open. Thankfully there was enough of a cover over the door to keep her dry as she waited for the young woman to near.

The wet woman walked faster and climbed the three steps to where Lady Price stood.

Indeed, upon close inspection, the unfortunate creature was soaked. Her hair was plastered to the sides of her drawn face and her clothing hung limp, dripping water onto her sodden shoes.

Scarlett Franklin looked up at her with sorrowful eyes. “I’m afraid I can’t possibly come inside until I dry a bit.” She let out a soft sigh. “I apologize for my lateness. My reticule was snatched just as I signaled for a coach.”

“Oh no. That is horrible.” Lady Price took her by the shoulders, careful not to get too close. “Come into the parlor. We’ll get you dried up before you catch a cold.”

“I should at least remove my coat here,” Scarlett said.

“Don’t be silly,” Lady Price replied, tugging her in.

Leaving a trail of water, Scarlett shuffled inside, her gaze moving from Lady Price to Bettina who swiftly instructed she remove all of her clothing before taking another step into the house.

It was no use to correct the willful maid who pretty much ran her entire household like a well-oiled machine. Lady Price helped hold up a blanket as Scarlett did as told. They bundled the young woman into the blanket and Bettina guided the overwhelmed girl to a bedroom to change into dry clothes.

Lady Price chuckled when a younger maid hurried in and picked up the wet clothing while making a dour face. “Tis not right for a woman to be out alone in the rain,” the young girl said in a thick Irish accent. “That a miserable rat took her reticule is the least of what could ‘ave happened.”

“Eavesdropping again Innis?”

The girl’s eyes rounded. “No ma’am, she said it loud enough that I didn’t ‘ave to.” Innis dashed away before Lady Price could say anything more.

Bettina returned with a tray of tea and small cakes. “She’ll be out shortly. Is there anything else you require?”

“Please see that her clothes are hung up to dry. She may require a coat, as hers seems to be ruined. Look in the back room for one that I may have placed there for donating to the poor.”

Moments later Scarlettentered the room. The transformation was astounding. The young woman seemed pretty upon first inspection. However, once one took notice of her violet-blue eyes and petulant lips, she was captivating.

Her deep brown almost black hair was pulled back from her heart shaped face, showcasing thickly lashed eyes. The dress, a simple frock in a soft cream, suited her coloring perfectly. Across her shoulders she wore a shawl that Lady Price had put aside to give away.

With an eager expression, Scarlett neared and sat across from her in a settee and clasped her hands together on her lap.

“Are you well? You will warm up quickly. The fire from the hearth is quite good. How is your father?” Lady Price asked.

“Yes, thank you. I am perfectly comfortable now. I appreciate the loan of these clothes.” Immediately Scarlett’s expression changed. “Father is not well at all. No change actually. He lingers in bed. The doctor is unsure what else can be done.”