Chapter 15. February 21, 9 am, Scarlett's journey among High Fashion's world, Gone with the Wind fanfiction

Charleston, February 21, 1876

"Well! Big brother, you seem very quiet this morning! "Melina was teasing Duncan at the breakfast table. 

He had just spilled the sugar bowl on the embroidered tablecloth. He gave a grunt of annoyance.  

Melina continued, amused at his nervousness. "Um... A little bit restless? But very elegant, I must admit."

Then, turning to Cathleen, "Don’t you think so, Mother? "

Cathleen detailed her son's outfit with approval. He was wearing a light blue embroidered silk vest over his white shirt. The collar was fastened with a midnight blue bow tie, with small dots in the same shade as his vest. His navy blue jacket with fine stripes fitted and highlighted his build.  

"Yes! Your eyes look even bluer that way." Cathleen looked at him with admiration. 

"Thank you, Mother." He gave her a small smile. "I have to take the buggy today to go to the Mills. I hope you both have a good day."

Cathleen followed him down the hall. "Do not forget to take a scarf with your coat. It is chilly today.»

Duncan nodded. He was about to open the door when his mother noted what he was carrying in his arms.

"Two blankets? »

The young man blushed slightly. "Yes, I have to give a client a tour of the spinning mills. Early mornings are cold in February. It will be useful for her during this long trip. »

Before his mother could add a comment, he left. 

ooo

A few minutes later, he knocked on the door of the Robillard House. Scarlett greeted him with a smile. 

She was dressed in a dark green velvet dress, - the "Charleston green" shade. Embroidery adorned her sleeves and upper chest.

Her scarf, that day, was trimmed with rosebuds. The same red as your lips, Scarlett, Duncan thought. A black wool jacket marked her waist.

She elegantly held out her hand, and he leaned in to place a light kiss on it. 

"Good morning Scarlett! I am glad you agreed to let me be your guide. It is going to be a long day.» 

"Good morning Duncan, you are on time! I am ready to go. Let me get my coat on.»

"Maybe you should cover your shoulders with a big shawl, because it is going to be cold, especially in the country." There was a hint of anxiety in his voice. Perhaps he should not have suggested this trip in this weather. 

Scarlett looked at her outfit. "Of course, you are right. Would you mind waiting a few moments while I look for it in my room?" With a wave of her hand, she preceded him into the parlor.  

Duncan glanced down the hallway. "May I pay my respects to your aunts? »

The niece Robillard informed him that they had both gone to mass. Then she went upstairs. 

Duncan looked around, searching for some trace of Scarlett's presence in her aunts' living room, an engraving, a painting. Frustrated, he found nothing. This was not the place to find out about the mysterious young woman. 

He smelled her perfume before he turned around. She had a large woolen shawl in her hands. 

Satisfied, he approached her. "Can I help you? " Without waiting for her answer, he unfolded the scarf to wrap it around her shoulders. 

Scarlett enjoyed his warm hands around her. She detected a certain feverishness that pleased her. How pleasant it was to resume the old seduction games of her carefree youth! 

After he helped her put on her coat, she adjusted her hat in the hall mirror. Her eyes clouded at the thought of her excitement when she had first put it on, - the wrong way, to Rhett's delight.. When she had been selecting her clothes to go to Charleston, the old hat box had drawn her in. The green silk was perfectly preserved. The pattern was probably a bit old-fashioned, but Scarlett felt it was worthy of being displayed again. She took this fetish souvenir with her.

Duncan helped her into the buggy, whose top had been raised. Then he picked up one of the blankets on the seat. 

"Will you allow me?" He asked her, while dutifully wrapping the woolen quilt around her back. Then he placed the other plaid on her lap.

Scarlett was amused by the attention. With a little laugh, she said: "You know, I am not made of porcelain! I have been used to driving my buggy for many years, in any weather. »

Duncan did not back down. "It is an hour away and it is still winter. If I want to keep you as my women wear’s ambassador in Atlanta, I had better take care of you! "And he gave her a mocking look. 

Scarlett in the buggy - Print from Louis Icart for La Dame of Camelias from Alexandre Dumas

They laughed heartily and began their journey.

oooo

They were silent for a while.

Scarlett enjoyed the comforting warmth of the woolens. Indeed, they were welcome because the air was crisp.  

"This time, I am going to take the lead in sharing the blanket with you. I need my driver to be healthy until we return." Her intonation was mischievous. Then she spread some of the tartan on Duncan's lap.

A weak "thank you" was uttered. He pretended to focus on driving the horse and gripped the reins tightly, lest he noticed that his hands were shaking. Sharing the common warmth under that plaid, as their bodies brushed against each other on that narrow bench, was so intimate that his body was beginning to react dangerously.  

His traveler put an end to the confusion that was invading him. "So you are the owner of the spinning mill we are going to visit. Fashion designer and running a textile company, that is not common! »

Duncan cleared his throat for coming back to reality. He started to explain his motives for building a partnership with Jerry Harvey to modernize his mill: his desire to source from a southern state - which Scarlett agreed with since she herself was reluctant to buy from the old Yankee states -, the low production of southern mills, and the limited choice of high-end quality fabrics made in the United States of America. He told her that Vayton & Harvey Mills was now managing the entire production process, from cotton bale intake to fabric finishing.

Scarlett was feeling enthusiast. This man, whom she had only just met, was now talking to her as an equal. Having been used for a long time, to organize the logistic of her various business, she understood his demand for complete control over his supply. Moreover, discovering the world of the textile industry really interested her. 

He said that, within a year, he had succeeded in securing the loyalty of many of the tailors and dressmakers in the Southern States who wanted to buy fine fabrics. 

The time passed so quickly that they were surprised to already have arrived at the mill.

ooo

Jerry Harvey greeted them, and then left it to his associate to show the Atlanta client around the plant. 

Duncan was happy. Not only was the woman accompanying him breathtakingly beautiful, but also she was pragmatic in asking him questions about labor costs or production times. She was remarkably knowledgeable about labor laws. What a seasoned business woman! It is easy to see that she is used to running a business. She is so different from the women of the honorable society of Charleston cast in the same mold of the decorative wife.  

 Understanding that his listener was receptive to his explanations, he even ventured into the technical details of the various machines used to obtain textiles that could compete with French production.

When they reached the dye house, he showed her the indigo powder. 

"My father bought large fields dedicated to indigo crops. Even though the use of American indigo is losing its influence, I wanted to keep this tradition alive to accentuate the authenticity of Vayton & Harvey textiles. In fact, I decided that the color indigo blue would become the hallmark of La Mode Duncan designs this year. »  

Blue indigo applied for La Mode Duncan fashion - Costume template in ink and watercolor of Melanie's dress when attending to her brother and Scarlett's wedding, in Gone with the Wind.

While he was pronouncing this sentence, he looked into her green eyes. The indigo blue suddenly lost interest. 

Scarlett started to admire the rolls of fabric, some more beautiful than others. Under the professional advice of the mill owner, she decided on quality textiles in attractive colors. No doubt the ladies of Atlanta would want to have them made into elegant garments. 

Warping room in Olympian Cotton Mills, Columbia, South Carolina - source Virtual Library Of South Carolina Textile History

She wondered in an aside why she did not have to negotiate the prices. Before she asked for any “commercial gesture”, Duncan Vayton had given her the generous discount and payment terms traditionally reserved for his most important and loyal buyers. 

"I am delighted to have visited your spinning facility. It was exciting."

The young industrialist accepted the compliment with pleasure.   

"Now it is the sewn clothing supplier's turn. He is located three miles from here, in the next town. »

Scarlett was carried away by a whirlwind. And she enjoyed it immensely!

When they arrived at Johnson Ready-to-Wear Ltd., the owner rolled out the "red carpet" for the famous designer. He would almost do pirouettes, Scarlett mused. 

Duncan introduced her as one of his important clients.

Scarlett understood his ploy to get Mr. Johnson to give the best price to this privileged partner.   Interesting… He can lie with ease - just like me!

They entered the warehouses.

Duncan watched in wonder as the practical business woman turned into a lighthearted coquette, twirling from dresses to skirts and petticoats, and from blouses to jackets. 

She looks like a little girl who does not know which present to open.  Duncan was strangely moved. She looked so fragile! He had the sudden feeling of witnessing a rare moment when Scarlett O'Hara was naturally joyful, free of the weight of the experiences she had been through.

Scarlett O'Hara, happy.

And he had an overwhelming desire to know more about her life. For the moment, she had not given herself up, content to listen to him. He had not dared to question her out of discretion. He promised himself to know more at the end of the day.

The manager of Ready-to-Wear came to join them. Immediately, Scarlett regained her business-like posture. With efficiency, she pointed out different styles of clothes and asked about prices, stock turnover and delivery costs. Always with her charming smile but with relentless negotiation skills.

Duncan was a mute witness to her unerring powers of persuasion. In no time at all, the poor tailor agreed to comply with the smiling demands of his new buyer, guaranteeing her, in addition, exclusive sales for Georgia!

What a woman!  The young man's admiration for this charming Cameleon grew even stronger.

ooo

On the way home, Scarlett expressed her delight with the past hours, which were promising to be a success for the launch of "The Boutique Robillard". 

Duncan laughed heartily: "Poor Johnson never stood a chance of making a profit with a client like you. You are a great business woman, Scarlett! »

Her dimples deepened with pleasure. "I am very heartened by your compliment, Duncan, especially coming from an entrepreneur like you. It is true that I have learned to fight in business! »

It did not take more for the designer to incite her eventually to confidence. "May I ask you to tell me more about your undertakings?  As a woman, you had to face a thousand torments to impose yourself. »

Scarlett was surprised by his comment. Finally, a man who recognized her professional talents! Her gaze drifted away. Long ago, Rhett had said he appreciated this quality. It turned to better criticize it later… 

She felt so trustful that she started to talk freely about her store, the difficulty of getting money by those who had contracted to pay on time, and the shop’s expansion.

The store of Franck Kennedy and Scarlett O'Hara Kennedy, dans Autant en Emporte le Vent

She did not omit the purchase of her first sawmill, "my baby" she told him. 

Duncan showed his surprise by this choice of business. Such a difficult line of work, and totally unusual for a woman !

"That was the only way to put my family out of the misery the Yankees had brought upon us by destroying our plantation. I was loaned the money to buy this decaying sawmill. I had to fight to sell my lumber to the builders. The competition was fierce. I employed means that you may find inelegant. »

Scarlett's voice became more hesitant. Her features had hardened. 

Duncan looked at her, "I do not think I shall ever find fault with your actions. You were so brave to immerse yourself in the brutal world of the forest industry!»

Defiantly, she looked at him: "Really? A very close friend of mine was deeply shocked that I was using convicts as labor. I assume that now you will be less admiring, Mr. Vayton." Her tone had become bitter.

Convicts hired by Scarlett O'Hara on her sawmills, Gone with the Wind.

Why had she felt the need to confess what Ashley had always accused her of? Why did she want to shock him and compromise the image this man had of her? Perhaps to test him?

Duncan pulled on the horse's reins to stop the buggy at the side of the road.  He turned to her and took both her hands in his. Then he forced her to look at him so she could read his sincerity.

When she looked up, her eyes were misty. Two foggy lakes in the morning, Duncan thought.

"I will never judge you, Scarlett. You used whatever means you felt were right to make this mill work. If hiring prisoners got you out of financial trouble, that was brave and clever of you. If you were blamed for that, then that person was not your friend. » 

And he fell silent. What 'very close friend'? This questioning darkened his mood for a few seconds. 

As for Scarlett, she was reviewing in her mind the negative judgments, criticisms, and slander she had faced since the first day she took over the Kennedy store. All the tension she had built up over the past few years was inexplicably bubbling up.

The incongruity of this intimate exchange gave her a boost.

"I do not regret any of the decisions I had to make. On the contrary, I assume them and I am proud of them. Since the war, I have fought alone to feed and protect my family. Therefore, the means did not matter. My single concern was that they were no longer hungry and cold. » 

The heir of the Vayton’s fortune was amazed by the fighting spirit that her frail body was exuding  

Then she added: "It is weird. I am not used to talk freely about this. I have always had to be strong and unflappable to others. And here we are on the side of a road in South Carolina, and I am opening up as if you were an old friend!”  

Before today, there had been only one in her life. He did abandoned her…. 

Duncan tightened his grip. "I will be your friend, if you honor me with your trust, Scarlett. We have known each other twenty-four hours, and yet..." He paused, paralyzed by a flood of emotions that baffled him.  This was crazy! Totally irrational. Except that, since yesterday afternoon, he was going down unknown paths. 

He straightened up and regained some confidence. We are only a mile from Charleston. There is a restaurant nearby with a reputation for good food. It is time for lunch. Let's go. This will warm us up. 

She had pulled herself together, and gently removed her hands from his grip. She squared her shoulders. Her moment of weakness was over. Scarlett the conqueror was back.

oooo

After enjoying their hot food, Duncan resumed the conversation. 

"It is quite remarkable that you run your stores by yourself. Even in Paris, I do not remember meeting such an independent business woman. If, perhaps one, Marie, the wife of my neighbor and friend, Charles Frederick Worth. (*1). She runs her husband's store with a masterful hand. Moreover, by wearing the exclusive creations designed for her in her social life, she has become the best ambassador for the Worth Couture House. »

Scarlett was left breathless. "Worth? Do you mean the famous French master of fashion? The one who dressed the greats, like the Empress of France?" (*2)

Charles Frederick Worth created gowns for Sissi, Emperess of Autriche (the star gown), and the French Empress Eugénie.

The dapper Scarlett was suddenly transported into a dream world, that of the fashion journals she loved. She was fixing her interlocutor with surprise by realizing suddenly the proximity of this one with the mythical character. 

Duncan was mesmerized by the shimmer of the two emeralds facing him. The designer wondered, How can the eyes display such a wide prism stretching from soft green to metallic green? 

He let his thoughts wander again. What is happening to me? I am ridiculous to react like this!

He tilted his head slightly to the side and proudly resumed his explanation. "Indeed, he is my friend. Our two fashion houses are located side by side on Rue de la Paix. You probably know that Worth is the initiator of "Haute Couture" in France. (*2) Unlike other couturiers and tailors, who, it must be said, are executors at the service of their clients and follow their tastes and style requirements, he and I dream the sketch, invent the model, and - dare I say it - make the fashion. 

"Does this mean that you impose your outfit choices on even the greatest of this world? I must admit that I am in awe of your talent! ». She dug her dimples a little deeper. 

The seducer was rejuvenated. "That is the privilege of the artist.”  

His mustache twitched with the pleasure of having impressed her. "Our goal, Charles Frederick and I, is to be elitist and rare. Every creation is singular. That’s the reason why, whether it's the noble or wealthy French woman or the New York millionaire, they are happy to have a unique set dedicated to them. The only latitude I allow my client is the choice of color or fabric. » 

Charles Frederick Worth and a client choosing the fabric of her futur garnement, at his Atelier de Couture Rue de la Paix, in Paris.

Duncan was proud to be able to shine with Scarlett O'Hara. "I was lucky when I created "La Mode Duncan" in Paris. I owe my success in France to Worth. At a dinner party, he introduced me to Empress Eugenie's milliner, who bought several models from me. When I moved to 9 rue de la Paix in 1865, Frederick Worth already had all the queens, empresses, and princesses of Europe at his feet - to take their measurements! (*2) I must modestly confess that, at he time I came back to Charleston, "La Mode Duncan" Paris also had succeeded to dress the most famous Europeans, princesses, or celebrities."

Scarlett was more and more enthusiastic. "This is fascinating! You are the first artist I have ever met," she concluded with a teasing smile. 

Duncan leaned over the small table where they were sitting so that their heads were closer together. His iris had darkened. In a dull voice, he admitted, "YOU are fascinating! »

The tension became palpable. Scarlett was aware that she was blushing slightly. God! How long had it been since she felt that pleasant little tingle?

She made a small movement backward to increase the distance that separated them. In order to break the spell.

"I shall be happy to visit the workshops of "La Mode Duncan" before I return to Atlanta. »

He straightened up. "When are you going back? »

"Tomorrow morning. Work awaits me if I want to be able to open my store in less than three months.»

"Let's go then! I am going to take you behind the scenes of the Haute Couture! "And they finished in the buggy the mile that separated them from the Battery.

ooooOOoooo

The sewing room was bright and airy. As soon as they arrived, Duncan introduced her to the workshop manager, Blanche Bonsart. 

Scarlett detailed the young woman with curiosity. She was no taller than she was. Her chestnut hair was trapped in a bun with a black ribbon around it.  Her features were regular, brown eyes. The round shape of her chin and cheeks gave her a youthful character. She was slim and alert. Scarlett judged that she must be 25 years old at most. Pretty! she admitted. 

The Director of the fashion workshop of La Mode Duncan, Blanche Augustine Bonsart - Actully, she used to be my (unknown and mysterious) grand-mother, who was.... corset-maker in Lille, France.

Blanche greeted the visitor politely, in hesitant English, with a strong French accent. 

"I asked Blanche to join me in America because she is certainly the best Parisian haute couture worker."

The young Frenchwoman blushed under the compliment of her boss. 

"I wanted to recreate the same structure here as in my French fashion house. Blanche was in charge to recruit the staff, which was a difficult task, I must admit. The selection was rigorous among the candidates coming from the surrounding states, attracted by the desire to be part of a luxury fashion house and a good salary.  Most of them had experience in the clothing industry and serious references, but Blanche also demanded their availability and dexterity in handling needles. » 

Scarlett was listening attentively, happy to discover a new universe with concrete applications. 

Duncan continued to explain the organization of the workshop. The few hours he had spent with Scarlett this morning taught him that technical explanations did not put her off, quite the opposite.

"There is a strict hierarchy of functions: at the bottom of the ladder, the young seamstresses, who have been deemed highly motivated to train, the "arpettes," are responsible for placing the pins on the patterns. Next come the "qualified first hands" and the "second hands". 

While wandering through the big rooms, at each workspace, Blanche was introducing Scarlett to the tools used for each function.

"My head seamstress' mission has been primarily to add a "French touch" to the talents already acquired, whether in the method of fabrication or the use of a particular tool. We had to recruit or train embossers with deft fingers to give shape to unlikely flowers, corset-makers and “arganpières” essential for braiding crinolines, lace makers using the techniques of the masterpieces of Roubaix, and embroiderers worthy of those in Calais. » (*3)

Scarlett was marveling at each employee at work, delicately handling fabrics, each more beautiful than the next, incorporating beads or minerals into the embroidery. She inquired about the number of hours it took to make a particular fold or to finish a lace.  

"Little hands" seamstresses of Charles Frederick Worth's Atelier de Couture, Rue de la Paix in Paris.

Duncan was admiring her while she was wandering through the world she seemed to be absorbing. 

From a time to another, Scarlett witnessed the interaction between the young French woman and her employer, who sometimes was giving her directions in French. She would respond by pointing out to the young client a particular detail of finishing or embroidery, or the sewing machines that would guarantee the strength of the seams. 

The complicity between them seemed obvious. Scarlett wondered if there was not something deeper going on. She had caught a few admiring glances from Blanche to her employer…. Is she his mistress? she asked herself. She looked at the two of them. Yes, they could be a beautiful couple. She felt a little twinge of jealousy. No! I am not jealous! But... what a handsome man.! 

"Blanche, could you show Mrs. O'Hara the sewn clothes from Savannah's collection? »

Smiling, the workshop manager directed her to a huge changing room where clothes were protected by cloth covers.

She released the textiles of their wrappings so that Scarlett could admire them one after the other.

She was amazed at the delicacy of execution and originality. These dresses were even more beautiful than those she had seen in Savannah.

Her fingers caressed a deep green gown, dotted with interlaced magnolia flowers, delicately embroidered. 

Ecstatic, she turned to Duncan. "This dress is a gem! »

He approached her, and let his hand slide over the organza until it almost touched Scarlett's. 

"I have a suggestion for you. »

Curious, she was waiting. 

"When the manager of Savannah opened my store, I asked his young wife to wear one of my designs to promote the collection in the store. I am going to offer you the same thing. What do you think? Will you do me the honor of putting on this dress?"

Duncan hoped Scarlett would believe his lie. The Savannah manager was not married...

Scarlett's eyes widened. "It is beautiful indeed, Duncan. You are right. I shall buy it and keep it for myself. »

Duncan refused. "Since you will be my ambassador for Duncan's Fashion in Atlanta, let me offer it to you as a commercial gesture. » 

Scarlett was embarrassed. "No! Duncan, I cannot accept. »

But he insisted. "Who better than you to symbolize my clothing line in Georgia?  Please accept! I will be very happy to do so. »

Scarlett pinched her lower lip. It was tempting...

"In that case, I would be delighted to represent your ready-to-wear line in Atlanta". 

The young designer's eyes sparkled with pleasure.

"Perfect! »

He called his head seamstress who had left them alone. "Blanche, I need you to take Mrs. O'Hara's exact measurements so we can readjust this dress as closely as possible. »

With a smile, Blanche told her boss's new client to head to the fitting room at the back. 

At the last moment, Duncan added in French, "Blanche, I want all the measurements from head to toe.»

She nodded her head in understanding.

Before Scarlett disappeared into the fitting room, he said, "When you are finished, would you please join me in my office? »

Blanche dexterously helped the client undress, then called the sewing corrector. Using a tape, she calculated the chest, waist, and pelvis measurements, as well as the length of the arms and legs, all of which Blanche dutifully wrote down in a notebook. 

Scarlett was surprised that the seamstress also measured her head and feet. Not very useful for the dress, she thought mockingly. But she let them do. It was certainly part of their work routine.

When that was finished, Blanche preceded Scarlett to show her the way to the designer's office upstairs. 

oooo

At the sight of her, Duncan rose from his chair. 

"This is the artist's den! " she exclaimed, as she was looking around the vast space.

She glanced appreciatively at the drawers’ workshop furniture, the sketches on the wall, and the draper's table. "I feel like I am stepping into the secret of the gods! » 

 Flattered, he pointed to the framed prints. "These designs were part of my last haute couture collection in Paris in 1874. This dress was designed for an Austrian princess, this one for a famous stage actress. The latter is featured in the English court. »

Scarlett was impressed. The stature of the man in front of her was growing by the hour.

Then she approached the sketches hanging on the wall panels.  "So this is where it all begins. From a simple curve, you will imagine the most beautiful jewel box of the woman. "She did not hide her astonishment.

Duncan modestly smiled. He pointed to the watercolor templates on the table: "In a fortnight, these models will symbolize the American Haute Couture of the year 1876 in New York. For the first time, the Vayton & Harvey Mills will be featured with its signature fabric, organza and indigo brocade. The dresses from "La Mode Duncan" will mark the highlight of this annual event hosted by the owner of the Iron Palace. During this period, the store's rotunda will be draped in luxurious fabrics. The decorations and displays on the previous Couture exhibits were so dazzling that the New York press compared the event to the last World's Fair in Paris in 1867." (*4)

N°1 "Blue indigo" style of La Mode Duncan - Template drawn by Charles Frederick Worth , 1860 - N°2 and 3 drawn by Léon Sault for Charles Frederick Worth - N°4 fashion template drawn by Jules Helleu for Charles Frederick Worth - source collections vam ac uk vv

Duncan's enthusiastic tone became more hesitant, "The event is on Saturday, March 6. Scarlett, you would do me a great honor if you would be my guest on that day."

Then he added, as if by oversight, "With your husband, of course. »

Scarlett paused to think. The event would be spectacular. But the timing was really not right.

"I thank you for your invitation. But I must make arrangements to sell my store, my land and buildings so that in May I can devote myself to the opening of "The Boutique Robillard". 

She added. It is time to take my leave now. I am awfully sorry that I have taken up so much of your time. Thanks to you and the exciting day you gave me, I am free of the worry of building up my stock. With the exception of the haberdashery and fashion accessories line that I want to add. Could you recommend a supplier who imports frivolities from France? »

Duncan had recovered from his disappointment at not seeing the beautiful Scarlett in a fortnight. Later, I'll find an opportunity to meet her... She had not responded when he had invited "her husband" as well. Frustrated, he still did not know if there was a Mr. O'Hara well alive  - and well married to the gorgeous Georgian. Nevertheless, without notice it, she had just provided him with an opportunity to extend her presence today.

"There is a better solution: I buy my own supplies from a wholesaler in Paris. Of course, it is in your best interest to buy directly from the source rather than from a New York middleman. In a few days, my associate Roger Dax will ship a large load of Vayton & Dax textiles for sale in New York. He will also be enclosing, for my Establishment, rolls of precious fabrics that are not made here in America as well as rare Calais lace. It will be sufficient for you to make your selection from the supplier's catalog. I will communicate your order to the wholesaler by telegram. Your purchases will be packed in our crates.»

"What a wonderful idea! You are definitely my savior today! "She smiled at him sincerely, without coquetry, happy that this businessman made it so easy for her to implement her project.  

He opened a drawer, and pretended not to see the catalog that was spread out under his fingers. "I cannot find it. Never mind! I have a second copy at home. My sister Melina has placed her 'order' for Parisian accessories - which will be generously paid for by her older brother! "he added with a laugh. The illustrated booklet is in my office at the Magnolias' Mansion. »  

Duncan's blue eyes stared intently at the young woman, "Scarlett, before I take you back to your aunts' house, we are going to stop by my house in the Battery for you to look at that catalog. We will take the opportunity to have tea with my mother."

He did not even give her time to answer and led her toward the exit. 

Scarlett felt herself drawn into a spirale. So much had happened since yesterday and her first meeting with Duncan Vayton! The discovery of the textile industry, then the world of high fashion, the bargains she got for her inventory….

All the doors seemed to open magically. Unfolded by a charming man!

She let herself be led in the direction of the Magnolias' Mansion.

ooooOOoooo

Author: Arlette Dambron

#fashion 1880s, #fashion 19th century, #Charles Frederick Worth, #Worth templates, #king cotton, #seamstress 19th century, #sewing workshop, #gone with the wind, #GWTW, #fanfiction, #fantic, #gwtw fanfiction, #romance, #writing, #french writer  

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End notes : 

(*1) Marie Vernet, wife of Charles Frederick Worth, 1825-1898, and the first "mannequin".

(*2) Charles Frederik Worth, associated with the Swedish Otto Bobergh. Source Wikepedia

(*3) Trades of sewing: source : geneawiki.com

 (*4) Alexander Stewart in the context of a uniquely American variant of "the brilliant and varied exhibition of the industry and taste of all nations. “A. T. Stewart's Grand Exposition," The Independent 23, no. 115 (February 16, 1871): 5; "Stewart's Spring Show," New York Observer and Chronicle 50, no. 10 (March 7, 1872).  Source visualizingnyc.  

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Chapter 16. Goddesses, my novel The Boutique Robillard, GWTW fanfiction - Mémoire de nos Anciens

The Divine Adoratrix Karomama (Source Musée du Louvre) Important note: I have split the continuation of chapter 15 from February 21 into three chapters (from 16 to 18), as the text was much too ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2021/05/chapter-16.goddesses-my-novel-the-boutique-robillard-gwtw-fanfiction.html

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Reviews of readers of fanfiction.net and archiveonourown.org for chapter 15 : 

Guest, chapter 15 . May 13 : Oh no! They are stopping at his house. Who knows who will be there. My guess is there is at least one Butler guest over. I wonder if Rhett is in town. I would love to see his reaction to Scarlett- now that she is back to looking and acting like the woman he first fell for.

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Guest,  chapter 15 . May 13 : So they finally meet! Its nice to see Scarlett in action at work. I wonder how long will it take Duncan to realize who Scarlett is. I know he’s been wanting to meet Rhett’s ex. I wonder how this will affect his crush on her.

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Guest,  chapter 15 . May 13 : Rhett saying “Scarlett what have you done to me” is so ridiculous. He should have said “what have I done?!”. He’s the one who divorced her, not the other way around. How many times will he travel the world before he realizes it is not going to help him get over her. He needs to go to her and make amends before it is too late (assuming it isn’t already).

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Guest,  chapter 15 . May 13 : Does this mean Scarlett is going to look for a fourth husband? There is no way she is going to become a mistress. It is not in her character- and would cause a huge scandal. I hope she doesn’t engage in an affair like Duncan and Rebecca are having. She is trying to rebuild her reputation, especially for the sake of Ella and Wade.

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 13 : Rhett brought this onto himself. He’s allowed to go around with other women but is upset Scarlett may be doing the same. Also, who on earth writes to the aunts about Scarlett? I never knew who was keeping tabs on her to begin with.

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 13 : It’s nice Ashley is finally standing up for Scarlett, however there is no way he is going to marry her. He should find someone else or remain a widower like his own father did.

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 13  : Interesting that Rhett and Duncan do not care for one another. To be honest, I don’t think Duncan can claim to be much better than Rhett. Rhett still actually fought in the war, Duncan hid in France. That’s my opinion.

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Guest chapter 6 . May 15 : Rosemary annoys me. She never attended Bonnie’s funeral and never actually me Scarlett. She can’t just go off what Rhett says, because he is bias

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 13 : I always hate that Rhett mocked Scarlett for talking to Carpetbaggers and Scalawags. He was the one who introduced her to them. Because of Rhett’s horrible reputation at the time, it wasn’t like any of “good” folks wanted to associate with Scarlett after she married him. I don’t think he realized how much of her reputation he ruined before and during their marriage.

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 12 : Is Duncan still having an affair with Rebecca? Is Rhett really pursuing Miss Tucker?

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Les. chapter 14 . May 11 : This was such a fun chapter. I felt as if I was in the room with Duncan and Scarlett.

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Guest, chapter 14 . May 10 : Your story is so good. I hope Scarlett marries Duncan. She deserves a "gentleman" but experienced man younger than Rhett, especially that he is handsome and his personality is so much like Scarlett. How much "young" Tuker is? Scarlett is half the age of Rhett or even younger and now he is going after another young girl! Scarlett was 16 when he first saw her. He, himself was more than twice the age of Scarlett, about 35 at the Barbecue. How much Rhett's sister and her friend are younger than Scarlett? Six year? I don't think is too much that everyone see them "so young" but see Scarlett as an older woman. Waiting for the next delightful update!

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Sar. chapter 15 . May 9 : This was really beautiful, thanks for posting, I can’t wait for the next chapter to arrive

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 9 : Ahh great chapter, but why did you stop there? I want to read more! I bet Eleanor will be at Magnolia mansion! Can’t wait for the next chapter.

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Tru. chapter 15 . May 9 : Duncan has taken Scarlett on an enchanting whirlwind that will greatly enhance her boutique. While Duncan is a quite smitten with her, Scarlett’s done a fine job of not mixing business with pleasure.

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Moo. chapter 15 . May 9 : I love Scarlett and Duncan's interaction. So much . I want to ship them but not if you're going to put her back with Rhett. Because I can see how great a couple her and Duncan could be!

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Star. chapter 15 . May 8 : Brilliant can’t wait for the next chapter, I hope she marries him.

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Sca. chapter 15 . May 8 : What a wonderful chapter! Can hardly wait for more. So happy to see Scarlett exercising some discernment and restraint when it comes to priorities. Waiting to hear from the children and their input on the new business as well. You know Wade will protect his mother and Ella may be another muse for her mother and/or Duncan. Rhett is looking more like odd man out. How will he handle it?!

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 8 : Really good update. Will be waiting patiently for the next instalment. I hope his mother isn’t entertaining her new neighbour again. If, I understand it correctly, Scarlett has never been to the Butler house before but probably knows from her aunt’s which it is. Can’t wait to see how she handles this.

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Whi. chapter 15 . May 8 : So excited about this new chapter but you accidentally put the French version on the English. So I can’t read.

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Guest, chapter 15 . May 8 : You've posted the French version here instead of English!

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Read chapter 1. of the Boutique Robillard: The Divorce

Rhett Butler obliges Scarlett O'hara to divorce