淑女的欲望

"Baby, calm down," Xander chuckled, finding his wife's frantic state endearing. He held her hand gently, "I got word from Ben that they won't be arriving for another hour."

"I know, but we have to get ready," Scarlett said, her eyes gleaming, staring at him before continuing, "Alright, you change clothes now. I'll go downstairs to check on the preparations. I hope Albert has everything ready.

"Hmm, I'll follow you soon," Xander replied, his smile growing as he watched her hasten out of the room. "Well, at least you've forgotten about the insults you received today, my darling," he murmured softly as he changed his clothes. 

****

When Scarlett descended the stairs, she noticed Logan pacing back and forth at the end of the staircase. He appeared so stressed, lost in thought that he was unaware of her presence.

"What's wrong, Logan? Why are you pacing like that?" Scarlett asked as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

Worry creased Logan's face as he spotted Scarlett. "M-Madam," he began hesitantly. Seeing Scarlett's frown, he quickly decided to share the important news with her. "There is a guest waiting in the living room—"

"Guest? But I'm not expecting anyone. Is the guest here for Xander?" Scarlett asked, confused.

"No, Ma'am. The guest, a woman, is looking for you. I informed her that you did not receive anyone today, but that person insisted on entering. I'm sorry, ma'am—" Logan nervously scratched the back of his head, realizing he might have made a mistake.

Curiosity sparkled in Scarlett's eyes as she asked, "Who is she?"

"Ms. Melinda Gilwynn," Logan replied.

Scarlett's legs suddenly felt weak, and she had to grasp the banister to steady herself.

Logan was alarmed by the sudden change in his young madam's complexion. He berated himself for allowing Melinda Gilwynn into the house.

"Young Madam, are you all right?" Logan asked. His concern could be heard in his tone. "Would you like me to ask her to leave?" he offered.

Scarlett didn't respond immediately. She grappled with the decision of whether to meet with Melinda or not. After a brief moment of thinking, she shook her head and softly uttered, "No need. I'll see her."

Before she walked away, though, she halted and instructed Logan to assist Albert with preparations to welcome Carter home from the hospital.

With not-in-hurry steps, Scarlett made her way toward the living room. As she walked, she pondered why Melinda had come to her home.

'Had father sent her to speak with me?' Scarlett wonders, but later, she feels her heart tighten. 'Ugh! Why didn't I ask Logan who she came with?' 

Scarlett regrets not to ask Logan. Now, she dreads the possibility that her father might also be accompanying Melinda. Meeting him at this moment was the last thing she desired. She'd said she didn't want to talk with him until he'd sorted out Maggie's matters.

She took a deep breath, bracing herself to find out who her aunt had arrived with. Upon entering the living room, she was relieved to see Melinda alone. 

Approaching Melinda, Scarlett greeted her gently, offering a smile that, despite her efforts, failed to reach her eyes. "Aunty," she began with a strained warmth in her voice. "Why you didn't tell me you would come?"

Melinda rose from her seat as Scarlett approached, a slight sense of relief washing over her when she observed Scarlett's calm expression. Her gaze had no traces of sadness or anger, which put Melinda somewhat at ease.

Before arriving at Scarlett's home, Melinda had sternly scolded her older brother for not immediately informing Maggie about Scarlett. She believed that this negligence had led to Maggie's emotional outburst. While Melinda disagreed with Maggie's hurtful words towards Scarlett, she couldn't entirely fault her niece, who remained ignorant of the truth surrounding Scarlett and her mother.

Melinda was wracked with worry, fearing Scarlett might sever ties with their family, placing the blame squarely on herself again. 

Therefore, she insisted on coming here. Although her older brother had urged her to be patient and give Scarlett time, Melinda couldn't wait. She had to see Scarlett immediately. Otherwise, her blood pressure would spike and send her to the emergency room.

With unwavering determination, Melinda had made her way to Scarlett's house. Now, sitting across from her niece, she felt a sense of relief. Melinda was well-acquainted with Scarlett's past and had no intention of letting her suffer further due to Maggie's thoughtless words.

"Scarlett, I'm sorry for the sudden visit. I wanted to talk to you—" Scarlett nodded and rose from her chair before Melinda could finish her sentence.

"Aunty, let's continue our conversation in another room," Scarlett suggested. She didn't want any of the staff to hear their conversation.

Scarlett led the way to her library at the back of the house and coincidentally crossed paths with Logan, who had just emerged from the kitchen.

"Logan, I'm going to chat with my aunt in the library. Please ensure that we are not disturbed," Scarlett instructed.

"Yes, young madam," Logan replied politely.

"Aunty, please enter first," Scarlett said, opening the door and gesturing for Melinda to step inside. Before closing the library door, she turned her gaze towards Logan, who remained in place. "Logan, you can inform me when Carter arrives."

"Yes, ma'am, I will."

With the order given, Scarlett entered the library. She found Aunt Melinda comfortably settled on the sofa, enjoying the view of the lake. Taking a seat opposite her, Scarlett noticed the worry in Melinda's eyes.

"Aunty, would you like something to drink? I can have someone serve us," Scarlett offered.

"No need, Scarlett. Let's simply talk," Melinda replied with a bitter smile.

Scarlett returned the smile and said, "Alright, please go ahead, Aunty. About an hour later, my brother-in-law returned from the hospital. I need to be there to welcome him."

Melinda nodded in agreement, eager to share her conversation with Roland and Maggie after Scarlett left.