|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:02:32 GMT -5
To a hotel room with a very young Scarlett smiling at him. How this had happened Rhett hadn’t a clue. Yesterday at Twelve Oaks hadn’t Scarlett told him a story along the same lines? At the time Rhett had thought it was nothing more then a bad dream. Now as his memories came back, Rhett knew it wasn’t. Before he could even wonder how this all happened, Rhett remembered Scarlett’s crying the day before in the library. Scarlett had played him, she knew just how to get his attention. Scarlett had flirted and teased with him shamelessly, all the while planning on getting him to marry her. There was nothing Scarlett O’Hara wouldn’t do to get her man. Hadn’t he told her, that he wouldn’t be pursued like the luckless Mr. Wilkes. Scarlett hadn’t listen and now it was time for his wife to learn a Life Lesson. As Scarlett looked into Rhett’s eyes, she watched them change from happiness to that of bewilderment to anger but now a shiver ran through the new Mrs. Butler as Rhett eyes took on the same look they had when he informed her, he didn’t love her. Neither moved as their eyes locked, then without saying a word Rhett turned his back to Scarlett and walked away. Scarlett’s eyes never left Rhett’s back as he opened then closed the door never looking back at her once. Scarlett mouth hung open, having no clue why Rhett would act as he just had. He was coming back, Scarlett thought as tears started to fall from her eyes, he had to. What was she to do without her husband? Rhett loved her. He told her so last night many times while she lay in his arms. He seemed so happy before she had opened her eyes. Had she done something to make Rhett angry? Searching her mind Scarlett couldn’t think of a single thing she had done wrong during their short marriage. Last night they both had been so happy together, Rhett couldn’t have faked that. Not moving from the bed Scarlett laid back down hoping whatever had upset Rhett would pass and that he would return soon. As the minutes past, with no sign of Rhett returning, Scarlett forced herself to leave the warm bed she and Rhett had shared the night before. After getting herself dressed something which was harder then Scarlett thought it would be, she sat at the edge of the bed not knowing what to do next but wait for Rhett to return. She waited two hours before her pride finally accepted Rhett wasn’t coming back, his eyes had held anger in them, then nothing as he walked out on her. His dark almost black eyes had held nothing, almost as if they had been hollowed out. Hurt slowly began to be replaced by anger, as Scarlett jumped off the bed and headed for the door. How was she supposed to get home? Scarlett hadn’t any money what so ever, if Rhett was going to cad enough to marry her and use her for a night then leave the next morning, the least he could have done was give her train fare. Stopping with her hand on the doorknob, Scarlett cried. That’s exactly what Rhett had done, he had took her body the only way he could get it, then when he was through with her he walked away. Why hadn’t she remembered what a scoundrel Rhett Butler was? Scarlett fell to the floor in front of the door and sobbed her heart out; she had once again lost the only man she had truly loved. Married to him or not Rhett wasn’t coming back and she had no money, Scarlett picked herself up off the floor and wiped her eyes. There was only one thing left for her to do, Scarlett had to wire her Pa to come get her. Knowing her Father’s Irish temper, Gerald O’Hara would want Rhett’s blood for using his beloved daughter the way he had. There was little Scarlett could do about that now, just like everything else that had happened today, she would think about all of it tomorrowm then it wouldn’t hurt so bad. Tomorrow Scarlett would come up with a plan to get Rhett back. After all she was his wife, he couldn’t run from her forever. But did she want to come face to face with a Rhett who was cold and uncaring, one that would tell her he didn’t love her that he had just used her for a good time? Scarlett would die if he told her that, but it was a chance Scarlett knew she was going to have to take. Besides, when had there ever been a man she couldn’t win once she had set her mind to it.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:03:04 GMT -5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rhett was sitting on a train bound for Charleston looking at the window. He hadn’t allowed himself to think of Scarlett once since leaving her at their hotel room. All he wanted was to see his Mother then it was time to get down to business. Having the knowledge he did, Rhett was sure he could earn twice as much as he had originally. While money didn’t mean as much to him as it once didm Rhett wasn’t fool enough to believe he could live without it. ‘Money’ Rhett thought and winced, he hadn’t left any money for Scarlett. Their room hadn’t even been paid for. How he would have forgotten such a thing Rhett didn’t know? He had to chuckle at the thought of Scarlett trying to leave and the management stopping her, wanting to be paid. Rhett wasn’t worried if there was one thing certainly knew about Scarlett it was she could take care of herself. She would put on the waterworks and wrap all the men around her little finger with a story of being the wronged wife, making him out an unforgivable cad. Hell, Rhett wouldn’t be surprised if he ever returned to Atlanta he would have to fight more then one duel over Scarlett’s honor. After all she was the belle of the ball and country folks didn’t like their belle’s being disgraced. Rhett pushed that and all thoughts of Scarlett out of his mind. Running his hand through his hair a light caught and shined off his brand new wedding band. Pulling the ring off his finger, Rhett looked at it. He could see the smile on Scarlett’s face as she slipped the ring on his finger, for that reason alone Rhett wanted to rid himself of it. Instead he put it into this coat pocket. The ring had cost him a small fortune to buy last night. Scarlett’s had cost more but his had, but Rhett had insisted she have a ring for the ceremony. The priest had known the jewelers home address, it had only taken money to get the man to open his store. Remembering all of the above only made Rhett all the angrier; Scarlett had made him such a fool last night. She probably had a good laugh at how witless he was. Rhett had opened his heart to Scarlett, not knowing how cruel and heartless the little wench could be, he wasn’t going to allow Scarlett the chance to laugh at him again. Scarlett’s Father, Gerald O’Hara would have the sham of their marriage annulled. There was no way the Irishman would permit his daughter to remain married to a man who stole his daughter’s virtue just for the fun of it. Rhett of course didn’t see it that way; Scarlett had been married three times in his mind. She wasn’t some young innocent girl he married then dumped. While technically last night Rhett might have taking Scarlett’s virtue, that wasn’t how he and Scarlett saw it. That was all that mattered to Rhett anyhow. Soon Rhett knew he would be free of Scarlett, which brought a smirk to his lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scarlett had tired everything she could think of to find her wayward husband. Writing Rhett’s Mother only to receive a letter of apology for his actions, swallowing her pride Scarlett went to Belle Watling, Rhett’s Mistress. But Belle hadn’t seen Rhett since the day before the Wilkes’ barbeque. Mrs. Watling had been quite shocked to learn Rhett had taken a wife, but more so to learn he had abandon said wife. Scarlett had to admit something she hated but Rhett had been right about Belle, she did have a heart. The other woman promised if Rhett were to return she would send him home to his young bride. Her father wouldn’t be happy until Rhett’s blood was on his hands. Scarlett had lost count of how many times Gerald O’Hara had called his son-in-law a coward. Her pa was worried about her, Scarlett knew that, but she couldn’t, try as she might, change his mind about Rhett. Then of course there was the argument they always had; Gerald couldn’t understand why Scarlett wanted to stay married to the villain Butler. If her pa had his way, she once again would be an O’Hara. The long walks Scarlett took around the Tara did help to ease her troubled mind. Tara was still the plantation she remembered as a child in all its glory. Just to be able to see it made Scarlett’s hope rise. Rhett leaving her hadn’t been all bad, Scarlett thought trying to look on the bright side of things, if she didn’t she would go mad. It had given her time to spend with her mother and Pa, even Carreen seemed to have warmed up to her older sister, following Scarlett around most days. Suellen was just as always, Scarlett knew her relationship with her would never change, no matter what. Scarlett was always careful to be kinder to everyone, even Suellen, though that took all her effort. Perhaps if she was, God would bring Rhett back to her, Scarlett knew that wasn’t exactly how God worked, in fact she knew he didn’t work that way at all. But it was all she had left to hope for. Knowing if she ever told her mother such a thing, Ellen O’Hara would make her pray for forgiveness for thinking such a thought, Scarlett never mentioned it to Carreen or her mother. Scarlett walked back to the house. She couldn’t believe it had been a month ago today that she and Rhett had been married. But instead of celebrating it together, Scarlett was all alone dreaming of Rhett’s smile. It was better to think of other things, like two weeks ago and the double wedding at Twelve Oaks. Melanie had made a beautiful bride; Honey was pretty as well. Scarlett had felt so out of place there as she watched Ashley marry Melanie, then Charles marry Honey. Her own wedding kept replaying in her mind. Rhett’s smile the way he kissed her once the priest had said you may kiss your bride. If it hadn’t been for Melly begging Scarlett to come she wouldn’t have. But Scarlett found she couldn’t refuse Melanie when she had just lost her in the past, or was it the future? Scarlett wasn’t sure any longer. It sometimes seemed like both. At the wedding Scarlett knew she had made her Mother and Pa proud, she acted like any other married lady would. She had even at the dance that night, went beyond what was called for, refusing all dance offers. Feeling lightheaded, Scarlett closed her eyes. After the spell past, she continued her walk to the house, giving it little thought, there was to many other important things on Scarlett’s mind to give her health much thought.
Mammy was waiting for Scarlett when she returned to her bedroom with a tray full of food. Scarlett hadn’t been eating lately and Mammy had made it her business to fix that problem. The very smell of fried chicken left Scarlett feelings nauseas. Putting her hand to her mouth she waved the tray away. “Take it away Mammy, the smell is making me sick.” Mammy had a worried look on her old brown face as she set the tray down on the floor outside of Scarlett bedroom. Returning Mammy asked.” Miss Scarlett, have ya been having trouble keeping ya food down?” “Yes” seeing Mammy’s eyes go wide Scarlett finished quickly, “I didn’t tell you, because I didn’t want to worry anyone. It just my nerves nothing else, I’m fine.” Mammy shook her head, the child didn’t understand briefly she considered leaving to get Miss Ellen to tell Scarlett what was wrong with her. But decided against it when she saw Scarlett’s eyes tear up. It would be better if she just came out and told her, and then if perhaps she was wrong Scarlett could laugh it off. “Miss Scarlett, ya probable itn’t thought of this seeing how ya was married one day and all. But could you be with child?” Scarlett fell onto her bed as her mind went over her symptoms she had been having all week. Not keeping her food down, light headed, dizzy and always tired. Why hadn’t she noticed before now? If Mammy hadn’t brought up the subject, Scarlett wouldn’t have thought of it for a couple more weeks. Scarlett smiled she was pregnant with Rhett’s child, but not just any baby. This baby that was growing within her now was Bonnie. She just knew it. Bonnie her sweet little girl who’s life was cut way to short. This time that wouldn’t happen, Bonnie would grow up and Scarlett was going to be the Mother she had never been before. Scarlett’s hand went to her still flat stomach, how Rhett had adored Bonnie and she knew would again. Smiling. Scarlett turned to Mammy. then said with joy in her voice “Bring that tray back in here Mammy, I have to eat if I want my baby to be strong.”
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:03:46 GMT -5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the next few months passed and Scarlett started to show signs of her pregnancy, Scarlett took great comfort in the fact she was carrying Rhett’s child. Scarlett couldn’t help but recall how everyone had told her when Wade had been born what a comfort he must have been for her. A sign of the love she had shared with Charles. While that hadn’t been true, just the thought of holding Bonnie in her arms again always made Scarlett happy. Honey Hamilton was now a widow and soon to be a mother as well, Scarlett knew without a doubt that the baby would be Wade, just as she knew her’s would be Bonnie. As much as Scarlett hated Honey, she knew the other woman would love and live her life for Wade, and he deserved that. Frank was still stalling, like always. Scarlett knew after the war he would finally get up courage and ask for Suellen’s hand. Then Ella would be born and Scarlett wouldn’t feel guilty about stealing her sister’s beau any longer. Why Suellen wanted such an old maid, Scarlett would never know. But then, during their own marriage, Scarlett wouldn’t go as far as to call him a good husband, though he probably was, but his fawning attentions were the kind Suellen would bask in. Only time would tell. Carreen, who Scarlett decided was just like their mother Ellen, never left Scarlett’s side. “Scarlett, have you giving thought to want you’re going to name the baby when it’s born?” Carreen asked one afternoon when Scarlett was past her fourth month in her pregnancy. “It’s is going to be a girl, and I’m naming her Bonnie Blue Butler.” Scarlett stated as she lovingly rubbed her stomach. “Bonnie Blue?” Carreen asked, she had thought Scarlett would name the baby after their father or mother. “But what if it’s a boy?” Scarlett’s emerald eyes looked at Carreen as if she had grown a second head. Sensing that her sister wasn’t going to answer her question, Carreen just smiled at Scarlett and glowed in anticipation of her niece’s arrival. “Carreen could you tell Mammy to bring a tray up for me? Bonnie is hungry again.” Carreen nodded her head and set out to do as her older sister asked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rhett frowned as he looked at the unopened returned letter in his right hand. Cursing Scarlett under his breath. Rhett tried not to let his Mother’s refusing to read his letters or write him bother him. But this was the fourth letter returned in many months. It seemed Scarlett had accomplished the one thing his father never could; she had gotten his beloved Mother to disown him. The last time Rhett had received a letter from his mother Eleanor Butler, was some four months ago, demanding he return to his wife. His Mother’s handwriting showed how upset she had been. Eleanor Butler was furious with her first born. His behavior as she had stated in her letter made her ashamed to invite her two very good friends, Pauline and Eulalie, over for tea. For his young bride was the pair of sisters’ niece. Rhett would have laughed at how once he had used that very relationship to explain to his Mother who he was going to marry, if he wasn’t so enraged at Scarlett. It wasn’t enough for the spoiled belle to trick him into marriage; Scarlett had to take away the one constant person in his life, who had always weathered the ups and downs with him. Rhett had the mind to catch a train to Atlanta tonight just so he could shake her up and demand to know what kind of game she was playing at. He wouldn’t though, because that was just what Scarlett wanted, and Rhett would rather die then let Scarlett have her way. It would be a cold day in Hell before he would willingly walk back into Scarlett O’Hara’s life. Rhett was going overseas soon and wasn’t planning on setting foot in Atlanta for a good year or more. At first Rhett hadn’t ever wanted to return to the town he had lived with Scarlett in, but during the war he had made a lot of money there and wasn’t going to lose it for Scarlett’s sake. Rhett would be sure to miss that ghastly bazaar where he first danced with Scarlett, even if it meant losing the little respect he had during these days. Scarlett would be there, he knew that, waiting for him. A cruel smile appeared as a rejected Scarlett came to mind, Rhett couldn’t help but feel she was just getting paid back for all the times she had hurt him. Rhett was acting as Scarlett always had, he wouldn’t let himself take the time to realize why he felt the need for revenge. If it had been Scarlett, he would have told her simply ‘There is a fine line between Love and Hate.’ While the night Melanie had died Rhett had felt pity towards his wife, being played for a fool had opened up all the bitterness. All the memories of Scarlett’s selfishness and the pain she had caused him fed his anger. Still some nights, Rhett could hear Scarlett’s voice as she told him she loved him. Rhett never found sleep those nights, he would drag up some of the many times Scarlett told him, she loved Ashley to combat her supposed love. And while that that did make her words lose their meaning, it couldn’t take the loving look from her emerald eyes that he had seen the moment he held Scarlett in his arms as they shared their first dance. Rhett just shook that thought aside, he wouldn’t fall for that vixen again. He didn’t love Scarlett and never would again.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:04:27 GMT -5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ellen O’Hara just smiled at her husband as she entered his office. It was clear to see he had been drinking. But she would not scold him. After all Mr. O’Hara had every reason to be worried when his eldest daughter was in labor. “Mr. O’Hara.” “Mrs. O’Hara, is Katie Scarlett alright?” Gerald askedm it had only been seven hours ago when Scarlett’s pains had started. Knowing from his own children’s birth that it took much longer then this, he feared something had gone wrong. If his Katie Scarlett had died in childbirth, Rhett Butler was a dead man. “No need to worry yourself Mr. O’Hara, Scarlett is fine. And I feel congratulations or in order.” Mrs. O’Hara said. She could hardly believe it herself, her oldest baby was now a mother. “Tis grand news indeed. And might I ask Mrs. O’Hara just what our first grandchild happens to be?” Gerald asked as his blue eyes danced with merriment and all his earlier worry vanished without a trace. “We have a granddaughter Mr. O’Hara, and Scarlett has already named her Bonnie Blue Butler.” Ellen informed her husband. While Mrs. O’Hara hadn’t agree with Scarlett’s choice for a name last week when her daughter told her the name, since seeing the baby she had to admit the name fit the baby girl with blue eyes. “Butler?” Gerald’s raising voice spoke as if it were a curse, “The child’s last name should be O’Hara.” Ellen knew anything she said now Gerald wouldn’t listen to, so she instead asked him a question, “Would you like to see your daughter and new granddaughter now?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scarlett felt sore all over, but paid little attention as she held a sleeping Bonnie in her arms. Tears just ran one after another down her cheeks. Scarlett was holding Bonnie again something she never dreamed would happen. Bonnie was more beautiful then Scarlett had remembered her, dark ringlets against her white skin, made her unmistakably the Bonnie Scarlett had known so well. And those eyes just like Pa’s. Scarlett found she couldn’t wait to show her daughter off to her Pa. Something she had dreamed of always doing. The only thought that took some of the joy away from this day was the fact Rhett wasn’t downstairs waiting to meet his daughter for the first time. Even worse, he wasn’t there to welcome his darling Bonnie back into the world she’d left before. He was off doing who knows what, while his family missed him. Scarlett knew Rhett would regret not being here for his daughter’s birth, but he would get over it and then they could more forward as a family. A knock at the door followed by her Pa’s voice made Scarlett forget all about Rhett for the moment. “Come in.” She replied and waited for her bedroom door to open so she could show her daughter off. Gerald walked in slowly then grinned at the sight of his daughter lying in bed holding her baby. “Is that small creature your holding there my granddaughter?” He asked. “Yes, this is my Bonnie.” Scarlett said as she proudly held the baby out for her Pa to take into his arms. “Bonnie is it?” Gerald asked as he held the baby, then as if on cue Bonnie opened her blue eyes and looked straight into those of her grandfather’s. “Bonnie Blue it is.” Gerald started laughing.
Scarlett could see the proud grandfather wrote all over his face. Scarlett sat back quietly and watched her Pa and Bonnie, as her father told her daughter all the things he was going to teach her when she was older. Scarlett knew she had enough time before the bazaar to lose all the baby fat, not that she had gained that much, but Scarlett wanted to look her best for when she saw Rhett again. He had to be at the bazaar, because if he wasn’t . . . well Scarlett didn’t like to think about that. Rhett would be there, some things had to be the same. He was after all at the Wilkes’ barbeque, so he would be at the bazaar too, and then Scarlett would somehow get Rhett back, or find out what it was that had made him leave her.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:05:21 GMT -5
Part 8
Scarlett tried to keep herself busy selling pillowcases for the Cause as the Bazaar around her buzzed with life. She never looked at the dance floor before her little pink-and yellow-draped booth. How she longed to dance, but the only arms she wanted holding her during the waltz belonged to her, as of yet, absent husband. Scarlett had taken great care tonight to wear an emerald green dress that matched her eyes precisely. Scarlett knew she looked good, because she had caught a few soldiers looking her way. Mrs. Elsing and Mrs. Merriwether both had checked up on her a few times already tonight, both claiming they just wanted to make sure Scarlett could handle the booth alone. Scarlett smiled at them and replied politely if she needed any help at all she would ask them right away. It was a shame Melanie couldn’t have come tonight, Scarlett could have used her to lean on. But as the whole Hamilton house, except for Scarlett and her baby daughter whom were visiting, were in mourning for Charles Hamilton. So it couldn’t be help that Scarlett was alone tonight. Scarlett had never noticed before tonight how a lot of the thoughtful things Melly had done was because of the selfish things she had misunderstand Scarlett was doing. Scarlett knew without a doubt Melly and Pity would not be entertaining soldiers in their parlor anytime soon. Scarlett had only been staying with them for two weeks and couldn’t wait to either run away with Rhett or return home to Tara. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Melanie, nothing could be less true, it just was being with people in mourning when you weren’t was depressing. Scarlett now understood why Rhett had pleaded with her to end her fake mourning. Honey Hamilton had been staying with her sister in law until last month, Honey had stated she couldn’t be away from her sister India any longer. So Honey had packed up little Wade and went home to Twelve Oaks. India and Honey had come visiting Tara with little Wade Hamilton. Scarlett hadn’t even been surprised to see Wade look as she knew he would. Honey was a devoted Mother, and Scarlett didn’t worry that she had made a mistake, Bonnie and Wade had become fast friends and Scarlett hoped they would always remain that way. Scarlett missed Bonnie, but if she was going to get her little girl’s Daddy back, she hadn’t a choice, Scarlett had to leave Bonnie in Melanie’s loving hands for the night.
Scarlett smirked as another customer headed her way, she had already out sold all the other booths. Knowing that it wasn’t possible for Rhett to bid on her for a dance later, Scarlett wanted to make up the difference as best she could. While Scarlett never believed in the Cause, she now looked beyond all the stories of glory the soldiers told and could see the faces of all the beaus she had that didn’t return home. Every cent Scarlett helped make went to them and perhaps could even save one of their lives. Scarlett just smiled as she sold another pillowcase. ‘Rhett should be showing soon.’ she kept thinking. Mrs. Merriwether had pulled Scarlett aside earlier to warn her, that Captain Butler would be appearing later tonight. Being kind, something Scarlett used to hate, Mrs. Merriwether told her to just come get her if Scarlett couldn’t handle being in the same room as her husband. Scarlett wanted to tell the older woman to keep her nose out of her business, but held her tongue instead she’d replied, “Captain Butler won’t bother me.” The only thing that bothered Scarlett was, where was Rhett? Scarlett sank down onto a stool as more people headed for the dance floor, it seemed buying pillowcases was the last thing on their minds. Scarlett looked around the hall at all the candles and flags. She couldn’t help but remember the first time she had been here. How she had wanted to dance that night, Scarlett knew she had been such a child then, one Rhett always could see through. It hurt to think Rhett had used her, never giving her a second thought as he walked out of their hotel room. Scarlett couldn’t understand how Rhett just meeting her at Twelve Oaks had somehow captured his attention, where marrying her had driven him away.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:06:11 GMT -5
Scarlett hadn’t forced Rhett to marry her, in fact, it was he who had brought marriage up at all. She would have been just as happy if Rhett had, started courting her. Thinking about that now wasn’t going to get her anywhere, so Scarlett tried to think of anything else. All the young belle’s in their new flocks made Scarlett smiled, she knew none looked as pretty as she did. Her waist, even after having Bonnie, was much smaller then all of the young ladies here tonight. Had she not been married, Scarlett knew she could have most of the single men eating out of her hand. That thought gave Mrs. Butler little joy. She didn’t want any of them. Since discovering her love for Rhett, Scarlett’s little power games to get beaus to do anything she wanted had lost its charm. All Scarlett wanted to be now was a mother to Bonnie, and a wife to Rhett, if he would only let her. Scarlett had been a wife to three different men, born each a child, yet not ever once had she acted nor felt the part. With Charles she almost had, in the two weeks they were together before he left to join the war. But Scarlett had shown plainly her true feelings towards him, by not mourning Charles with the dignity he deserved. Dancing this very night away in Rhett’s arms proved just that. Scarlett would forever bare shame for the way she had treated Frank. She had belittled the dear man so that sometimes he must have felt a shamed to look in people in the eyes. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she had gotten him killed. Scarlett hadn’t meant to, but she had done it just the same. Then of course there was Rhett, Scarlett had wronged him in so many ways she couldn’t count them all. Marrying him for his money. Not wanting to have his children, how that must have hurt him. Kicking Rhett out of their bedroom, so she could dream of Ashley at night. The things she told him after Bonnie had died, Scarlett closed her eyes at that. No she hadn’t wanted to be a wife any of the above times. Scarlett had changed since then and learned how to put other peoples feelings in to account. Scarlett was brought out of her thoughts when a song began, one she knew accompanied Rhett’s arrivel here so long ago. Scarlett eyes traveled to the spot where she knew Rhett should be. She could remember how in the past timeline Rhett’s eyes had looked at her and the smile he had gave her, it wasn’t like anyone else that night, all the rest saw was a widow, but Rhett saw a woman who wanted to dance. Scarlett’s lips turned into a smile as she saw Rhett standing there. Now if only he would turn and look at her, Scarlett thought for sure she would suffer a heart attack if he didn’t soon. Rhett knew Scarlett’s eyes were on him, all the more reason he wouldn’t look in her direction. He hadn’t come here tonight to see her, the only reason Rhett had come was to show Scarlett she couldn’t keep him for doing anything he wanted. After a few dances Rhett would take his leave with the knowledge he had bested Scarlett O’Hara at her own game. Rhett knew he needed to see Scarlett, just once more to see her eyes filled with hatred for him, then those cursed nights when Scarlett’s eyes full of love haunted him would disappear. Rhett turned his back towards Scarlett’s direction, hearing the ‘old guard’ start whispering he smirked. Rhett couldn’t help but wonder what gossip they were spreading about his marriage. If he was even married any longer? Any self-respecting young lady would have divorced him long ago, but Rhett knew Scarlett wasn’t a lady and would do whatever she wanted. The hall looked as he remembered Rhett thought, trying to keep himself from turning around to look at Scarlett. What was it about his wife that always if he wanted to admit it or not drew him to her. Scarlett could be charming if she wanted to be, followed by the times she could be just as cruel. She was such an enigma, one Rhett had spend years trying to make his own. All he received in return from Scarlett was pain and his precious Bonnie. It hadn’t escaped Rhett’s attention that if he wanted to take Scarlett back she could give him his little angel once more. The first time that thought accord to Rhett, he was in Europe at the time and had almost taken one of his boats and headed back to American straight to Scarlett’s waiting arms. The thought of having Bonnie back was overpowering, Rhett had to force himself not to go to Scarlett. Bonnie was dead and nothing he could do would bring her back, or so Rhett had told himself a million times. Being in a loveless marriage wasn’t going to change that. Scarlett had proved just what a wonderful mother she was; she had put her own selfish desire above having Wade. Instead of marrying Charles Hamilton like she should have, Scarlett had married him at the very cost of her son’s life. Knowing Scarlett she hadn’t given her son’s exist a thought. Ella would be next of course. There was no way Scarlett would divorce him to marry Frank Kennedy. Rhett frowned at that, he didn’t like where his thoughts were headed. Rhett would even go as far to bet Scarlett would be willing to lose Tara just to get him back. Scarlett was misguided of course, he wasn’t ever taking her back. No matter what, even if his very heart wanted to betray him once more. One way to prove that would be to turn around look Scarlett into her emerald eyes, then turn away again. Letting Scarlett see her presence here didn’t affect him one bit. Rhett exhaled the breath he had been holding the second he saw Scarlett. Some how even though he knew she wasn’t a widow in mourning, Rhett had thought Scarlett would be wearing black like the first time he had seen her here. Rhett fought that memory, but it was no use he could see clearly in his mind’s eye the way Scarlett’s face looked as she watched young belle’s dances with their beaus’. Rhett remembered the anger in her face because she was stuck behind a booth pretending to be in mourning for a boy, Rhett was sure Scarlett hadn’t even liked. Scarlett in the presence wasn’t in mourning, it had only taking Rhett a few seconds to realize this as his eyes ran over his wife’s emerald dress. To say she was beautiful was an understatement; Rhett couldn’t recall ever seeing Scarlett look as good or as happy. That smile on Scarlett’s lips that made her look like a angel instead of the wench that she was, would soon decline when Rhett didn’t walk the distance between them.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:07:14 GMT -5
Rhett couldn’t help but notice Scarlett was alone behind her booth. Where was Mrs. Wilkes? Melanie should have been right there with Scarlett like always. It had amazed Rhett that Melly had never saw Scarlett for what she really was, a vixen after Mrs. Wilkes’ husband. Melanie only saw a sister in Scarlett, someone she loved and never could find an ill thought for. Not even when India, Ashley’s own sister, had come telling of an affair between the two people she loved most did she think anything but that Scarlett had been lied upon. Rhett knew it had been a lie then as well, but even if it hadn’t, Melly would have stood by her unfaithful husband and sister-in-law. This time though Scarlett wasn’t Melanie’s sister-in-law was she? That’s why Mrs. Wilkes wasn’t in the booth standing next to Scarlett, she wasn’t here. Rhett frowned as he tried to think of the excuse Scarlett had used for being a widow at a party. Something about the McClure girls being called away. It looked as if Scarlett was there as a last minute replacement to anyone other then Rhett, who knew as well as Scarlett that this would happen. Rhett couldn’t help but wonder how long it had taken Scarlett to pick out her dress it was very becoming on her. Rhett turned away and praised himself for never having made eye contact with Scarlett. It just that looking at her was bringing up thoughts he shouldn’t be having, what would the simply act of their eyes locking do? Rhett couldn’t allow that to happen, he had to be strong. He didn’t need Scarlett in his life he was better off without her. Just thinking about all the money he could save by not wasting it on all those gifts he brought Scarlett, instead of making him happy only reminded him of how happy Scarlett had been when she received each and every one of those gifts. And how much Rhett himself had enjoyed giving her those gifts, hoping to catch Scarlett off guard so he could make her his mistress. That time was over. Scarlett now was nothing but a past love, one that made Rhett feel foolish for having fallen for not once, but twice. A roll of drums and many voices cried out “Shhh!” Then Rhett watched as Dr. Meade climbed the platform then spread his arms out in an action for silence. “We must all give grateful thanks to the charming ladies whose indefatigable and patriotic efforts have made this bazaar not only a pecuniary success but have transformed this rough hall into a bower of loveliness, a fit garden for the charming rosebuds I see about me.” Rhett joined in as everyone clapped then waited for the speech to began again. “The ladies have given their best, not only of their time but of the labor of their hands, and their beautiful objects in booths are doubly beautiful, made as they are by the fair hands of our charming Southern women.”
Rhett realized at this point in Dr. Meade’s speech he had told Scarlett that the man was a pompous goat, which Rhett still agreed with. He could still remember Scarlett’s giggles over his comment. Rhett wished for a second he was next to Scarlett, to hear her giggles once more. Shaking his head Rhett forced himself to listen to the speech the good doctor was making, soon his name would be mentioned and Rhett didn’t want to be taken by surprise this time. “We must have more money to buy medical supplies from England, and we have with us tonight the intrepid Captain who has so successfully run the blockade for a year and who will run it again to bring us drugs we need, Captain Rhett Butler!” Dr. Meade said with a tone of resentment clear to Rhett’s ears. Rhett smiled showing his white teeth then gave a graceful bow mockingly everyone with it. There was some applause, but not nearly as much Rhett noted as he should have gotten. Rhett could see the ladies in the corner looking from him to Scarlett. Of course this was Scarlett’s home ground, she had the upper hand here. Rhett stopped listening to the speech being made, having already lived through this night once, he knew what came next. He was about to lose his gold cigar case. Rhett’s eyebrow went up and a corner of his mouth went down as he wondered if Scarlett would give her wedding ring once again. Perhaps she wouldn’t, after all she wasn’t in mourning, she had to have on some jewelry other then that on. Hell no. She wouldn’t. This was Scarlett he was thinking about, the woman who married twice for money, once to save Tara another time just to get her hands on his money. It wasn’t as if she believed in the Cause, Rhett knew for a fact Scarlett believed in the Cause as much as he did, which was very little. The temptation to see Scarlett’s reaction as the man came round her with the basket was overwhelming Rhett couldn’t help but bare witness to this. “Wait-wait! I’ve got it unfastened now.” Scarlett heard Maybelle Merriwether yell as she then threw her twin bracelets in to the basket that would soon be heading towards her. Scarlett could still recall how happy she had been the first time the basket had come around, that she was in mourning and didn’t have anything to give. Now knowing what was bound to happen to her precious earbobs and heavy gold chain that had been her Grandmother’s. Scarlett was more then willing to give them to the Cause instead of letting the Yankee’s get their hands on them. Scarlett had her earbobs off in no time but the gold chain was giving her a bit of trouble. Closing her eyes until she had gotten it unfasten, Scarlett missed Rhett staring at her, barely believing his eyes. Scarlett was actually going to give up her jewelry for the Cause. Rhett was stunned so much in fact he almost missed the basket passing by him. Rhett couldn’t help but laugh as sure enough Scarlett threw in all the jewelry she had been wearing all expected her wedding ring. Rhett couldn’t help but pull out his own wedding ring to just look at it for a moment. He had planned on throwing it overboard on one of his trips overseas. When it came down to the finally action of being rid of it permanently, Rhett couldn’t do it so he kept it to remind himself how cruel and selfish Scarlett was. Just like this moment it always made Rhett remember how Scarlett had used him, which was all Miss O’Hara knew how to do. And he would be a fool to think other wise. Scarlett wanted nothing more then to abandon her post behind her booth and go talk to Rhett. She had seen Rhett looking at her, but wasn’t surprised when he didn’t walk over. Scarlett thought Rhett looked handsome even handsomer perhaps then the first time she had seen him in his black suit and varnished boots. Scarlett was trying to think up an excuse to tell Mrs. Merriwether for why she needed to leave her booth. Scarlett knew if she told the real reason the older woman might not take her place at the booth. Mrs. Merriwether was out spoken against Rhett. Scarlett always had to bite her tongue whenever she was around. “Scarlett dear, I came to see how you were?” Mrs. Merriwether asked. Having seen that Butler man who was nothing but a scoundrel. Mrs. Merriwether knew the dear child must be a fright.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:08:03 GMT -5
Scarlett frowned, she hated pity, before she could reply though, Dr. Meade’s voice stopped Scarlett.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to propose a surprise- an innovation that may shock some of you, but I ask you to remember that all this is done for the hospital and for the benefit of our boys lying there.” Scarlett couldn’t stopped herself from smirking, knowing in the next minute Mrs. Merriwether would forget all about Scarlett when she learned of the dance auction. ‘It’s such a shame.’ Scarlett thought, ‘that I can’t be part of it and that Maybelle or one of the other girls will be belle of the bazaar.’<br> “The dance is about to begin and the first number will, of course, be a reel, followed by a waltz. The dances following, the polkas, the schotlesches, the mazurkas, will be preceded by a short reels. I know the gentle rivalry to lead the reels very well, and so,” Dr. Meade stopped looking to his wife for her unfading support then continued, “gentlemen, if you wish to lead a reel with the lady of your choice, you must bargain for her. I will be auctioneer and proceeds will go to the hospital.” Scarlett thought Mrs. Merriwether had turned a nice shade of red as anger as the good Doctor’s words filled her. Scarlett covered her mouth with a hand as a giggle escaped her lips. Why the older ladies thought Dr. Meade wrong with his auction made little since to Scarlett. It was just as much for their beloved Cause as spending hours sewing pillowcase was and would make for the hospital more money. It was just plain common sense and Scarlett didn’t see the reason anyone could argue that. Scarlett’s heart paused and the hall became deathly quiet after Rhett had called out a bid to dance with Maybelle Merriwether. He had only bid 20 dollars, but to Scarlett and the rest of Atlanta it might as well have been a million. With the ease in which Rhett had called out his bid, it showed everyone in the hall just how little his wife and marriage meant to the blockade-runner. Scarlett only had to look at Mrs. Merriwether to know she didn’t have to be told that Mrs. Butler was leaving. Holding her head high not letting her tears free yet Scarlett headed for the exit. All thoughts of trying to talk to Rhett gone from her mind. She had her answer Rhett didn’t love her, why didn’t matter. As Scarlett stood at the entrance she heard someone else bid 22 dollars for Maybelle Merriwether. Turning slowly Scarlett wanted to look on Rhett more time, just to see his pirate looking face and dark eyes for one last time. Scarlett knew she would love him til her dying day, Emerald met dark brown and for a moment Scarlett could believe Rhett loved her. Pulling herself away Scarlett started to walk the last step through the entrance. “Mrs. Scarlett O’Hara Butler-one hundred and fifty dollars in gold.” Rhett yelled out looking at Scarlett’s back as she tried to leave the hall. Rhett knew he was being a fool, bidding to dance with his own wife. But the look on her face when Scarlett turned to look at him had made Rhett, feel ashamed of himself, he had hurt her. If only her eyes would have held anger anything but love, Rhett wouldn’t have bid to dance with her. But love was written in her eyes and Rhett felt his own anger at Scarlett fade. “Captain Butler, I’m afraid your wife doesn’t appear to want to dance with you.” Dr. Meade said, the hospital needed every dollar they could get but not at the expense of a lady’s self-respect. “I’ll do it,” Scarlett stated, walking back into the hall, trying to fake a smile. As Rhett took her hand into his, their eyes locked. The reel past by quickly and before Scarlett or Rhett knew it they we standing together dancing the waltz. Scarlett’s lips parted, but no words came out, so many thoughts were running through her mind. She had gotten her earlier wish, Scarlett was now in Rhett’s arms as they danced. But Scarlett wasn’t sure if their marriage was on solid ground or quick sand.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:13:56 GMT -5
Rhett kept his mind on the waltz not allowing it to wander onto the woman he held in his arms. Thinking where Scarlett was concerned always seemed to bring Rhett nothing but trouble. After what was an eternity to Rhett, but only a few minutes to anyone else, he broke the silence with a question he knew Scarlett could answer and hopefully would play along with. “I don’t think I’ve heard this tune before, do you know what the name of it is?” Scarlett for a second was caught off guard by her husband’s question. There was so many important things to talk about, and what did Rhett ask first not how have you been? No he ask what the name of some song was that didn’t amount to anything. Scarlett exhaled her breath and answered ungrudgingly. “When This Cruel War Is Over, is the name of the song Captain Butler,” Rhett winced at Scarlett biting tone. Perhaps he shouldn’t have asked that question it didn’t look as if Scarlett liked the idea of going down memory lane. But this was one of Rhett’s favorite memories and he find himself wanting to relive it, to hear Scarlett sing to him.
“Do you know the words? Can you sing them to me?” Rhett asked wanting to keep up the game of pretending for a little while longer. Recollection of Rhett once asking almost the exactly same question came to Scarlett’s mind. But of course he would ask the same question he was the same person after all wasn’t he? It wasn’t impossible he would think the same as he had once done. But it still left Scarlett with an uneasy feeling like she was missing a very important piece of the puzzle that was her life. Lifting her eyes so they were looking into Rhett’s, she slowly and softly began to sing to her husband. “Dearest one, do you remember When we last did met? When you told me how you loved me,” Scarlett paused as her words hit to close to her own life with Rhett. She just pushed onward as she saw in Rhett’s eyes he wanted her to continue. “Kneeling at my feet? Oh, how proud you stood before me In your suit of gray, When you vowed from me and country Ne’er to go astray” Scarlett wanted nothing more than to stop singing but like that night at Twelve Oaks before Rhett and she danced his eyes were demanding her to go on. “ Weeping sad and lonely, Sighs and tears how vain! When this cruel war is over Pray that we meet again!” Having finished the song Scarlett turned her head away from Rhett’s waiting for his reaction. She didn’t want to see him laugh at her attempt at singing for him. “Thank you for that lovely tone Mrs. Butler.” Rhett said as he heard the music coming to an end. The last thing Rhett found he wanted to do was let Scarlett out of his arms. He should though this desire to hold Scarlett would only get him in to trouble. Scarlett had been walking away giving up on their marriage just as Rhett had wanted. Only he couldn’t let her walk away, the same feeling that made it impossible for him to kiss another woman since he had let Scarlett, now did the same with letting his wife walk away. Hearing Rhett’s words, Scarlett was first sure he had been making fun of her until she turned her head and looked at Rhett, he had a serious expression on his tan face. Before Scarlett could question Rhett the song came to an end breaking their embrace Scarlett was startled when Rhett’s hand grabbed her right arm pulling her back towards him. “We need to talk, my dear.” Scarlett had a coy smile on her face as she replied “I agree we do need to talk Rhett, but I’m afraid I just don’t have time now. I must be getting back to my booth, I’ve been away far to long as it is.” Rhett stood rooted to the spot in shock. As Scarlett pulled her arm free from his hand then walked away headed for pink-and-yellow booth. Rhett just watched and told himself he wouldn’t play this game of Scarlett’s. After counting to ten he curse under his breath and followed suit after Scarlett. Scarlett never looked behind her knowing Rhett would follow. Scarlett knew Rhett held all the cards and she needed an edge over him. Acting confidential when she felt anything but was the only card Scarlett had, and she was going to play it for all it was worth. Holding her head high Scarlett didn’t allow all the eyes on her to cause her embarrassment. It was none of their business what Rhett and she did. Getting to her booth with Rhett following close behind, Scarlett could feel his dark eyes on her back never turning to acknowledge his presence Scarlett instead addressed Mrs. Merriwether who was behind her booth for the moment. “Thank ever so much Mrs. Merriwether, for looking after my booth for me. I do believe Mrs. Meade is looking for you at the moment.” Scarlett lied smiling, trying to seem polite when all she really wanted to do was scream. Rhett just stood back and waited for Scarlett to acknowledge him. And he felt like Scarlett’s fool once more, then again when since meeting his wife had he ever felt like anything else? Rhett’s mind was telling him to turn around and run while he still could. His heart though which he had bullied under his will for the last year, wasn’t listen this time.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:15:36 GMT -5
Just talk to her, was all Rhett’s heart could ask after having been put through a year of misery, Rhett couldn’t deny his heart this one simply request. Rhett nodded his head to Mrs. Merriwether as she past by him, then he watched as Scarlett enter her booth. “Rhett have you come to help me sell pillowcases?” Scarlett asked trying to get her heartbeat to return to normal. “I’m afraid you’ve caught me Scarlett, “ Rhett laughed, “it’s always been a secret dream of mine to sell pillowcases. I’ve just never come across the chance before.” Scarlett added laughing as well. “Let’s not forget it for our glories Cause.” Their laughter joined together and the ‘old guard’ turned their heads with disapproval in their eyes. But neither Rhett nor Scarlett noticed, both last in a world of their own making. “Have you sold very many pillow case this evening?” Rhett asked as he stepped behind the pink-and-yellow booth to stand next to his wife. Scarlett forehead winkled up as if she was actually thinking over Rhett’s question in reality she was trying to figure out what her husband was thinking. Was Rhett acting this way because he wanted to pick up where they left off or did he just want to be friends? How Scarlett wished she could read Rhett like he always had her. But like always her husband remained a mystery to her. “Yes. I’ve out sold every other booth here.” Rhett chuckle, Scarlett always did have to out do everyone else. “Then you won’t mind if we talk instead of sell anything?” Rhett asked. “I won’t mind, Mrs. Meade and Merriwether might. But I do believe we’ve both done are part tonight for the Cause. So where do we start? Talking I mean.” Scarlett asked unsure of where this conversation was headed. “Well, to start I must beg your forgiveness for not telling you earlier how beautiful you look tonight Scarlett, that dress makes your emerald eyes sparkle.” Rhett said hoping to ease both their trouble nervous about the talk ahead. A talk Rhett had never wanted to take place. Because Scarlett even if he didn’t admit it or not had a small chance of talking him into staying with her. “Thank you Rhett, but I must say your looking quite handsome tonight yourself.” Scarlett said feeling the need to keep the carefree atmosphere going for a while longer. Both knew soon it would be broking neither wanted to be the one to start the fight ahead. Scarlett bit her upper lip she felt like screaming but instead turned to look at the few pillowcases she hadn’t sold yet. Why was he just standing there? Couldn’t Rhett see how much this was affecting her? Scarlett needed to know what Rhett wanted be it her or his freedom? “Rhett I have to know,” turning looking him in the eyes she finished, “why you left me, the way you did?” Rhett blinked sure he had heard the question wrong. The questioning look on Scarlett’s face told him, he hadn’t Scarlett didn’t know why he left, Rhett hadn’t given her reaction to his leaving much thought other then to think he had taunt Scarlett a lesson, one of teaching her not to make a fool of him. Of course for Scarlett to have learned that lesson she had to know why he had left. Looking into his wife’s emerald eyes, Scarlett hadn’t known. This last year while he had thought Scarlett was making plans to chase after him, she was actually wondering why he had left in the first place. Rhett could kick himself, how was Scarlett suppose to know why he left, he hadn’t told her. He could see where Scarlett could be confused one minute he was tickling her, the next he had turned his on her and left without saying a word. “Did I do something wrong?” Scarlett asked the same way a innocent child would ask why she was being punished for something they didn’t do. But Scarlett had done many things that deserved him leaving her. She wasn’t innocent; sometimes Rhett found it hard to believe Scarlett ever had been. Looking at Scarlett now, Rhett couldn’t help but be reminded of Bonnie. Her lips were pouting just as Bonnie’s used too. God how he missed his little girl. “You did many things that were wrong Scarlett, but then again so have I. What’s done is done, I say let bygones be bygones and forget all about our short lived marriage” Rhett stated, not letting his emotions come out in his voice. Scarlett’s eyes widen, forget about their marriage? Was Rhett crazy, is that what he had done? Just walked out of their hotel room, never thinking about her once in the past year? How dare Rhett say she had done many things wrong? She wasn’t the one who had run away. “The only thing I can think that could fall in the category of wrongs that I have done you Rhett, will be marrying you, for you certainly never wanted to be married. But you did me a greatly wrong Mr. Butler when a cad like yourself married me.” Scarlett said as she seen a pair of soldiers eyeing her, looking briefly at Rhett she then turned and smiled at them flirting, not caring if Rhett saw her or not, actually really wanting him to see. Rhett deserved to see even if he didn’t find her desirable any longer, others still did. Just because Scarlett would moan her life away on a man who didn’t return her love, didn’t mean Scarlett planned on giving him the satisfaction of knowing it. Rhett held in his laughter, Scarlett was such a child at times. Her words hadn’t hurt him one bit, it only showed Rhett that Scarlett hadn’t changed. A frown crossed his face as Rhett caught a pair of young soldiers who couldn’t have been a few years older then Scarlett appeared now eyeing his wife. Rhett cursed under his breath as Scarlett smiled at them, he hated feeling jealous. He had never been jealous of anyone until Scarlett had come along. Scarlett and her undying love for Ashley Wilkes had driven Rhett to being to the point of insane with jealousy over his wife. Rhett would not allow Scarlett to drive him to that again. Beside which Scarlet was just smiling at the soldiers because she was angry with him. Said pair of Soldiers started walking towards their booth. Rhett glanced at Scarlett and she obeyed his silent wish and disappeared into the background of the booth. Scarlett just watched as Rhett seemly impossibility convinced the two soldiers to buy their Mother’s pillowcases. Scarlett had to admit to being impressed by her husband’s show of what a wonderful businessman he was. Without a doubt she knew, even being the businesswoman Scarlett was. Those soldiers would have never brought for her. Scarlett knew all they would have done was flirt with her and then go on their way. Rhett had made the two young men think of their Mother’s and how worried they must be not knowing if they were died or alive. Then after Rhett had them upset over the thought of their poor Mother’s in pain, Rhett somehow got the point across of how much a gift from them would be cherished. And what better gift could there be then pillow cases made by southern ladies?
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:16:51 GMT -5
“Scarlett.” Rhett said as he turned around “You are in trouble young lady. Don’t think I’m blind or stupid I know why those young men came over” Scarlett sighed why did Rhett have to bring that up now? Hadn’t it all worked out for the best anyway? Beside Rhett wasn’t blameless tonight; he was the one who bid on Maybelle Merriwether proving to everyone he didn’t love her.
“God’s nightgown Rhett, you make it sound as if I had a affair are something. All I did was smile at them, Mr.-I-bid-to-dance-with-another-woman.” Rhett didn’t have a witty remark for that, he had bid to dance with Miss Merriwether. It was suppose to be his finally way to prove he didn’t love Scarlett any longer. Not just to everyone at the bazaar but to himself as well. Those emerald green orb’s filled with sadness had pulled Rhett back in. If he told Scarlett his real reason for bidding on Maybelle, Scarlett would think she had him right where she wanted him. And that Rhett couldn’t have, it was better if Scarlett didn’t know he remember their sad life together. “What’s a matter Rhett cat got our tongue, are did you realize just what a cad you’ve been to me?” Scarlett asked, how she wished this Rhett were the one she knew so well. Perhaps it hadn’t been fair for her to marry him expecting to be the Rhett she knew and loved. This man before her hadn’t lived through the years and many more trails her true husband had. Scarlett felt this Rhett Butler with her was nothing but a stranger with a lover’s face. “Did you are did you not Scarlett, know I was a cad before we were married? So why are you complaining now?” Rhett asked sarcasm clear in his tone. He wasn’t going to let Scarlett play the wronged wife even if Rhett had to begrudging admit to himself that’s what she indeed was. “The reason I’m complaining now about your caddish behavior Rhett is, because this is the first I’ve seen you in a year,” Scarlett replied not letting the hurt she truly felt reach her eyes. It was bad enough she couldn’t keep it out of her voice. Rhett turned away pretending to watch for new customers. He had hurt Scarlett, and while a small part of him was happy because that’s what he intended to do, Rhett also found he hated himself for causing her pain, Scarlett had hurt him so many times that he had stopped counting, but never did it stop hurting. The difference between what he had done to Scarlett, and what she had done to him, was Scarlett never intentionally meant to hurt him. While Rhett had set out to do nothing else. For the last year all Rhett had done was plot revenge against his wife. ‘Revenge was suppose to be sweet, why then did it leave a bitter taste in my mouth’ Rhett thought. Scarlett had deserved everything he had done, plus ten times more. Maybe it was learning Scarlett hadn’t known why he left, that over the last year she had wondered and probably thought he had only used her. To think Scarlett thought that of him, made Rhett feel horrible, he had left to punish her, for all the cruel years they had spent together. It didn’t seem right for Scarlett to have suffered a year’s worth of suffering without knowing why. Once she learned the truth though, Scarlett would use that as another weapon against him. And Scarlett who was on best behavior, would change back into the wife he had not left once but twice. “Please Rhett, I have to know. What did I do to make you leave?” Scarlett asked in a whisper, if she didn’t reach him soon Rhett would be lost to her. If that was how it was suppose to be then so be it. But that didn’t mean Scarlett was going to go out without a fight. “What do you want me to tell you Scarlett, that I desired you’re body so much so that I married you just to spend one night with you?” Rhett asked as he now faced Scarlett. “Or do you want me to say, that I found you so poor in your wifely duties I couldn’t bare to share my bed with you another night?” Scarlett bleached in answer to that question. Rhett just chuckled and continued before her Irish temper could response to his cruel questions. “Tell me Scarlett do you want me to tell you, I got spooked and turned tail and ran, or perhaps my pet, that you’ve been in my dreams every night for the last year? Or would you like the plan and simple truth Miss O’Hara?” Scarlett’s mind was racing, tears running down her face, she had lost the battle not to cry in public or in front of Rhett. How could a man say such things to his wife? Even if he didn’t love her, Rhett could have thought of her feelings instead of treating her like dirt. Of course she wasn’t good enough in bed for the likes of Mr. Butler, he only liked women he had to pay to be there. He made Scarlett sick, she couldn’t believe Rhett he had even called her his pet like always. And that’s what she felt like at the moment an unwanted pet. Suddenly snapping up her head Scarlett’s emerald eyes red from crying held a glow in them. “When?” was all Scarlett managed to get out. But she knew Rhett understood about what. Rhett felt fit to be tied, he hadn’t meant to slip up and call Scarlett his pet. There was no going back now though Scarlett knew the truth. “I remembered everything a few minutes before I left you on our honeymoon. And you my pet?” Rhett asked laughing. Rhett had never dreamed he would react this way, but it felt good to have that off his chest. “Well,” Scarlett sighed uncomfortable “it happened the morning of the Barbeque. But you already knew that didn’t you Rhett? That’s why you left.” Scarlett asked as she recalled telling Rhett her tale of their life together. That didn’t matter to Scarlett, what did was she had finally gotten her Rhett back . . . well she would soon. This Rhett Butler, Scarlett understood, it had taken her over ten years to and she truly never did really understand her husband until this past year as she looked back on their marriage. And Scarlett knew in no time at all she would have Rhett back. “Scarlett I can see you’re little mind forming plans to trap me. I’m warning you now Mrs. Butler they won’t work. I don’t love you any longer.” Rhett stated as Scarlett’s lips turned up into a smile. One Rhett knew meant trouble for him. “Oh how you do go one Rhett, but I don’t believe a word you just said. If you weren’t in love with me, like I am with you. You wouldn’t be here.” Scarlett said with real confidence unlike earlier when she had to fake it. Rhett laughed again this time at himself. She was right of course, Rhett had used every excuse possible to convince himself to come and that he was only doing it to prove he didn’t love Scarlett any longer. Love, Scarlett or not, Rhett would not take her back. He just couldn’t she had hurt him to many times in the past for him too. While his heart had seemingly already done what his mind deemed impossible, Rhett chose to listen to his mind and not let his heart rule him. Or at least that’s what he was trying to do. “How many times do I have to say I don’t love you anymore my pet, before you get it into your stubborn little head, that it’s the truth?” Rhett asked trying to ignore the look of love burning bright in Scarlett’s eyes. “I only have to hear you say it once Rhett,” Rhett was confused until Scarlett completed her sentence, “when you really mean it. Then I will accept it.”
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:18:05 GMT -5
Scarlett took in Rhett with a new interest for her husband. Her eyes roamed up and down his frame as he had so often done to her. Finding out the man before her was the same man she had lived with for years and was the husband, Scarlett had yearn for this last year, it felt so good to not be alone in this strange world around her any longer. Scarlett smiled; there were so many different things she wanted to tell Rhett. How she was helping really helping this time to raise money for the Cause. Or how she had forced herself to be nice to everyone including India Wilkes. Only Rhett could understand how hard it had been on her and how much pain she had been going through this last year living in a time that didn’t belong to them anymore. Being with people she had long ago learned to live without, never getting over their deaths but some how moving on. Now Scarlett was faced with the fact she was going to lose her mother, and Pa all over again. Rhett though was going through the same things as Scarlett was, she knew he was the only person who could understand and get her through the troubled times ahead. Perhaps even help her avoid some of them. “I don’t love you Scarlett, I’ve stated that fact three times now my pet, are you convinced yet?” Rhett asked knowing Scarlett’s answer before she even spoke it. “If you would have meant it yes, but you haven’t Rhett so no, I don’t believe you.”
Rhett grabbed Scarlett’s arms not caring if anyone saw them or not then stared deep into her eyes, this time she would believe his lie. “I don’t love you, tell me what I have to do to prove that to you?” “Say it without emotion, say it without warmth in your black eyes. But most importantly say it like you did the night Melanie died.” Scarlett replied stated all the reasons she knew Rhett was lying to her. “Say it like you mean every word of it Rhett.” “You can’t, can you Rhett? Remember when you told me after Ashley party how happy we could have been had I only forgot about Ashley?” the look of recollection on Rhett’s face told Scarlett he recalled what she was talking about. “Now I find myself telling you the same thing only what’s standing in the way of our happiness this time is nothing but the past.” Scarlett never breaking Rhett’s stare took a deep breath. “Rhett I haven’t done any of the things you hold against me. I know that doesn’t make them right or stop their memories from hurting, but can’t you see Rhett, just like you told me at Twelve Oaks, I had been giving a second chance and so have you Rhett, let’s not waste it.” The first thing that enter Rhett’s mind once Scarlett’s speech was over was when had his wife gotten so wise? She was using his own words against him, although Scarlett had made sense, Rhett wasn’t about to accept it. “I’m not the one wasting my second chance Scarlett, in fact I have used it to my advantage. When the war ends I plan on making double as much as I did the first time.” Rhett knew bringing up money was a sure fire way to draw Scarlett’s attention way from her line questioning. If there was one thing Rhett knew about Scarlett it was her love for money would soon out shine her love for anything else. “But don’t you see Rhett that’s exactly what you’re doing?” Scarlett turned her head as she heard footsteps behind them, standing there was Mrs. Merriwether, what did she want now? “Rhett I think we should move this conversation some where more private, don’t you?” Rhett nodded his head, he really didn’t want to leave the bazaar yet, but Scarlett was right they did need to talk some place where no one could eavesdrop on them. “Mrs. Merriwether,” Scarlett said as she took Rhett’s hand pulling him out of the booth with her, “I don’t believe you have been introduce to my husband Captain Rhett Butler.” Rhett just smiled holding in a chuckle it was apparent that Mrs. Merriwether held nothing but contempt for him. So it was with deep pleasure Rhett took her hand and kissed it politely. “So nice to make your acquaintance. Mrs. Merriwether. But I’m afraid you must excuse us, Scarlett was just telling me how tired she’s feeling. I wouldn’t be much of a husband if I didn’t see to my wife’s needs now would I?” Rhett asked with a wicked expression on his face and mischief in his eyes. All the times he had to take Mrs. Merriwether’s look of disapproval coming to mind. “Yes of course.” Mrs. Merriwether replied then turned to Scarlett and stated with sympathy in her eyes. “ You need not worry about your booth Mrs. Butler. I’ll look after it.” Hand in hand, to the amazement of everyone at the bazaar that night, Rhett and Scarlett Butler left together. They both, like earlier on the dance floor, remained silent until they were alone in Rhett’s open carriage. Rhett broke the silence with a simple question of “Where too?” “Pittypat’s, I’m staying with Melanie and her Aunt.” Scarlett answered as she looked at Atlanta it was dark out and most everyone in town was at the bazaar so the street was empty. “I’ve been visiting them for the last few weeks.” Rhett didn’t respond so Scarlett didn’t feel the need to continue and her thoughts turned to poor Mrs. Merriwether. Scarlett found she couldn’t help but laugh. “Rhett that was horrible what you did to Mrs. Merriwether.” Rhett smiled as he took the route he had taken so many times before. It almost seemed to him the path to the Hamilton house was forever mapped out in his head. “Yes, and don’t even try to tell me you didn’t enjoy every second of it.” “It’s such a shame Rhett. I mean in our old life you were such good friends with Mrs. Merriwether.” Laughing beyond her control now Scarlett barely got out, “It doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now though does it?” “A lot of things have changed this time around Scarlett, for example your not a widow are you? You never had Wade and knowing you’re love for children that doesn’t bother you does it?” Rhett asked as a picture of how concerned young Wade had been for his Mother when Bonnie had been born played on his mind. Scarlett turned to look at her husband all her laughter of a minute earlier forgotten. Did Rhett really believe she never loved Wade? “Of course it bothers me Rhett, but Honey has been a far better Mother to him then I ever was.” When Rhett’s eyebrows when up, Scarlett realized he had not idea what she was talking about. There was no way he could have. “Rhett, a little over two weeks after we got married Honey and Charles had a double wedding with Melanie and Ashley. It was beautiful, I wish you could have seen Melanie in her wedding dress. A more beautiful bride I don’t think there ever was.” “Melly was so happy because Honey and Wade had been staying with them here in Atlanta up until a few days before my visit. Honey got homesick for Twelve Oaks and India.” Scarlett’s eyes went wide as she remembered she hadn’t told Rhett of Bonnie yet. How happy he would be, when she told him, or better yet showed him. “Honey and India brought Wade over for a visit to Tara a day before I left for Atlanta. It was Wade, Rhett just as he had looked at that age.” Scarlett stopped as guilt overwhelmed her, “He never really was mine, and neither was Ella, she belongs to Suellen and Frank. Don’t you see Rhett I stole Honey and Suellen’s children from them just like I stole the men they loved.” Rhett looked at Scarlett like she had gone insane. Wade was Scarlett’s son not Honey’s. What Scarlett was saying was impossible, but hadn’t what happened to bring them here been impossible too? So he really couldn’t call Scarlett a liar on this one.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:18:56 GMT -5
“That must have been difficult seeing Honey with Wade?” Rhett asked, knowing it would have upset him to see it, so it had to have done the same to Scarlett. “It should have, but seeing them together only show me what a horrible mother I was to Wade. Honey loves him so much Rhett, he’s her whole world.” Scarlett pushed away her tears; tears weren’t going to get her through this conversation “I never was a mother to Wade or Ella. I didn’t want to be, I tried to bond with them when you took Bonnie away, but no matter how hard I tried, it just didn’t happen.” Rhett remained silent, trying to make sense out of his wife’s last few sentences. Scarlett had never been close to Wade or Ella and her explanation had explained it somewhat. She believed Wade and Ella had never truly belonged to her and that was way she never felt any Motherly feelings towards them. “Scarlett it that’s true what of Bonnie? You never were to fond of her either.” Scarlett looked at Rhett as if he had just slapped her. It would have been less painful if he had, “That’s a lie, I love Bonnie.” Scarlett replied as thoughts of her baby daughter filled her mind, “She’s the only one of my children that I know belongs to me. Always has and will.” Rhett wanted to remind Scarlett, Bonnie was gone, but stopped himself. There was no need to hurt Scarlett with the cruel reality they lived in. “I’ve changed Rhett, I’m no longer the spoiled belle you and Pa let me be. Ever since waking up to find myself once more Scarlett O’Hara, I’ve put other peoples feelings ahead of mine.” Scarlett stated proudly. “I can see you have my pet, that explains how we ended up married the same day we met.” Scarlett could hear the sarcasm in Rhett’s words. She could tell from his comment Rhett held their marriage against her. “Tell me Rhett, did I hold a gun to your head and force you to marry me? Because as I recall, that’s not how it happened. You were the one Rhett who asked me to marry you, not other way around.” Scarlett yelled as moved as far away from Rhett as the carriage would allow. “Scarlett you tricked me into marrying you and we both know it.” Rhett felt cornered as Scarlett kept worming her way back into his heart. He could not lose sight of his anger at being used if not Scarlett would win. ‘Would it be so bad if she did’ that thought troubled Rhett more then all of Scarlett’s words so far had. “Tricked you! I would love to know how I did that?” Scarlett asked. “That’s easy my dear Mrs. Butler. You knew I fell in love with you almost at first sight, with that knowledge my pet, you used my feelings against me.” Rhett stated, but even to his own ears, suddenly it sounded as unbelievable as his reason for being so angry with Scarlett. “That’s not true Rhett, I wasn’t sure how you felt. I thought . . . well perhaps that you wouldn’t love me without the benefit of me being a challenge to you.” Scarlett took a deep breath then moved back towards Rhett. “Oh Rhett don’t you see. When I first awoke I thought I was dreaming, then when I realized I wasn’t, my first thought was that you weren’t real. That I was being punished for how awful I treated you during our marriage. I had thought I would forever be in love with man I could never meet. Then when I didn’t see you standing in the hall at Twelve Oaks like the first time I ever saw you. I just knew you weren’t real and I ran up the staircase just looking for a room to cry in.” Scarlett said being completely honest with Rhett. Rhett could recall watching Scarlett ran up the staircase at Twelve Oaks that day. He chuckled, now knowing it was because of him. Rhett still didn’t want to believe Scarlett hadn’t meant to trick him, but as she told her tale, it was getting harder not to believe her. “In the backyard at Twelve Oaks Rhett, you can’t tell me you hadn’t noticed how happy I was to see you? I couldn’t wait to sneak away from Carreen and Melanie so I could find you. Only as I was walking into the library Ashley grabbed me. Well you heard that whole conversation. How Ashley thought I was upset over him marrying Melly. In reality it was you Rhett, I found I didn’t have a reason to live if you didn’t exist to bright up my life.” Scarlett revealed the last with a small smile as Pittypat’s house came into view. Scarlett’s words, Rhett found affected him. Would he have felt the same way as Scarlett had if instead of getting his memories back the day after they were married, he had gotten them the day before the barbeque? Scarlett loved him, of that Rhett was certain. Scarlett’s feelings for Ashley wasn’t in question for the first time since Rhett had met her. Rhett found himself amazed, wondering why he was still angry with Scarlett? A year had passed since Melanie’s death and Rhett had found him in an Atlanta hotel, newly married to Scarlett. In that time Rhett had tried, unsuccessfully, to forget Scarlett and move on without her. Rhett had ever reason to, he had been planning on leaving her anyway, so Rhett felt why let something like a trip to the past stop him? But learning tonight the simple fact Scarlett hadn’t known why he left, that Scarlett had felt used and yet still loved him had done the impossible. Stopping the carriage in front of Pittypat’s house, Rhett started laughing at the turn his life had taken yet again. Looking at the house where he had returned Gerald O’Hara after the first and only time he had ever really met the man who was his father-in-law, Rhett couldn’t help but smile. He quickly wondered if Miss Hamilton would be up waiting for Scarlett? If Pittypat was, once she saw him, she was sure to head up to her bedroom before they could enter her house. Rhett stepped down from the carriage and silently walked over to Scarlett’s side. Offering Scarlett his hand, Rhett looked up at her and felt his heartbeat betray him. She was beautiful, there was no other word that could description Scarlett, tonight with her eyes on fire with love for him. Scarlett loved him, was that so wrong? Wasn’t that what he had always wanted? If he would just let go of his pride Rhett knew as Scarlett had said earlier, they could be happy together. What had pride gotten him over this last year, other then money? Nothing. Pride hadn’t stopped his heart from longing for Scarlett’s touch or to hear her voice call his name. All Rhett’s pride had caused him was misery; it was time to let it go and take hold of the one person that could ever make him happy. Scarlett looked at Rhett’s out stretched hand and felt her heart torn as she noted he wasn’t wearing his wedding ring. Scarlett had never taken her’s off, not even when her fingers had swelled during her pregnancy and the Doctor told her too. Closing her eyes fast so tears couldn’t escape, Scarlett tried not to let what the lack of Rhett’s wedding ring meant get to her. Never, not even while Rhett was so openly carrying on with his mistress, did he ever take off his wedding ring. The ring itself was a symbol of Rhett’s love for her. Scarlett found it hard to believe Rhett would have gotten rid of it. If Rhett had, perhaps she had been wrong and he didn’t love her any longer. Hearing Rhett clear his throat Scarlett took his offered hand and opened her eyes. Rhett was here though, didn’t that point to him still loving her? Love wasn’t something a person could turn on and off. Scarlett knew personally, in the last year there were many times she wished she could have stopped loving Rhett. It would have hurt as much less if she could have. Instead of not loving Rhett, Scarlett found she loved him more day by day. “Scarlett, do you think Miss Hamilton will be up?” Rhett asked as they made there way to the front door of the Hamilton house.
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:19:50 GMT -5
“She’ll be sleeping by now.” Scarlett replied, looking at her hand that was still in Rhett’s lager one. Perhaps now would be the time to tell Rhett about Bonnie? Scarlett knew after Rhett learned of their daughter, he would stay with them. Bonnie always could get Rhett to do things no one else ever could. Was it too much to ask for Scarlett to want her husband to stay with her because he loved her and not only because they shared a child? “Before we go in Scarlett, there’s something I would like to say,” Rhett smiled as he saw a look of fear cross Scarlett’s face,. “ I’ve missed you this last year my pet, as much as I’ve denied it to myself. I find my life is to boring without you in it Scarlett” In the next moment, before Rhett knew what hit him, Scarlett was in his arms boldly kissing him. As their embrace broke Scarlett buried her head into Rhett’s shoulder, he hadn’t pushed her away or pulled away either, that and Rhett’s words left Scarlett utterly happy. While Rhett’s words weren’t a decoration of love, Scarlett hoped that would soon follow. Smiling mischievously, an idea came to her mind, one Rhett had used on her to get the answer he wanted out of her. Scarlett lifted her head off Rhett’s shoulder and once again kissed her bewildered husband. As their kiss reached the point where they broke off before, Scarlett’s wrapped her arms around Rhett’s head and ran her fingers through his hair. Rhett broke away his lungs screaming for air. “Say it.” Scarlett whispered, her voice thick with desire. Which made Rhett instantly recall their second wedding night, one in which Scarlett gave as much passion as she took from him. “Say what my dear?” Rhett asked keeping his tone emotionless not wanting Scarlett to realize how much her kiss affected him. “Say those three little words you never had the courage to admit you felt for me during or marriage.” Scarlett honestly responded, sick of they games they played with each other’s hearts. Then to prove her point beyond a reasonable doubt Scarlett kissed Rhett again with much more tenderness this time. “Say it or I’ll tell everyone that you’re not that good of a kisser.” Scarlett threatened with mock seriousness as a giggle escaped her lips. “If that the case Scarlett, I see I shall have to surrender one always must be mind full of ones reputation.” Rhett chuckled as he stared into Scarlett’s eyes. “Since when?” Scarlett asked in disbelief. “What ever happened to the man who told me once, You never know what a burden your reputation was until you lost it.” “He met someone very special who taught him, how wrong he was on that subject my pet.”
Scarlett knew Rhett had been talking about Bonnie. Which reminded her, she still hadn’t told her husband the good news of his fatherhood. But first Scarlett needed to hear Rhett confess. “I’m waiting Rhett I believe you surrendered so . . .?” Scarlett asked as she pulled Rhett’s head a few inches from her’s. “Oh yes please do forgive me, Mrs. Butler. I was about to tell you before you so rudely interrupted me, that I’m madly in love with you.” Rhett not waiting for Scarlett to reply, closed the few inches between them claiming, his wife’s lips and kissed her with such passion, Scarlett was sure she would soon faint. Tears streamed down Scarlett’s face as she turned her face so she could catch her breath. They were finally after all this time, going to be a family. Scarlett took a step back so she could look at her husband and then asked forcefully with a touch of hurt mixed in, “Rhett where is you’re wedding ring?” Rhett was just getting his under control when he heard Scarlett’s question. The hurt tone in Scarlett’s voice didn’t go unnoticed by her husband. Now Rhett knew why he hadn’t been able to get rid of his wedding ring, because in the end, Rhett always knew he would be coming back to Scarlett. “I believe this,” Rhett said pulling out the ring in question, “is what you were wondering about.” Scarlett’s joy was clear as her eyes took in the ring in Rhett’s hand. “Will you do the honor’s?” Rhett asked as he held out his ring to Scarlett.
Scarlett didn’t have to be asked twice. Taking the wedding band she grabbed Rhett’s left hand. Slowly so she could enjoy every second of claiming Rhett again as her’s, Scarlett put the ring on his finger. “I never want to see that ring off your finger again Mr. Butler.” Scarlett said as she held his hand to her face. “My pet, what would my punishment be for such a crime?” Rhett asked as he used his free hand to pull Scarlett closer towards him. Nibbling his lips gently then harder as a thrill shot through her body, Scarlett whispered, “You would lose all my kisses Mr. Butler. And I do believe you like them” “Like, Scarlett hardly.” Scarlett’s eyes flashed anger, then as Rhett continue they flashed again, only this time with desire. “I love your kisses almost as much as I love you” Scarlett pulled out of their embrace, if she didn’t, Rhett wouldn’t learn of Bonnie until tomorrow, the look in his dark eyes was one of raw desire. Scarlett knew he was just seconds away from asking her to stay the night with him, wherever it was he was staying. “Rhett we should go in now, Melanie said she would wait up for me.” Rhett just laughed as he replied, “Scarlett you have given my ego a serious blow. When you would rather go inside and visit Miss Melly then stay out here in my arms?”
|
|
|
Post by Sw on Oct 27, 2004 21:20:50 GMT -5
“It’s not Melanie am anxious to see Rhett, it’s someone else.” Scarlett paused, taking Rhett’s hand and pulling him closer towards the front door, “Someone very special.” “Special, well I must meet this person if you deemed them special, my love.” Rhett jested but was intrigued. Who could this person be that Scarlett would trade his kisses to see? Scarlett just smiled and opened the door before her pulling Rhett along with her as she entered the Hamilton house. “Melly, I’m back” Scarlett called out, hoping Bonnie didn’t wake from her voice and start crying. That would be one way for Rhett to find out about his daughter. But it wasn’t the way Scarlett wanted, Rhett to learn of Bonnie. “Scarlett dear, how was the baz . . .” Melanie stopped when her eyes fell past Scarlett onto Rhett. The man looked as Melly remembered him to and the smiles on both their faces told Mrs. Wilkes that they had seemingly worked out whatever problems the two had. Scarlett’s hand entwined with her husband’s, showed Melanie clearly just why Mrs. Butler had brought her husband here tonight. Scarlett either had told Rhett about Bonnie or was about too. Rhett freed his hand from Scarlett’s as he stepped past his wife to greet Melanie. To Rhett, the last time he had seen Melly had been over a year ago before her untimely death. So to see Mrs. Wilkes standing in health before him, put a smile on Rhett’s tan face. Melanie had been like a little sister to him, Rhett could only hope his actions wouldn’t stop that from happening again. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Mrs. Wilkes.” Rhett greeted, then kissed Melly’s hand respectfully. “Scarlett has told me, she’s been staying with you for the last few weeks.” Rhett said as Scarlett walked up to the pair. “Yes she has Mr. Butler, and I’ve been grateful for her company. Your wife has been a heaven sent helping with the sewing of pillowcases, which were sold at the bazaar tonight. And if it hadn’t been for Scarlett’s presence and unselfishness, I would have had to attend the McClure girl’s booth tonight myself.” Melly stated as she looked down at her black mourning dress. Scarlett barely kept a giggle from leaving her lips. How dear sweet Melanie always thought the best of everyone. It was because Melly herself never could imagine doing anything other then to help someone. Being selfish to Melanie Wilkes was an alien thing, and Scarlett could truly say she loved that about her friend. “I was saddened to hear of your brother’s death, Mrs. Wilkes. But allow me to say, To die for ones country is to live forever.” Rhett looked to Scarlett, hoping she wouldn’t have laughter in her eyes. He had meant every word of what he had just spoken. Sure he had used those exact words once upon a time to get a raise out of Scarlett, but Rhett also remembered how much comfort they seemed to bring to Melanie. Besides Scarlett wasn’t Charles’ widow this time, there was no need for sarcasm. “That’s so kind of you to say, Mr. Butler.” Melanie replied, looking to Scarlett, silently asking with her eyes if she wanted her to leave or stay. “Please call me, Rhett or at the very least Captain Butler.” Rhett said, addressing Melanie. It didn’t seem right for Melly to call him Mr. Butler. Rhett found he had to stop and wonder how Scarlett had been able to handle living here in this house even if only on a visit. She had lived in this very house off and on for years. Now to come here as a guest and know you will never be anything but had to be, at the very least, weird. Rhett had never thought of it before, but this whole year must have been difficult on Scarlett, living in the past at her parents’ plantation, knowing that neither of them lived past the war. Gerald O’Hara’s body did, but not his mind. And to add to that, thinking he had just used her for one night . . . . Indeed everything he knew of so far hadn’t pointed to Scarlett having had a good year. “Captain Butler, Scarlett, I’m afraid I’m awfully tired and must bid you good night now.” Melanie said, having seen in Scarlett’s eyes a desire to be alone with Rhett. “Rhett I’m going to go upstairs with Melanie for a second, the parlor is just through those doors.” Scarlett said pointing towards the sitting room. Mindful that Melly was standing with them. “I’ll be back down in less then five minutes.” Scarlett stated, then kissed Rhett’s cheek as she followed Melanie up the stairs. Melanie turned her head, making sure Rhett had done as Scarlett asked, and went to wait for her in the parlor. Seeing that he had, Melly turned to Scarlett and asked, “Scarlett darling, you haven’t told Captain Butler about Bonnie yet have you?” “Not yet.” Scarlett smiled then added, “I’ve decided to show him instead.” “Captain Butler seems nice and I am sure he will be delighted to meet his daughter.” Melanie said with nothing but kindness in her voice. Scarlett wasn’t at all surprised that Melly was behind her 100 percent, she always was. “Rhett loves Bonnie . . . I mean he will love Bonnie as much as I do.” Scarlett said biting her lip as they took the last step on to the second floor. “I do hope Bonnie doesn’t start crying when I pick her up.” Scarlett’s anxiety over the meeting ahead was making her feel a sudden sense of fear. ‘Fiddle-Dee-Dee.’ Scarlett told herself ‘There’s nothing to fear Rhett loves Bonnie and will be ecstatic to be able to once again hold their daughter in his arm’s.’
|
|