She knew he was in town. She had learned of it by way of gossip when she was checking on Ashley at the lumber mill. He was fine, and even his figures weren't that bad. She was beaming with pride at the success he was making and her heart was eased, knowing that he would be financially stable for at least a while. But her happiness was snatched away from her as she overheard the conversation of two women. They were elderly and were dressed in fine clothing. They were southern, she was sure, for no Yankee woman could even try to mimic the type of speech the southerners possessed. They were speaking in hushed tones, insinuating they wished not to be overheard, but this only made Scarlett prick up her ears and move a little closer so that she might be able to share in the juicy gossip in which they were partaking. Suddenly she heard his name. "I heard that dreadful Rhett Butler is back in town. Heaven knows where he has been these past few months."
"Well, I have heard from a confidant of mine that Mr. Butler and Mrs. Butler are suffering from marital issues. That could be the explanation for his extended absence."
At this Scarlett bristled. Great balls of fire! Does everybody in Atlanta know about my problems? I bet that sissy learned her pricy information from that fat-cat Mrs. Meriwether. That woman never had anything better to do than gossip about other people. But even those brief thoughts could not dim her newly risen happiness. Rhett was home and she had promised herself to make an effort to please him. She thought she had lost him and now that he was finally home, and had some time to calm down and think, she was going to snare him again and not let him go. He can be as nasty as he wants, and I'll bet my last dollar that he'll be a skunk, but I am determined to smile and control my temper. I am not going to lose him just because I lack self control. Nobody beats Scarlett O'Hara. She then raised her chin and corrected her posture for her confidence had been restored. With these new thoughts she politely said good-bye to Ashley, but not without making him promise to come over for dinner sometime soon. He tipped his hat and placed a brotherly kiss on her cheek and with tears in his eyes, which displayed longing for the old days, wished her farewell.
She then hopped in her carriage and told the driver to hurry home. But as they drove down the street that went through town, she suddenly yelled out the window for him to stop at the store. He did so smoothly and Scarlett alighted. She briskly walked across the street, and this time she didn't even notice the "seemly" ladies that crossed to the other side at her presence. She walked into the store with a smile on her face that could even make the meanest gossip monger feel guilty. Her gaiety was contagious as she bid good-afternoon to the clerk behind the desk. "How'd'ya do, Miss Scarlett," exclaimed Bill. "You're in a mighty fine mood this afternoon."
"I am, Bill, and thank you for noticing." And then with the utmost southern charm that she used to allure her beaus back at home she added, "I was just driving by when I thought I should drop in and see how things were. I do hope everything's going well." She then smiled, making her dimples dance and her cat-like eyes crinkle in a flirtatious manner.
"Oh, indeed it is, Miss Scarlett," he stammered. "Sales are up on almost everything and the figures are looking mighty good. You are quite the business woman, Miss Scarlett." He then removed his hat and fingered it nervously while looking at his hands. "It is an honor to be doing work for you. I wouldn't work for none other, even if they offered more than you. I mean, that is-"
She cut him off before he embarrassed himself further. "That's very nice of you, Bill. Your words go straight to my heart."
At this he blushed crimson and Scarlett left him stammering behind the desk.
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Once arriving at home she told Wade and Ella to tidy up for supper, instructing them to be efficient and presentable when the hour came. She then hurried down to the kitchen and told the cook to make something special for dinner and she informed the servants to set an extra plate at the dinner table. Oh, everything must be perfect. And Rhett will be home soon! Rushing up the stairs to her chamber, she rang for her maid and told her to fill a bath.
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An hour later, immaculately groomed and dressed in a comely dress ( Scarlett had remembered Rhett's obvious distaste towards her ostentatious dresses), she sat in the parlor, gazing out the window, and yearning to see his handsome face coming up the walk. She got up and began to pace restlessly. The sun was setting. He should have been home by now. It was his heavy, long tread on the walk that alerted her of his approach. Suddenly her heart was in her throat and her feet seemed planted in the floor. Her palms became instantly sweaty and she began to tremble slightly. Stop this! Stop this right now! She rebuked herself. He is after all just a man and I have charmed many before him. Ah, but this was not just any man. This was the man she truly loved and yearned for, and he was not like the others. He did not play her games.
She remembered herself and gracefully walked into the hall just as the front door was opening. She pulled herself up to her full height, clasped her hands before her in a welcoming gesture, and placed a gentle smile upon her face. Her eyes glistened, as she watched him casually take off his coat and sling it over his arm. He had not seen her. Look at me! She thought. I just want to look into his eyes! As if prompted by her thoughts, his head snapped up and his gaze directly met hers. At first he just stood there and stared at her, but then that mocking smile was on his lips, and his eyes sparkled devilishly. "Hello, Scarlett," he smirked.
"Hello, Rhett," she returned enchantingly. She moved closer to him and her hand brushed his carefully starched sleeve as she took his coat from him. She then confiscated his hat and gloves and laid them on the table with the utmost care, and then taking his arm cautiously; she looked up at him and gazed into his eyes. "Dinner is ready. Would you care to join me?" Oh, please don't say something nasty, she prayed desperately.
He simply chuckled in that annoying way to himself, and allowed her to lead him to the dinning room. Upon entering it, Wade and Ella jumped to their feet. "Welcome home, Rhett," they said in unison.
"Hello, children, and how do you find yourselves these days?"
"Fine, thank you," replied Wade.
"Very well, Rhett," said Ella softly.
Rhett then took his seat at the head of the table and Scarlett sat at his right. "I have allowed Ella and Wade to stay up a little late tonight, as it is a special occasion," stated Scarlett, her eyes glittering in the soft candle-light.
Rhett's eyes cut to her and his right eye-brow rose as if to ask what's so special about it?
His unspoken accusation almost brought tears of anger to her eyes but she quickly calmed herself. No, she thought, no, he is not going to get the worst of me. I am determined to enjoy his company. He hasn't been rude yet.
"Well, that was awful generous of Mother, wasn't it," he drawled, his lips cracking in that dreadful smile, his eyes laughing.
The servants then arrived bearing trays of food and all was silent. The meal was civil but the conversation was short and clipped. Rhett ate contentedly whereas Scarlett barely ate anything at all. Instead she picked at her food, watching him out of the corner of her eye. I want to take in his memory so I'll never forget him. Ella inquired if he had brought her home any presents and he replied that he did. Gifts would be exchanged but not tonight, for it was growing late. They may open their presents in the morning.
Then it was off to bed for Ella and Wade. Rhett stood next to Scarlett as Ella and Wade ascended the stairs and said their goodnights. Once in their rooms, Rhett turned to stare at Scarlett, taking her in and measuring her. He then turned on his heel and re-entered the dining room. Scarlett knew not else to do but follow him. She saw him take the decanter that was half-full of brandy and fill two tumblers. Turning to her with a glass in each hand he laughed. "You sure have been drinking quite a lot of brandy in my absence."
His pert remark almost motivated her to retaliate with something equally as rude, but she held her tongue, remembering her promise. Instead she replied with a hint of sadness, "It is lonely without you, Rhett."
He once again chuckled, sipping at his tumbler. "You were always one to drown your miseries in a glass of brandy."
For some reason she thought that he hadn't really heard her statement so she walked over to his chair, knelt next to it, and taking his hand said sweetly, "But I have missed you, Rhett. I have missed you terribly."
Something moved behind his eyes for a few seconds but they then hardened and his mouth relaxed into his sardonic smile that held no pity. "That, my dear, is your misfortune."
Still she persisted, not willing to be cajoled by his mockery. She tried a different approach. "But this house is so big and even with the servants it feels empty without you."
"So that's what it comes down to. You want more money to buy yet another house. Haven't you enough property, Scarlett? You practically own half of Atlanta." At this he chuckled and took another sip of his liquor.
Her face displayed hurt, and he saw it, but she turned away from him, standing quickly and walking away to a dark corner where he couldn't see her face. But even though he could not see her grief, he could see her shoulders visibly shaking with unshed tears.
In the darkness Scarlett lifted her hand up to her trembling lips and willed them to still. In her time of sadness she surprisingly did not find the want to retaliate and vent her anger, for there was none. All she felt now was amazing emptiness, loneliness, and sadness. I want to make him love me, again. I did it once, I can do it again.I can't live without him. I just can't! After she knew she was calmed and the tears had stopped stinging her eyes she turned to find that Rhett was right behind her and she hadn't heard him approach. She was slightly surprised, but she smiled sweetly up at him, her sadness no longer visible but hidden deep beneath the surface. For a few moments he searched her eyes, but once finding nothing, he took her arm. "Let's move into the Study where we might talk." His voice was almost pleasant and there was even the hint of gentleness. Willingly she took hold of his arm and an exciting sensation swept through her at the touch of his powerful arm around hers. Her fingers flexed gently on his arm, feeling the hardened muscle and flesh under his soft jacket. His wonderful smelling cologne intoxicated her, and Scarlett found herself light-headed at his nearness.
They entered the library and were greeted by a cheerfully blazing fire. Rhett took a seat near it in one of the elegant plush crimson chairs and Scarlett seated herself in the matching one across from his. Her figure was elegant as she sat in the chair and Rhett was slightly intimidated. Something had changed during his absence.