'What are you doing here, Rhett? What have you done with Wade? And what's all this Mr. Jones nonsense?' she hissed in a whispering voice.
There was a sparkle in Rhett's eyes, as if he was enjoying himself tremendously, even more so because he so obviously had caught Scarlett by surprise. He had not seen her in weeks, and during that time he had longed to talk to her, he even had missed her silly little affectations and there was no denying that his body had been aching for her. And here she stood in front of him: his beautiful temptress, adorned in gold and green. The colours brought out the creaminess of her skin and the breathtaking colour of her eyes. And the way the tight bodice was moulded to her hips made him feel an instant fire inside.
'Well, yes, that is the funniest story,' he said, shrugging his wide shoulders, trying to get rid of the tension he suddenly felt inside.
'I was on my way back from New Orleans and Wade struck up a friendship with another little boy during the train ride. So I got talking to that boy's mother; a very charming widow.' The mirth in his eyes intensified when he saw Scarlett's frown deepen at his words.
'And she told me that her husband built her a very expensive wooden house here in Clayton County. Only the best was good enough for her husband, and so he bought the finest wood from Mr. Rosenbaum.'
'I know I promised to help you find a supplier, but I have been, er, busy lately. So I did not have the time.' Scarlett did not need reminding why he had not been able to help her with the supplier and her face became even sterner.
'Since I have sworn to fulfil all your wishes, my dear, I thought I would make up for my carelessness and investigate the supplier in person.'
'I left Wade in Mammy's care. She informed me that you had just left together with Prissy. However, she was not aware of your destination. So I swear that I had no idea that you were heading this way too.
'And, believe me, not until Mr. Rosenbaum mentioned a certain Mrs. O'Hara that would be coming down from Atlanta today - hoping to buy some expensive lumber from him - did I realise that you had the same plan as me.'
'So you are here to buy the same lumber that I am after.' Rhett laughed as if he found it all extremely funny.
Scarlett did not laugh along with him. She sensed that his efforts to secure the contract for her were his way of saying sorry and she might be persuaded to accept that apology. However, he still had not told her why he used another man's name to do so.
At that moment, they were interrupted by Mr. Rosenbaum's servant, who brought in a tea tray.
'Why don't you sit down, Mrs. O'Hara,' Rhett addressed her in the polite voice that he usually reserved for Melly and her friends.
'It must have been a long trip from Atlanta. Let me pour you some tea,' he then said, mockery clearly visible in his eyes.
'Thank you, Rosa,' Rhett said with authority, dismissing the servant as if he was not a mere guest under this roof. A guest with false pretences, nonetheless.
Scarlett was annoyed by his arrogance; he always acted as if he owned the place even if he did not. However, she was happy to take her weight off her high-heeled slippers and sat down, while arranging her lavish skirt around her.
When she looked up she saw Rhett studying her with that peculiar look that she had caught him in a few times since they got married. The one that resembled a cat keeping patient watch at a mouse hole. Their eyes locked for a few seconds before he turned on his heels and walked over to the drink cabinet.
'Well, Rhett, I think it is very nice of you that you are trying to secure the contract for me. I believe you could have told me of your plans but well...' Scarlett pouted.
'What I don't understand is why you are trying to secure this contract in name of my biggest competitor. Why are you here under a presumed name?'
'The same reason that you are not using your married name, Mrs. Butler.' Scarlett quickly looked at the door.
'Hush, Rhett, somebody might hear you!' she said.
'Or maybe I am mistaken,' Rhett said pensively. 'Maybe in your case, Scarlett, it is not the dollar sign that automatically appears behind my name that is keeping you from using it but the scandals the name represents?' She looked caught.
Rhett let out one of his bellowing laughs again and walked with a drink in his hand over to the fireplace. He leaned against it and took a swig. Scarlett had to look up to see his face and the combination of his height and rock-solid figure made her feel weak inside. A memory of their last moments of intimacy popped into her mind and she turned her face away, blushing slightly.
'My contacts at the bank told me this morning that Mr. Jones was well under way finalizing his deal with Mr. Rosenbaum. He has asked the bank for a loan to pay an advance on the lumber. However, he was yet to meet Mr. Rosenbaum in person. As you know Mr. Jones – the real Mr. Jones – is somewhat lacking in social skills and therefore not too keen on business meetings.'
'I thought I would save him the trouble and come myself. Very soon the deeds of his mills will be signed over to me anyway. So technically I own Mr. Jones' business. It is just the name I am borrowing.' Scarlett looked up, her eyes big with surprise.
Afraid that Scarlett might guess that he had done his best to acquire the other mills out of love and respect for her, Rhett quickly continued.
'Managing a lumber mill must be a complicated kind of business, Scarlett. Your Ashley is not getting grip of it and neither is Mr. Jones, or so the bank tells me.'
'Ashley is...' Scarlett started immediately, but then her shoulders slumped.
Rhett seemed to watch her intensely. He was right, Scarlett decided in silence. Ashley was no businessman. Rhett cocked up one eyebrow, silently challenging her into a duel with words over her unsung hero. But Scarlett had no arguments left to defend Ashley and so she cast her eyes down and studied the gaudy wedding ring that Rhett had given her.
Rhett saw her demeanour and, despite himself, took a step forward, as if he wanted to reach out to her. Comfort her. But something held him back. When Scarlett looked up again, he appeared to be in the same position that he had been standing in for the last five minutes. He smiled friendly at her.
'Scarlett, when Mr. Rosenbaum comes back, let me do the talking. I was about to...' But Rhett did not get a chance to finish his sentence because at that moment Joseph Rosenbaum walked back into the room.
'Oh, I am sorry it took me so long. Ah, I see that Rosa has brought you that tea, Mrs. O'Hara. Yes, thank you, Mr. Jones. I would love to smoke another cigar with you. They are heavenly. Don't tell me you imported these from Cuba directly? You did? My!'
The two men sat down, puffing their cigars and Scarlett felt as if she was invisible. She leaned forward a bit, unaware that the décolletage of the dress had trouble supporting her ripe bosom, and touched Mr. Rosenbaum's sleeve. She seemed to obtain both men's full attention immediately.
'Mr. Rosenbaum, I am sorry if I sound forward but I would like to return to my family in Atlanta this evening. You see, my son has been away these last few days. His...' She quickly cast a glance in Rhett's direction.
'His uncle has taken him on a trip and I would love to see him this evening. So if you don't mind I would like to talk to you now about the possibility of obtaining Stone Mountain oak through your company.'
Rhett coughed.
'Ah, yes, Mr. Rosenbaum,' he said. 'It is widely known in Atlanta what a devoted mother Mrs. O'Hara is.' Rhett smirked at her and Scarlett turned pale. What was Rhett playing at?
'Most people would believe that such a shrewd business woman could not be a good mother at the same time, but Mrs. O'Hara has proven all of us wrong. She is a woman of many talents.'
'Why, yes,' Mr. Rosenbaum said admiringly. Scarlett saw Rhett's eyes twinkle. He could be impossible sometimes! She knew that he did not mean a word of it. The opposite more like.
She pushed the sides of her mouth up to force a smile on her face.
'I don't know what kind of offer Mr. Jones has made you, but I am willing to top that offer by five percent,' she said, while giving Rhett a triumphant stare.
'Oh...' Joseph Rosenbaum stuttered.
'Well, Mr. Jones had not made a final offer yet. And I would be happy to do business with any of you. You both strike me as good and honest people.'
Rhett suddenly erupted in a coughing fit.
'I should lay off the cigars,' he said when he was done, hiding his smirk behind his hand. Scarlett impatiently rolled her eyes to the ceiling. She then placed a friendly smile on her face and looked at Mr. Rosenbaum who was about to say some more on the matter.
'I have some of that oak in storage. However, Mr. Jones has shown me the plans for Mr Fitzsimons house and… 'Scarlett gave Rhett a questioning look. Where did he get hold of those blue prints? Rhett just shrugged and smiled that conceited smile of his. With a small frown she dismissed him and returned her attention back to Joseph Rosenbaum just in time to catch the last part of his speech.
'Well, it looks like we will need an awful lot of Stone Mountain oak. But don't worry. I know where to get it. The bigger problem is the way we are going to transport it to Atlanta. From Stone Mountain there is no railroad that leads to the city. I have several wagons but that kind of transport would be rather expensive and...'
Rhett put up his hand.
'Don't worry, Mr. Rosenbaum, if you decide to go into business with me the transport will be in my account. And just to be clear: despite that service, I am willing to match Mrs. O'Hara's offer. My business partner has an extensive transport network; he will be able to help me out.' Then his eyes started dancing with boyish wickedness.
'I do business with a Mr. Butler. Rhett Butler,' Rhett said as seriously as he could manage.
Scarlett's breath caught in her throat, but Rhett just gave her a careless wink.
'I don't know if you have heard of the man, Mr. Rosenbaum? He does not have the most savoury reputation but he has yet to let me down when it comes to a business arrangement.' Rhett's face revealed an agreeable smile but for the close observer the twinkle in his dark eyes would have been evident.
'Oh, Mr. Rhett Butler? Yes, I have heard of that man. Everybody here in Clayton County has,' Joseph Rosenbaum said disapprovingly. ' He is a very wealthy man, so I have heard. I am not at all sure how he made his money though. There are some rumours.'
'Really?' Rhett said, feigning interest. Mr. Rosenbaum was halfway through his second brandy. Usually he did not drink during the daytime and the liquor made his tongue a bit looser than usual.
'I heard that, next to stealing the Confederate gold, Rhett Butler married one of the prettiest ladies in the state,' he said conspiringly. 'She used to live in these surroundings. In fact she used to be the Belle of the County.'
'Yes, Mr. Butler's wife is a very attractive lady,' Rhett agreed.
'She does not have the best reputation either, I am afraid,' Rhett then whispered. Scarlett, who had been swelling up like a toad when her fame as former belle was discussed, now sank back in her chair, giving Rhett a hostile look.
'Oh, yes, I have heard that too.' Mr. Rosenbaum volunteered. 'Her mother was of Savannah aristocracy, I heard. Such a shame that her descendant is tainting her good name. I am sure I know Mrs. Butler's maiden name. Hum, let me think…'
Scarlett, afraid that Mr. Rosenbaum would remember the O'Hara origins of Mr. Butler's wife, quickly changed the subject.
'Well, Mr. Butler happens to be a close friend of mine too,' she said to both Rosenbaum and Rhett's surprise.
'I am sure he will be more than happy to help me out with the transport. There is nothing that Mr. Jones here is promising that I cannot match.'
She put her chin up, feeling very pleased with herself. Yes, Rhett was fighting for the same cause as she was, but she would be so much prouder if she closed the deal herself. Besides, she would love to hold her victory over Rhett's head the coming days.
'Mr. Butler comes calling at your house, Mrs. O'Hara?' Rhett said with a convincing shocked expression on his face.
'And your husband knows about that? I would not want that scoundrel anywhere near my wife. I do business with the man, but that is as far I go!'
'The next thing I know I will have to invite Scallawags to my house!' Rhett's face looked serious, but Scarlett could tell that his eyes were mocking her. Despite Rhett's obvious Southern arrogance, Joseph Rosenbaum grinned. He considered himself a respected Southern citizen these days, and did not take offence.
Scarlett needed a little bit longer to adjust to Rhett's snide comment that was obviously directed at her and her recent choice in friends. Which, not incidentally, had been the reason for their last fight as well. She needed all her strength to swallow the angry words she wanted to yell at him.
'Yes, Mr. Jones,' she said sweetly after a few moments. 'I believe I still owe you my congratulations. You got married recently, is that not right?'
'Your first time I believe?' she said, pressing her lips tightly into a smile.
'She must be a very special woman for you to settle down so late in life. You must have seen something in her that you had never remarked in any lady before her.' Rhett gave her an amused smile.
'It can't be easy adjusting to the married life at your advanced age.' She fluttered her eyelashes sweetly at him. Rhett's mouth went down at one corner.
'Oh, Mr. Jones, congratulations,' Mr. Rosenbaum pitched in. 'I have never been married myself. Never met the right woman, I guess.'
'So how is married life treating you? I hope your wife is taking good care of you?'
'Oh, she is the best. Always puts my needs before hers. She is really a doll,' Rhett drawled. His piercing eyes were staring straight into Scarlett's. Defiantly she put up her chin.
Mr. Rosenbaum felt the tension between his two guests. He was rather intoxicated by now, but still he wondered what was happening. These two remarkable people seemed to have an unexpected effect on one another. If he weren't certain that they were married to other people he would have thought that romance was blossoming right before his eyes. He decided it would be better to return to the business issue at hand.
And so they did. Rhett opened with a new bid, that Scarlett quickly raised by another five percent. He gave her an annoyed look but Scarlett's business mind was not thinking clearly. She was eager to outdo Rhett, and was not fully realizing that it was their mutual capital that she was bidding against.
Rhett was afraid that if he kept raising his original offer, Scarlett would not relent and in the end the already elevated price for Stone Mountain oak would be sky high.
Quickly he suggested a joint venture between Scarlett's saw mills and his own. Rosenbaum agreed with Rhett that it would make sense for the two mills to work together since Mr. Fitzsimons' house would need such large quantities of wood. However, Joseph Rosenbaum felt a bit let down. The two dogs fighting over the same bone had been quite amusing for him, not to mention that he could see even larger profits at the horizon.
Grudgingly, Scarlett agreed too. She knew that now her chance of taunting Rhett with her slyness was gone, but at the same time she was very happy that her mills would be partially responsible for one of Atlanta's finest houses.
After Rhett promised Mr. Rosenbaum that his lawyer would draw up the contracts, they both walked to Joseph Rosenbaum's front door. They were met by Prissy who flew up when she caught sight of Rhett. The maid was ready to greet him in an informal way when Scarlett, who stood next to her, pinched her side rather harshly.
'Why Prissy, where are your manners? What way is that to greet a gentleman? Now curtsy to Mr. Jones as you have been taught.' Rhett was quick to understand the reason why Prissy's eyes suddenly gleamed with tears and looked at Scarlett disapprovingly.
Prissy, who could not follow her mistress' outlandish behaviour, just stood motionless. Scarlett took her by the arm while she told Mr. Rosenbaum that it was hard to find a proper darkie these days.
Without further ado she left the premises, Rhett following closely behind her.
A/N: We owe this chapter mainly to the person that managed to knock some sense into this former train wreck. Kudos!
