Chapter VII

Scarlett nervously tugged at the ribbons on her hat. It was a decadent thing and it had only been at Rhett's strong insistence that she had bought it. It had been the afternoon after their arrival in Charleston and they had been taking a leisurely walk down King Street. She had spotted the most elegant bonnet, and the perfect thing to wear with her new riding outfit. However, it had not been the beautiful bonnet that Rhett had bought for her, but a nondescript, homely one instead. It was a shabby thing, it's pale blue color did nothing to compliment her eyes or complexion and she thought she should never wear it. But Rhett had only winked and promised that there would be occasion for it.

Later that evening Rhett had announced to her, over a feast of the finest delicacies, that they would be paying a visit to his family the following day. In her surprise, Scarlett had nearly choked on a piece of venison. When Rhett had visited Charleston prior to their marriage to inform his family of the event he had, naturally, invited them. Yet they failed to attend or send any word ahead of their absence. In fact, they had never even sent a wedding present or congratulatory letter. In her mind, such treatment was a clear indication of either total indifference or disdain for their son's actions. Either way, Scarlett had never imagined that she would have to come face to face with the infamous, and seldom seen, Butler family.

So, as Rhett had promised, there had been an occasion afterall. She had worn the hat he bought her and the most conservative (or rather, only conservative) dress she owned, expecting a pleasant visit with her new in-laws. But now, even from the street, should could hear the heated argument occurring inside. It seemed that their visit, and their marriage, had not been entirely welcomed by the senior Mr. Butler. Whatever inkling she had of the contempt amongst the Butlers paled in comparison with the reality. The disdain Rhett's father held for him was unlike anything she had ever seen. He had, quite literally, slammed the door in their face, insisting that he had no interest in meeting his son's "child bride". Whatever insult or embarrassment Rhett had ever taken from this behavior had long ago disappeared and was instead replaced a caliber of enmity equal to his father's.

Now she sat alone in their decadent carriage, anticipating that at any second Rhett's body would come crashing from the parlor window and she would be left a widow at the tender age of sixteen. How had such a wonderful trip come to such an awful point? At the sound of an opening door she turned, hoping to see Rhett make his long awaited exit, only to be met by the sight of an opulent and refined older woman approaching her. Indeed this woman was none other than the esteemed Mrs. Eleanor Butler. Everything Rhett had ever implied of the woman was contradicted, Scarlett could find nothing abrasive or neglectful about the woman who now entered her carriage. This woman seemed as compassionate and nurturing as any mother, refined and elegant airs practically seemed to surround her. She almost wondered how a man such as Rhett Butler could come from a woman of such apparent good breeding.

"Well, my dear," said Mrs. Butler, now seated directly across from her, "what do you say you and I go get some light supper? I've heard the new Charleston Hotel has a magnificent tea room." Hesitant to abandon her husband, but also anxious to flee the site of such hostility, Scarlett managed a small nod in response.


The Charleston Hotel's new tea room was grand indeed, which Scarlett had already known as she and Rhett had been staying there since their arrival. The room looked exactly like the spectacular European palaces she had seen in her magazines. The architecture of the restaurant itself was whimsical, with an intricate glass ceiling that flooded the floor with sunlight and grand marble pillars around the edge of the room. Each of the many tables was covering in a different shade of the softest, happiest colors she had ever experienced. But most brilliant of all were the tiers upon tiers of pastries that stood on every available surface. Desserts that seemed otherworldly in their content were piled high on every table, full of exotic fruits and finely crafted creams. It put even the most decorated picnics back on the plantation to shame.

It was exactly the kind of place that the two Mrs. Butlers should be dining. Both products of exceptional lineage and superior charm, both boasting beauty uncommon to their ages, and both trying to escape whatever timeless feud existed between the two Mr. Butlers. Scarlett had recollection of ever being taught how to act around an in-law, her education had been most thorough in the art of conversing with acquaintances of all forms, but in-laws had never been mentioned. It was almost in childish impudence that Scarlett seated herself at one of the picturesque tables, unsure what to say or how to behave. It was an entirely new situation to her, to need to impress a person but to be unable to use her usual charms. No amount of eye batting or subtle flirting was going to win Mrs. Butler's good opinion.

Perhaps sensing Scarlett's trepidation, or perhaps not being one for conversation either, the two sat for a long time in silence. The atmosphere of the room was light enough that forced conversation was not necessary, and around them many parties sat quietly enjoying the surroundings and food. Gentle music was being played by a band somewhere in the distance and the sound floated in through the windows. It was not an unpleasant way of dining, even if the company was not particularly interactive. Scarlett almost found herself forgetting about her husband, no doubt still occupied with his father, and purely enjoying the moment.

However, as soon as their plates had been cleared the elder lady spoke up. "Now my dear, you must excuse my husband. You see, Rhett has caused an awful lot of trouble for us, and, well, we weren't particularly pleased to hear that he had gone off and married some southern bell without considering the other advantageous matches we had lined up for him."

Unsure how to respond, Scarlett sat stiffly as she continued, "not that I'm saying you aren't a lovely girl, it's just that you're so young and so unversed in the ways of the world. I am familiar with your mother's family, and I am very glad that you at least possess some noble Charlestonian blood, but you're father's family is an entirely different matter. Irish! And catholics no less! Rhett told us you'd be married in a catholic church, I can't tell you how disappointing that is. I mean surely you can understand, when one invests as much time and energy into a child as we have it is frustrating to see it all go to waste."

Panic washed over Scarlett like a great wave, such cruel words from someone so elegant. It was enough to make her head spin, but something deep inside her would not remain silent. Something she had scarcely felt before made her speak up. "Well, Mrs. Butler, you'll excuse me if I don't forgive you or your husband. I cannot, and I will not, understand why you treat my marriage as if it's some awful curse. Rhett loves me, and I love him, and that's all that matters. Not my familiar connections you speak of, not my religious affiliations, and not the amount of money my dowry brings into our marriage. I cannot understand because a mother is supposed to love her child, regardless of flaws or wrongdoings. I will not sit here and be insulted a moment longer. Thank you for tea, Mrs. Butler, it was wonderful."

As Scarlett stormed off she was vaguely aware of the commotion she had caused. All heads seemed to be turned in her direction and already gossip would be forming. Even as hot tears burnt the edge of her eyes she kept walking, because the truth of the matter was she was not upset or embarrassed. She had stood up to that awful woman, she had defended herself and her marriage. No, she didn't feel guilty at acting so unladylike, she felt proud. And if her husband managed to survive his feud with his father he would be proud of her too.