Chapter 10

Rhett swiftly climbed the stairs and lingered for a moment outside Scarlett's door. He could hear her footsteps softly treading the carpeted floor. Taking a short breath, he knocked the door.

"Come in" beckoned the voice inside.

Rhett sauntered in, his hands in his pockets, looking extremely distant and cool. "Good evening, Mrs. Butler."

Scarlett whirled around and clasped her hands together. She was in the act of brushing her lovely black locks and with the brush mangled between her gripping fingers, her hair fell across her face and shoulders in large waves looking very becoming.

"Rhett!" she cried in surprise mixed with hurt for being the last to know that he was back in Charleston again and happiness for having a real chance at trying out her newly acquired skills in weaving romance back into their lives. She smiled demurely but not flirtingly. By pressing back the raging emotions in her head, and by viciously disciplining herself not to read the expression on Rhett's face, she managed to bring genuine affection in her words. "Oh darling, when did you arrive? I didn't know-"

"Just now" cut in Rhett, his eyes boring into Scarlett's face with a queer light in them. To Scarlett, it seemed as if he was waiting for something to happen. As if he was very amused by certain turn of events and had thoroughly expected nothing else.

"Oh just now? If you haven't had a bite to eat, I'll ring for Bertie. She'll bring us some sandwiches and some coffee-" Scarlett moved quickly to the bell as she spoke. Rhett's eyes followed her across the room. When she came back, she found Rhett seated by the window and she sat down on the edge of her bed. "Rhett, how have you been? I missed you so much."

Scarlett observed her own manner and tone as she spoke and marveled on how composed and kind she sounded. Yes, she was doing very well indeed!

"I had to cut my trip short owing to a letter I received a fortnight ago. Perhaps you would like to read it?"

Scarlett took the small envelope that Rhett handed to her and began to read. And as she read, a hot blush spread across her face. She looked up, torn between the anxious and frantic need to explain herself and the desire to remain composed and collected. "Rhett, I can explain-"

Rhett remained silent and disinterested.

Scarlett continued hopefully, "Rhett, I know I didn't want a great white stucco house before but I do now. I started building this place so that when you came back, we could start a new life together here. Rhett, listen to me. I've changed. I know I have- I want to be with you. I'll be anything you want me to be-"

Rhett smiled. But it was a grim smile. "How many years, Scarlett?" he asked quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"For Ashley it was nine years after which you realized he wasn't the man for you. Now, how many years for me?"

Scarlett harnessed her temper and turbulent emotions with a marvelous effort. "Rhett, you know that's not true. You know that I love you-"