Chapter 28

{FLASHBACK}

"I hear the blockade is getting tighter-" Rhett looked up and saw the beadiest eyes he had ever seen boring through his tall frame. The voice continued, taut and grim, "It's going to be mighty difficult to get all those boats past the Yankee schooners-"

"Oh?" replied Rhett, nonchalantly. He did not get up from his seat nor did he offer the blockader a seat. Rhett was in no mood to entertain fools just then. His mind was running over more important matters such as how to secure his gold in Liverpool and just how to get his hands on a few tell-tale documents and shady contracts to gain the silence of those high-up men who might break the secrecy of his good fortune.

The man shifted determinedly to his other foot and continued, "Captain Butler, I know you bought me out fair and square on my cotton cargo but I see now that I might make a tidy sum by selling them in England. If you name a price, I'll buy back the cotton from you. I am an honest man, Captain Butler. I only want my fair share-"

Rhett stared the man down from head to toe. Yes, he was a sucker. Sold all his cargo and now he wants a cut in the deal. Rhett cleared his throat. "I'll tell you what, my friend- I am finding this blockading business tiresome because I've settled things for myself- comfortably- if you know what I mean-"

"I sure do-"

"I know some honest folk like you who I've bought bales from and they find themselves in the same predicament. Why don't I introduce you to them and you can form a partnership and buy my bales and my ships?"

"Well,I-"

"Is anything too difficult for the Cause?"

"Oh no, Captain-"

"We Southerners have got to keep up our faith - our ideals- It's the only thing worth fighting for in this changing world. One of the gentlemen, Mr. Tony Price, is an excellent navigator. He can get my ships through the tightest of blockades. One trip and back and you can be wealthy for the rest of your life and think of returning back to the South with your pockets full of hard-earned gold and something to crow about in front of Scallawags and Carpetbaggers-"

Rhett watched with morbid amusement as the other man shook his head vigorously and fell for his trap.


That night, Rhett had sent a few letters and telegrams and leaned back in his chair. He was tired and his mind began to wander, "I wonder what Scarlett O Hara is doing right now?"

Despite himself, he grinned as he remembered those flashing green eyes glaring at him in hot Irish temper. That sweet, baby face that hid a sharp, intelligent mind.

"That girl will only break my heart" thought Rhett, smiling to himself. "Marrying Charlie Hamilton just to spite her beloved Ashley and then travelling to Atlanta to reel him in. Such obstinacy would never do!"

But he felt a small pang of guilty interest.

"A woman without the sentimental morality of our fair Southland - a refreshing change from the demure, faint-hearted ladies I've usually met and mingled with. But such a fiery temper when things wouldn't go her way."

Rhett chuckled again. "I could handle that temper. But that obstinacy? I wonder what's behind it all?"