Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Margaret Mitchell and MGM Studios.

Author's note: In my story Scarlett is a little more mature than in the original, and she really appreciates Melanie's friendship. You will notice that I borrowed some lines from the movie because I think that those were written perfectly, and I didn't want to change them. My story will alternate between Scarlett and Rhett's point of view. I hope you will enjoy it!

Chapter 1

I didn't know why I had said yes, I really didn't, but at the time I thought a barbecue was a better option than passing time in Jonesboro till my train to Atlanta arrived. Of course I had no idea that Mr. Kennedy would turn out to be such a boring companion. He was talking about the people whom I would meet at Twelve Oaks, a Mr. John Wilkes' mansion. For the last twenty minutes he had been talking about the O'Haras because he was smitten with the middle daughter, Suellen. I dimly wondered about this girl. Who would settle for such an old and fussy man as Mr. Kennedy? I was sure she wasn't the belle of the county. Apparently there were two other O'Hara girls – one older and one younger than his Suellen. He told me more about that family that I wasn't interested in.

"I'm terribly sorry Mr. Butler, but it seems that I lost my way." Frank Kennedy spoke as he stopped our buggy at a crossroad. "I can't recall which way to take."

Suddenly my attention was turned to a very enthusiastic rider not far from us. It was a magnificent black horse tearing down the road at a high speed, and I was surprised to note that a woman was its rider. I was even more surprised when it became clear that she was straddling the horse, and she didn't use a female saddle. It wasn't that shocking to me as I had seen many women doing the same, but I had never expected to see that in the country. She was wearing an unusual riding habit in deep blue color. She seemed small and petite, she must be young. I wondered at her haste.

"Oh, that must be Miss O'Hara!" Frank exclaimed happily. "She could give us directions." And with that he started furiously waving to the girl and calling her name to get her attention.

I wondered if she was the infamous Suellen or one of her sisters although I doubted that such a spirited girl was Mr. Kennedy's choice. It seemed that he succeeded in gaining her attention at last as she slowed down and waved back. Although her body language showed reluctance. That immediately made me curious.

"Miss O'Hara! I need your help." Frank addressed the girl as soon as she came within hearing distance. At first I couldn't make out her features as she was holding her face down.

"Well, Mr. Kennedy, you certainly seem lost." She said lifting her head to meet our face. She briefly glanced at me, our eyes locked for a second, but then she turned her attention to Frank. I sucked in a quick breathe and I couldn't help staring. In my life I had met my share of women, but it was safe to say that none were as beautiful as this one. She had a very fine heart-shaped face with full red lips, button nose and raven black hair, but her eyes were the most remarkable feature of her lovely face. She had pure and big emerald green eyes; I had never seen such a shade of green in eyes before. They were truly captivating. I was too preoccupied with examining her beauty to pay attention to the conversation so I deemed it time to try and listen again.

"I feel that I should warn you again, Miss O'Hara. That is hardly a proper way to ride a…" Mr. Kennedy was starting a lecture I could say, but fortunately the girl interrupted him. I smiled at her barely noticeable eye roll at Frank. So I wasn't the only one who found him tiring.

"Last time I checked, Mr. Kennedy, you weren't my father or my husband so how I'm riding my horse is no concern of yours." Miss O'Hara replied in a calm voice, but I could detect her annoyance. Her answer was sarcastic rather than the polite apology that should have been appropriate in this situation. This immediately peaked my interest. So this girl wasn't just exceptionally beautiful, but she was fiery, too. I liked that very much.

"But I feel it is my duty to warn you." Frank insisted. I watched in fascination as those emerald eyes flashed in anger. What a pretty sight that was!

"So you warned me." She answered quite haughtily. "Now if you excuse me I should leave." She grabbed the rein of her horse to leave, but she must have been too harsh as the horse pounced in disagreement. I was afraid that the horse would throw her, but I shouldn't have worried. She was whispering something in his ears while gently rubbing his neck, and it seemed to calm him.

Frank didn't seem to notice this as he was still preoccupied with getting to that damned barbecue. "Before you leave, Miss O'Hara, could you please direct me toward Twelve Oaks? I can't recall the way."

I stifled a laugh as I saw her eyes flash again, but this time in mischief and amusement. "Of course, Mr. Kennedy. You should take this turn to the left and when you arrive to the next crossroad you should make a turn to the right. After that you only have to go straight on until you see the mansion." She explained in a calm voice. I doubted she gave us the right directions or she sent us on a longer route.

"Oh, thank you, Miss O'Hara." Frank expressed his gratitude while touching his whiskers. "But about your riding…" It seemed that how she rode her horse was a touchy subject for Frank.

However, this girl was clearly not in the mood for his fussing.

"Good day, Mr. Kennedy!" She dismissed him and spurred her horse to get away very quickly. She was a remarkable horsewoman.

Mr. Kennedy turned to me with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Mr. Butler, but in my haste I forgot to introduce you." Now that he had mentioned it I was a little angry that I didn't know her full name.

As we turned to the left I asked him. "You shouldn't worry about it now. But who was she?" Admittedly I was curious.

"That was Miss Scarlett O'Hara. My Suellen's older sister." He started his tale again about her beloved. Hmmm… What an unusual name! Scarlett… It suited her perfectly. And I was pleased to learn that the whole O'Hara family would attend the barbecue. So I would have another chance to see her.

As I had suspected she had sent us on a detour and it took us some time to get to Twelve Oaks. Upon arrival we were immediately greeted by Mr. Wilkes and his eldest daughter, India Wilkes. After pleasantries were exchanged I quickly moved away to finally get rid of Mr. Kennedy. I grabbed a refreshing drink and retired to a corner to watch the pompous fools from there. It had been too long since I had the pleasure to watch the elite of the Southern society mingle, but it never ceased to amuse me. My attention was caught by Frank as he hurried to a carriage and I smiled widely when I noticed Miss O'Hara again. She was dressed in a lovely white and green day dress that was a little low cut for the occasion. This girl was truly intriguing. I studied her sisters, too, but they didn't seem like her at all. The one who was escorted by Mr. Kennedy had blonde hair and average features. I assumed that was Suellen. The other girl seemed very young and she was escorted by their father. And Scarlett… I had to stifle my laugh at the sight. She was flanked by two gentlemen – they appeared to be twins – and Scarlett was smiling at their comments coyly. However, she soon abandoned her companions and in a flash she was closer to me at the bottom of the grand staircase. She enthusiastically greeted a girl who seemed to be the same age as her.

"Oh, Melly! I'm so happy to see you." I could faintly hear her say. I didn't catch the other girl's quiet reply.

Soon they were joined by two gentlemen and one of them seemed to be this Melly's beau so Scarlett turned her attention to the other man, well, boy really. It was clear that this boy was smitten with Miss O'Hara. I couldn't contain my laughter any more as it seemed that almost every man in the room was half in love with the girl. My laughter caught her attention for a minute and she looked at me with a raised eyebrow so I winked at her. However, she didn't react rather she turned her attention back to the lovesick boy.

Soon they parted ways and Scarlett started to go up the stairs in the company of a dark-haired girl, and judging by her secretive looks in my direction she was relating the latest gossip about me to Miss O'Hara. I was very curious about her reaction: she didn't seem shocked or appalled only mildly interested. This girl provided me with a pleasant amusement for this day ahead as I continued watching her. She naturally was very popular with the men present, but she never sought their attention it was always them to look for her. It didn't seem to me that she was in love with any of these fools though. From time to time I caught her attention as she continued looking around like she was looking for someone. At first I was really interested who had caught her attention, but she was only checking up on her father who was on his way to become merrily drunk.

Soon the ladies retired to their usual nap while the men retired to have a drink and a cigar. I was forced to listen to their arrogant speeches about the upcoming war. They were fools indeed if they really thought that we could lick the Yankees. And, of course they had asked for my opinion as I had been up North, but they were greatly displeased with my answer. Especially the boy whom I had seen with Scarlett earlier and whom I had learnt was Charles Hamilton.

"Are you hinting, Mr. Butler that we will loose this war?" The young man asked in disbelieve.

"No, I'm not hinting. I'm saying plainly that the Yankees are better equipped than we. They have factories, shipyards, and coalmines. All we have is cotton, slaves, and… arrogance." My last statement got quite the reaction. I was greatly amused by their indignation. And Mr. Hamilton expressed his challenge in a very subtle way.

But I, of course, didn't answer to his challenge as he was too young to be killed now, besides the army would need all of these fine fellows here. So I left them to their amusement and I asked my host where I could find the library. Ashley Wilkes seemed to be an educated man, but he was too honorable for my taste.

In the library I lied down on the sofa and thought about this war. It was the perfect opportunity for me to make a fortune, I only had to play my cards right. My musings were interrupted by the arrival of a couple.

"What are you doing down here, Miss O'Hara?" I heard that infuriating Mr. Hamilton asking.

"Oh, I was just looking for a book to help me pass the time." Came the sugary reply. I had to smile as it was none other than Miss Scarlett O'Hara, and naturally she wasn't sleeping like a proper lady should. I wondered if she ever did anything that was proper.

"I'm glad that I could find you alone." Mr. Hamilton started a bit a hesitantly. My amusement grew. I had a suspicion where this was headed so I prayed that they wouldn't notice my hiding on the sofa.

"And why is that, Mr. Hamilton?" Scarlett asked still pretending to be oblivious.

Mr. Hamilton hesitated before continuing. "I'm sure… I'm sure that you know how much I love you. I think that you are the most beautiful girl in the world. And the sweetest and the dearest." During his monologue I had the hardest time to keep quiet and not burst out with hysterical laughter. It was clear that he had no idea about that girl in front of him. None of these fools could understand her like I could. She was just like me.

"Charles, please…" Scarlett tried to stop him from making a fool out of himself, but the young Mr. Hamilton was determined.

"I know I couldn't hope that you love me, I'm not nearly good enough for you. But if you could think of marrying me I would do anything for you." He vowed solemnly. I was extremely curious about the girl's reply.

"Charles, I have already told you no." Ah, so this wasn't his first proposal. "What makes you think that I had changed my mind?"

"I… I just… thought that… maybe if I go to this war you will consider me." He answered shyly.

"But as you pointed out I don't love you." Scarlett said and it was clear from her tone that she started to get frustrated with her persistent beau.

"But in time… in time you could learn to love me. I'm sure your father would approve…" He was interrupted at this point.

"My father wouldn't have to live with you." Scarlett said curtly and I could imagine her green eyes flashing in anger. "You didn't talk to him, did you?" Now she sounded suspicious.

"No, not in those words. I was merely hinting at…" He trailed off no doubt at her look.

"How dare you! You…" She was too angry to continue. After a little pause she continued haughtily. "My answer is no and it shall always be that. And this conversation is over."

I heard as the disappointed boy left the library so I was only waiting for the girl to leave, too so I could move from my spot.

"Oh, that sneaky little bastard!" Scarlett fumed and again I had to fight the urge to laugh loudly. So she could swear, too. And when I saw a vase flying over the sofa and crashing against the fireplace I lost it completely and laughed out loud.

I quickly sat up and took in her shocked expression which made me laugh harder. It was a comical sight.

"Sir, you should have made your presence known." She mumbled hesitantly.

"In the middle of that beautiful love scene? That wouldn't have been very tactful now, would it? But don't worry your secret is safe with me." I was greatly amused when I saw her shock turning into annoyance at my words.

"Sir, you are no gentleman." She turned to go away, but I wanted her to stay. Maybe this was my only opportunity to talk to this remarkable girl.

"And you miss, are no lady." I taunted and as I had suspected this made her turn back and she made a disbelieving noise. She turned those flashing green eyes on me, but they didn't intimidate me. So I continued. "Don't think that I hold that against you. Ladies have never held any charm for me."

"You take a low, common advantage of me, and then you insult me." She sounded incredulous. I was sure that I was the first man who wasn't affected by her beauty. Or more accurately the first one who had more sense than to show it.

So just to rile her more I added quickly. "I meant it as a compliment. And I hope to see more of you…" I trailed off suggestively just to see what she would do.

She held her chin up in a dismissive gesture and said. "Than I hope you enjoy seeing more of my back." And with that she promptly turned around and left. I had to laugh at her clever comeback.

When I calmed down I followed her example and I left the library, too. I found everything at an upheaval in the house and I immediately knew the reason: the war had started. I didn't have any more time to dwell on that intriguing girl; it was the time to make a fortune.

When the war started I became a blockade runner because there was where the money was. It seemed a noble act from the outside, but I only did it for the profit. And maybe a little for the thrill of it, too. Now I was heading to Atlanta to do business there after checking on my mother and sister in Charleston in secret, of course. A good friend of mine, Belle Watling had recently opened her saloon in Atlanta so I thought I would call on her, too once I was there.

That barbecue happened more than I year ago, but I couldn't say that I had forgotten Miss Scarlett O'Hara. From time to time her flashing green eyes appeared in my thoughts and I often wondered what had happened to her since I last saw her. Did she marry one of the country fools? Would I ever see her again? Was she the same spirited girl I had met?

"You seem deep in thought." Belle commented. We had retired to her private quarters to talk and to catch up on things.

"So it seems. I'm sorry." I smiled at her in apology.

"What were you thinking about?" She asked curiously. She was a very close friend and I could talk to her about everything, even another girl. I knew that she had some feelings for me, but I also knew that she would never say anything about them.

"Believe it or not, I was thinking about a girl." I told her with a pleased smile because as expected she was shocked.

"What has the world come to?" She asked in mock outrage making me laugh in the process. I had always liked her sense of humor. "Do I know her?" She continued more soberly.

"I don't think so. I met her last year at a barbecue in the country where I was doing business. She was extremely beautiful and you should have seen how she was playing all those fools. She was a very remarkable girl." I proceeded to tell her all I knew about Scarlett.

"What is her name?" She asked when I finished my tale.

"Miss Scarlett O'Hara. Although I'm not so sure about that Miss part any more." I mused.

"Oh, she is a Miss." Belle cried excitedly, and I cocked an amused eyebrow at her. "In fact she is here in Atlanta." Well, that was good news indeed.

"How do you know?" I inquired.

"You know the gossip in town…" She made a dismissive hand gesture. This town was almost as bad as Charleston. "But she is here visiting her friend, Mrs. Wilkes."

"Who is Mrs. Wilkes?" I needed to know whether I knew her.

"She used to be Melanie Hamilton." I was sure that this was Melly. "She is a very nice young lady. She married Ashley Wilkes only last year, but the young man soon went away to the war."

At her words realization hit me. "I think I can recall them. They were at the barbecue where I had met Miss O'Hara. It was at the Wilkes'"

I was invited to attend a ball that was organized to raise money for the Confederacy. Usually I would have declined it, but after I had learnt that Miss O'Hara was in town I reconsidered. It was more than likely that she would attend, too.

I knew that Dr. Meade would want to introduce me with all the unnecessary flattery that he deemed proper so I arrived a bit earlier than expected to look around. I was examining all the colorful dresses hoping to see Scarlett, but for a long time I wasn't successful because I wasn't looking at the proper place. I was looking for her at the dance floor, but for some reason she was relegated to stand behind a booth selling pillow cases. That was a curious arrangement! I examined her appearance: she was just as beautiful as I had remembered her, and just as youthful. Suddenly I wondered how old she actually was. She was wearing a very conservative and simple deep green dress and no jewels. It was almost as if she was in mourning.

I was so absorbed in my wondering over the girl that I was a bit surprised by Dr. Meade's sudden introduction. I kept my eyes on Scarlett for the whole time though. I watched as she at first looked at me quizzically, and I could pinpoint the exact moment when she could recall why I was so familiar to her. A very becoming blush assaulted her cheeks and she dropped her eyes in embarrassment. I could hardy wait for the old doctor to finish his introduction so I could go and talk to her. I wanted to see whether she was the same spirited and lively girl I had remembered. I smiled broadly when I saw that she realized that I was heading toward her and she made everything in her power to avoid the encounter. I see she still wasn't very fond of me. As she hurried behind her booth, the skirt of her dress caught up on something presenting me with the perfect opportunity to approach her.

"Permit me!" I implored as she struggled to get free. The instant I let go of her dress she was across the booth pretending I wasn't there. This wouldn't do. I was about to address her again when I was interrupted by a gentle voice.

"Captain Butler! Such a pleasure to see you again. I'm Melanie Wilkes, you were at the barbecue at my husband's home." She offered her hand which I gently kissed. Something in her made me behave properly. She was wearing a black dress and it was clear that she indeed was in mourning. I hoped for her sake that not because of her husband.

"That's very kind of you to remember me." I said softly.

"Yes, I remember everything about that day…" She trailed off dreamily, but she quickly snapped out of it. "Did you meet Captain Butler at Twelve Oaks, Scarlett?" She asked quietly. I lifted my eyes to see the girl's reaction as I couldn't have come up with a better line than this. And Mrs. Wilkes was completely unaware of our so called history.

"Yes… I think so." Scarlett said hesitantly. Oh, no she couldn't get away with lying.

"Only for a moment, Miss O'Hara. It was in the library." And for effect I added. "You have broken something."

"Yes, Captain Butler, I remember you." Finally she admitted, but her tone was laced with venom. It didn't bother me the least bit because those remarkable emerald eyes flashed in their finest color. Oh, I still irritated her.

"Scarlett…" Mrs. Wilkes started questioningly, but she was interrupted by the arrival of a young man who collected the ladies' jewelry for the cause.

"I'm sorry we can't help you. As you see I'm in mourning and I don't wear any jewelry. And Scarlett was kind enough to be considerate of my feelings and she refused to wear any." Mrs. Wilkes gently explained. Well, that certainly explained Scarlett's plain attire. However, one look at her face told me that her not wearing any jewelry was more to do with not wanting to part with them than any consideration to her friend.

After I donated my cigar case for the cause the man a move to leave, but Mrs. Wilkes stopped him.

"Wait!" She called out, and then hesitantly took off her wedding ring. "It may help my husband more when off my finger."

"But Melly, you can't part with your ring." Scarlett interjected, and for the first time I saw genuine affection on her face. They must be close friends.

However, before she could say anything Dr. Meade appeared at her side, and he wanted to discuss something with her, and that left me alone with the beautiful belle.

"I wish you would go away. If you had any sense, you would know that I didn't want to see you again." She said as soon as Mrs. Wilkes was out of hearing distance.

"Oh, come on! You don't have any reason to hate me." I reminded her gently. What had happened in the library was embarrassing for that lovesick boy, and not her.

She seemed to think this over and smiled at me in forgiveness. "I think you are right." She replied lightly, and then a teasing glint appeared in her beautiful eyes. "Besides, it would be very unpatriotic of me to hate one of the great blockade runners of the war. I'm surprised that you turned out to be such a hero after your earlier talks about the war."

So she had heard my speech on the war at that barbeque. Somehow it didn't surprise me.

"I don't know where you had heard such nonsense. I'm not a hero." I said as I wanted to talk to her honestly. I had enough of the hypocrisy of these people.

"But you are a blockade runner." She cried in surprise.

"For profit and profit only." I answered truthfully. She seemed thoughtful, but then quickly changed her expression into a Southern belle simper.

"Are you trying to tell me that you don't believe in our noble cause?" She made it sound genuinely shocked, but her eyes gave her away. She didn't give a damn about this war.

"Now, why would you do that?" I asked her in admonishment. "I wanted to have an honest conversation with you."

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." Her eyes danced in amusement. "All this war talk that gentlemen so like to engage in leaves us ladies at a loss. We have no idea what to say."

I frowned at her evasive answer. I was sure that she wasn't like the ladies present; I knew she had an opinion on the war, and I wanted to find it out. "I thought that we had established at our first meeting that I'm not a gentleman and you are not a lady." Her eyes flashed in anger as it seemed to be a touchy subject with her. She opened her eyes to say something no doubt amusing when she was interrupted by Dr. Meade as he was about to announce something.

"Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention?" He started with all the dignity he could master. "I have quite the surprising announcement. As you know the hospital is in need of your generous support and we came up with a playful way to do that. Gentlemen, if you want to dance with your lady, you have to bid on her."

The doctor's announcement caused loud cheers to break out all across the room, and bids were immediately called. I wasn't surprised one bit that Scarlett's name was called out frequently, but I wasn't ready to give up my time with the girl. So I made sure that everybody would know that she was mine for the evening.

"One hundred and fifty dollars in gold for Miss Scarlett O'Hara." I called confidently knowing all too well that no one can offer that much. And of course everybody was in awe except of Scarlett herself. I could see that she wanted to refuse, but then she seemed to think better of it.

During the reel she was distant and composed, but by the time of the waltz started she gave up her pretenses of my being less than a desirable dance partner.

"You do waltz divinely, Captain Butler!" She said flirtatiously.

"Stop flirting with me," I called her on it "I'm not of one your plantation beaux. I want more than flirting from you." I baited her and in a veiled way let her know my so called intentions that were anything, but honorable.

"What do you want?" She continued her flirting, pretending that she didn't know my meaning. I didn't understand her need of playing games with me. I wanted honesty from her.

"I tell you Scarlett O'Hara if you stop pretending and listen to me carefully." I saw her face fall when I refused to participate in her little game. "Some day I want you to say what you have never said to a man before: I love you."

She flashed me a teasing smile before answering confidently. "That's something you will never hear from me Captain Butler as long as you live."

I silently accepted the challenge. I will make this headstrong and beautiful belle fall in love with me.

Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think.