"Scarlett? Is there someone at the door?"
Before Scarlett could answer, Melanie entered the foyer and stopped about a foot behind her. When Scarlett turned to make the introductions, she found Melly's face had gone completely white.
Rhett pushed to Melly, nearly knocking Scarlett over. He took Melanie by the elbow and led her to a chase lounge.
"Miss Wilkes, you should sit down. You look faint."
"Oh, thank you Captain Butler. I just..." She lifted her eyes and stared at the doorway to the parlor. There, Scarlett stood on the arm of Mr. Foster.
Steven bowed.
"Oh, Melly, this is Steven Foster. He's a friend of a Captain Butler," Scarlett quickly explained. She squeezed his arm, "And this is Mrs. Wilkes."
With a weak smile, Melanie nodded. "I'm sorry Mr. Foster. You have an uncanny resemblance to my husband. For a moment, I thought he'd come home."
Stephen looked at Rhett and raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry to startle you," he said in a smooth southern drawl. "I'm sure, with such a lovely wife waiting for him, your husband wishes he could be here."
Melly blushed. "That is very kind of you. But he must serve a higher purpose now—supporting the cause. You will join us for dinner won't you, Mr. Foster?"
"I'd be delighted."
Scarlet had watched the exchange and was ready to scream. She was the belle, yet her mealy-mouthed, homely sister-in-law had managed to attract the notice of both male callers?
Well, she can have the old man. In fact, I want her to fall head over heels for that one, but there in no way on God's green earth she is going to collect another heart, especially one that looks so much like Ashley.
"I'm going to run to the kitchen, and get you something to drink," Scarlett said before turning to leave. She needed to check her appearance—maybe even freshen herself with a dab of Florida Water. With her back to the others, she bit her lips but stopped short of pinching her cheeks when she noticed a shadow had fallen over her. Stephen stood by her side.
"May I help?" Steven asked, offering his arm.
Scarlett lowered her chin. Lifting her eyes, she batted her eyelashes.
"Why, Mr. Foster..."
She looked over her shoulder. Captain Butler sat on the edge of his seat. He watched them with apprehension.
Of course. He wants to be alone with Melly. He must have asked Mr. Foster here to help distract Aunt Pitty, but since she is still upstairs this is the perfect opportunity for him to make his advance. I just need to make sure to distract Mr. Foster.
"Nothing would please me more," she said, smiling demurely.
They exited the room and found Aunt Pitty descending the stairs. "Oh, Scarlett, is our guest here?" She squinted at Mr. Foster.
Scarlett suppressed a sigh. It was just like her aunt to ruin the Captain's moment before he had created it.
"Yes, Captain Butler is in the parlor with Melly. He brought a friend. May I introduce you to Mr. Foster. Mr. Foster, this is my aunt..."
By this time, Pitty had reached the bottom step. She thrust out her hand.
"You may call me Miss Pitty," she said.
He raised her hand to his lips. "A pleasure, Miss Pitty."
She giggled like a school girl.
Scarlett glanced through the doorway. Captain Butler stared at them, a fire blazing in his eyes. His agitation was palpable. Clearly, they were of one mind.
She nearly felt pity for the man.
After returning from the kitchen, she poured a glass of lemonade for Melanie. Several sips later, her sister-in-law-law's color returned. Scarlett sat down on the couch, and Steven took the seat beside her.
With effort, Melanie tore her eyes away from the big man sitting beside Scarlett and looked at her wedding ring. "Captain Butler, I'm so glad you could finally join us for dinner. Every time I catch a glimpse of my ring finger, I think of your kindness. I know it is selfish of me, but I am grateful I could hold onto this trinket—even if the cause needs it more than I do."
Scarlett had been stealing glances at the man beside her. He did resemble Ashley. If only she could get a better look at the color of his eyes. When he lifted a brow at Melly's comment, she saw her chance.
"You see, at a recent benefit, we donated our wedding bands to the cause, and Captain Butler purchased them back," she said, drawing all the attention in the room.
Steven turned toward her and lifted his lashes, revealing soft, grey irises.
Scarlett's heart fluttered.
"How very kind of him," he said. A smirk rested on his lips. "I am sure your husband will be grateful."
Scarlett looked down at her lap, unwilling to risk that her expression might reveal her thoughts . "I've lost my husband," she said.
"I'm sorry. Of course, you are all in mourning. I should have thought. I did not mean to be insensitive."
"Do not fret, Mr. Foster. You could not have known," Pitty called from the corner of the room.
"Still, it was all very recent. I am sure the widow Hamilton is in deep grieving," Rhett said. There was something menacing in his tone—a warning. Steven turned and the two men locked eyes.
"But we are all so fortunate for Wade," Melanie said, breaking the tension in the room.
Both men turned to her and in identical, puzzled tones, said, "Wade?"
As if on cue, a baby's cry filled the room.
"He must have woken from his nap," Scarlett said and hurried from the room.