He was truly happy. She had accepted him for who he was, and she loved him for it. Nothing could get Rhett Butler down that night, for his joy was too heartfelt and personal. When she had laid down for her nap, he decided he would take the time to go run a few errands. He walked over to the store and made sure his shipments would be in during the next few days. He went to two telegrams to Charleston, one for his mother, and the other was to be a surprise for Scarlett. He went and bought four train tickets for Charleston, and he even checked on Frank's store for Scarlett to see about the books. Soon after that, he went and bought five bouquets of flowers: one of camelias, one of daisies, one of sterling roses, one of pansies, and one of violets.
On his way to Ashley Wilkes' home, Rhett stepped into the cemetary, because he knew it would be his last chance for awhile more than likely. He took the camelias over to Bonnie's grave, and placed them gently on the headstone. Gosh, how missed her! Besides Scarlett and his mother, she was the only female that brought that much joy and sunshine in his life. He walked over to Melly's grave, and sat down beside it. He just stared, and it felt nice, almost as if he could feel her serene presence. He laid the pansies on the ground in front of her headstone, it saddened him immensely, and one could still see the outline of her grave. And with a tear in his eye, he just whispered, 'Oh, Melanie, thank you! Thank you so much!' And there was no need for explanation, because he knew that she had heard him, and that she knew exactly what he was referring to.
He began heading back toward Aunt Pitty's house, when he came across Belle's saloon, so he walked in and handed the violets to one of Belle's girls and told her that she was to take the flowers to Miss Watling immediately. The girl, Rachelle, knew Rhett, and in knowing him, she knew that he was one of Belle's best customers, so she turned around to tell him that she would take care of it, but he was already out the door. So Rachelle went upstairs to Robert's room, where Belle was, and handed her the flowers.
Belle was in shock when Rachelle handed her violets, saying that they were from Rhett. He had never given her flowers, much less sent them, so she about died when she read the card that came with them. It said,'Dear Miss Watling, I felt that it was my duty to let you know that my lovely wife and I have reconciled and are giving our marriage another try. I am here for you, but will no longer be able to visit your establishment. I am sorry, because I know you wanted more, but I'm afraid that's impossible. Please send my love to Robert. Fondly, Mr. Butler.' Belle had never been more angry and hurt in her life! It was one thing to get back together with this little dame of his, but it was another to not tell her to her face. She thought that they were friends. Robert called for his mother, and she decided to direct her attention on him, she would think about Rhett later.
Rhett felt awful for doing what he had to do to Belle, but he knew it was neccessary. So, he walked down the street and finally made the stop at the Wilkes' house. Ashley was very stunned when he saw that Rhett had stopped by without Scarlett, and a flash of terror went through his eyes. He thought, 'Is this man going to call me out?' But Rhett relieved him when he started talking of Beau and sending the kid to college. Ashley was very polite and accepted Rhett's offer because he knew it was what Melanie would want. Rhett also asked Ashley to do him a favor, but not to tell Scarlett about it, because it was to be a surprise for her. Ashley lit up at the thought, and agreed wholeheartedly. Before Rhett left, he hugged Ashley and gave him the daisies for a vase that was in their kitchen. He said,'Ashley, Melanie was a great woman, and please know that you have my sympathy, because she was a great friend to both Scarlett and I, and we both truly hurt for her.' Ashley said nothing, but in his eyes, one could tell that he was both shocked and appreciative.
He arrived home around 9 that night, and went up immediately to Scarlett's room with the bouquet of roses, and surprised her with them. She had a mischevious look in her eyes, and she said, 'Now, Rhett, I've been waiting over an hour, and the most I get is roses? You should know that that's not what I want.' She grinned. Rhett climbed up into bed and took her in his arms and shared an overly-passionate kiss with her. He played innocent and inquired, 'Is that what you might be referring to, my pet?' And she replied, 'I don't know, let's try again.' They exchanged a smile and kissed again, and one kiss turned into another, and another, and lots more. But strangely enough, Rhett didn't feel he had to sleep with her to keep her, he knew that she was his for the keeping, not to mention, Scarlett wasn't feeling completely well. So the two laid in the bed that was once just Scarlett's and exchanged more passion there than they ever did making love, just by wanting each other and knowing it. She fell asleep with her head on his chest and his arm around her, and this time she didn't have nightmares. And Rhett stayed content by just being able to be near her and to be able to watch her and take in every detail of his wife.