After getting the Wilkes settled in, Scarlett went back to overseeing her dinner plans. She had decided to wait dinner as late as she could until Rhett was home, but now she had guests and she couldn't make them wait.
Part of her wanted to scream in joy when Melanie entered her home. She had truly missed Melly and looked forward to a good visit. But then, Ashley entered. Of course he would accompany his family to her home for a visit. If only Ashley wasn't there, she could say the surprise was beyond pleasant. "Oh I will think about it tomorrow" she mumbled to herself as she went to collect the children for an early dinner.
After making sure all the children were fed, Melanie and Scarlett finished the last of setting the table.
"Oh Scarlett darling you look so well and happy" Melanie commented as she finished placing the silverware "I was a little shocked when I heard of her rushed marriage to Captain Butler, but I knew it would come eventually" Melanie finished as she genuinely smiled at Scarlett, love radiating from her eyes "You two are so perfectly matched."
"Oh Melly" Scarlett breathed "I have missed you" she set down the napkins and embraced the smaller woman "I only wish I had been as wise as you to know that I belong with Rhett."
Suddenly Melanie burst into laughter "Scarlett darling being wise has nothing to do with it" she calmed her laughter "His love for you was written all over his face each time he called on you in Atlanta, I just knew it was a matter of time."
Scarlett changed the subject, not wishing to bring up Atlanta or any other thoughts it might lead to "You know Rhett has hired enough staff to do this" she looked to Melanie laughing "but I find it such a habit anymore I just can't help myself" she finished as she placed the last linen napkin in place.
Both women stood back and admired the wonderful setting that they had created. The china and crystal glistened in the candle light. The Christmas garland hung carefully about the room gave it a magical feeling.
"Oh Scarlett you have certainly brought back Tara" Melanie said softly "so lovely."
"Well shall we get the others for dinner?" asked Scarlett "I insisted that Mammy join us this evening, and believe me she gave me an argument over it." The two women left the dining room laughing over the comments Mammy had made about Scarlett's manners, or lack of to be more precise.
Dinner found them sipping wine and enjoying a wonderful feast. The first course was a creamy oyster soup followed by a light green salad. The main course of roasted goose, parsley potatoes and creamed broccoli followed. Shortly after the main dish had been served, someone entered the room.
"Am I interrupting" a slow Charleston drawl filled the room. Rhett's smile faded as he took stock of who was at his dining table. "Mr. Wilkes" he said in a cool tone. He turned to Melanie "Mrs. Wilkes" his voice softened a bit as well as his face to Melanie. "Careen" he acknowledged. He turned to Mammy who was sitting to Scarlett's right "Mammy it is about time you joined us at the dining table" he joked, to which he received "Hmph" from Mammy.
Then he looked to Scarlett "Mrs. Butler" he said with no emotion as he took his seat at the opposite end of the table.
When Rhett made his presence known Scarlett nearly jumped. She fought the urge to run to him and kiss him right there. But her smile faded as his cool uncaring tone sunk in "What is his problem" she thought. "Rhett I am so happy you are home" she commented trying to pull him out of his sour mood.
"Unfortunately my dear I will have to be leaving in the morning" he replied back. He did not look up at her as he began eating the food placed in front of him.
"But tomorrows Christmas" Scarlett said in a childlike voice, her heart breaking at his coldness.
"Yes it is" he replied back.
Melanie had watched the entire exchange, and was quite confused. She had never witnessed Captain Butler be purposely cruel to Scarlett, but now it seemed he was. She kept her opinion to herself as she finished her meal, she would speak to him personally if he did not change his attitude soon. She had seen Scarlett's face light up at the sound of his voice and knew that her dear sister-in-law had finally found love.
Ashley had sat there watching too. He saw how happy Scarlett was when Rhett entered the room and how dashed she was when he brushed her comments off. He smiled to himself at the last, he was up until then beginning to think that Scarlett's devotion to him had faltered. He enjoyed his meal immensely after that.
Scarlett wanted to die, right then and there. She knew that she would hear about this from Mammy and Careen later. Why would Rhett act like that, especially after all the happy months they had spent together. "I will never understand that man" she declared to herself, suddenly losing her appetite.
Finding her voice "If you will excuse me" she began as she stood, Ashley also stood but Rhett did not "I feel a headache coming on and think I will retire early" she said trying to sound convincing. The truth being she couldn't stand the tension in the room right now.
"Oh dear, would you like me to help you to bed" asked Melanie quite concerned.
"No, no Melanie please enjoy your meal" pleaded Scarlett as she left the room. Rhett continued his meal without a word to his wife and Ashley again took his seat to finish his meal.
Scarlett climbed the stairs to their room. Once inside she threw herself on the bed in a fit of tears. She couldn't understand what was wrong with Rhett, then it hit her "Ashley" she whispered in the quiet room "he is jealous of Ashley" she shook her head and almost wanted to laugh. She would have to set him straight again about Ashley Wilkes and her lack of feelings toward him.
A slight knock announced Prissy at her door. Once Prissy helped her undress and into her nightgown, she dismissed the girl.
Scarlett pulled her wrapper tight around her and walked to the balcony. When they had been married she and Rhett took over the master bedroom. Her old room was now occupied by Wade. As the cool night air licked up her face and blew threw her hair she relaxed. She could remember finding her Mother standing in this very place, staring out into the night. Her Mother had said it relaxed her, and now Scarlett knew why.
She watched the fading lights drift off into the night as the stars found their way out to light the night sky. Her hands fell to her still flat stomach as she thought of the child she carried. She smiled. Pure joy and happiness filled her eyes as she stood there. Dreaming of the future, the future with Rhett and the family they would build.
Rhett had followed Scarlett upstairs after finishing dinner and making polite excuses to the Wilkes. Anger filled him as he mounted the stairs. Anger at himself for trusting the little green eyed creature that awaited him upstairs. She had said she had a big surprise for Christmas, but to bring the honorable Ashley Wilkes to their home was the farthest thing from Rhett's mind. He was crushed when he entered the dining room. Scarlett's eyes intently stared at Ashley. Her mouth curved in a luscious smile for him.
Rhett found himself standing in front of their bedroom door. He eased the door open quietly and was struck by the sight that met him.
She looked like a ghost with following robes standing on the balcony in the night air. Her raven hair was down and flowed freely past her waist, entangling with the folds of her white robe. She seemed to be staring at something, a smile upon her face. She looked so peaceful just then, so beautiful. It was then that Rhett noted the direction within which she stared, the place where Twelve Oaks had once stood, the home of her beloved Ashley Wilkes.
Rhett left as quietly as he had entered, with only one thought on his mind, a drink.
Scarlett had tried to sleep, but sleep would not have her that evening. She tossed and turned as she waited for Rhett, but he did not come. She finally gave up and rose from the rumpled bed. Again she donned her wrapper. She noted the time, 4 am, as she left the sanctity of her room.
"I will set out the Christmas gifts" she decided as she walked downstairs.
She retrieved the gifts from the safety of their hiding space. Wade had been searching high and low for the last week and never thought to check the front hall closet. She smiled as she remembered the same trick working on her as a child.
She quietly made her way to the living room where the brightly decorated tree awaited. After carefully arranging the gifts she stood back to admire her work. Another smiled crept across her face as she looked lovingly down on the simple card for Rhett and the news that was written inside. She picked the card up and held it to her "Perhaps this will put him in a better mood" she whispered and then once again placed it on top of the mountain of presents.
Scarlett was returning to her room when a dim light from the study caught her eye. Curious, "Is that where he has been hiding" she questioned as she walked over to the study door.
Peering inside she found Rhett. He seemed to have put away quite a bit of brandy and was still going at it. She cleared her throat to gain his attention.
He looked up at the noise to find Scarlett staring at him "Mrs. Butler do come in" he offered in a smart ass tone.
Scarlett entered the room "Rhett what are you doing?" she asked. Her Irish temper was growing at the sight of her husband drunk on Christmas morning and everyone coming downstairs in a little while.
Rhett laughed slightly to himself "Well my dear I believe I am partaking in a little merriment" he answered as he poured another glass "I thought it would be best to stay away from you this evening as your thoughts would be on the honorable Mr. Wilkes" he finished as he downed the glass. He pulled out a cigar and lit it. Letting rings of smoke fill the air around him "I didn't want to spoil the night for you."
Scarlett stared at him in confusion "What are you talking about?" she asked. Then it hit her "Rhett Butler you…you are the most..ugh I can't think of a word to describe you" she spun around and practically ran from the room as his sarcastic laughter that filled the quiet halls.
Scarlett found the sanctuary of her room and again threw herself on the bed in tears.
Rhett had first laughed at her words and then thought "NO, she is my wife and I am not going to allow this." He stood on unsteady feet, threw the lit cigar into the fireplace and began following her. When he reached the bottom of the stairs he paused "What is the use" he asked himself "She will never truly just love me" his head dropped. He turned and walked back to the study, this time he laid on the small couch and passed out.