Scarlett loved the way the trees lined the driveway opening up to the house at Twelve Oaks. She was so excited that she nearly forgot her manners and jumped right out of the carriage. There hadn't been any kind of grand party since Christmas and the barbeque at Twelve Oaks was bound to be the social event of the year for Clayton County. She smiled warmly at John Wilkes and smirked at India.

"Why hello, India, don't you look lovely today," said Scarlett, insincerely. She had never much cared for India Wilkes who she knew talked behind her back.

"Scarlett, welcome to our home, what a pleasure to see you," John Wilkes smiled at Scarlett and helped her out of the carriage. She went inside to find Cathleen, meeting Ashley and Melanie along the way.

"Why Melanie Hamilton, you look so pretty in that dress. You'll just have to tell me the name of your dressmaker."

"Oh thank you Scarlett. You're too kind. You've met my brother Charles, haven't you? He's been looking forward to seeing you all day." Charles started to rattle on about something and fawn all over her, but Scarlett could pay no attention. The most handsome man she had ever seen had just walked into the house and her heart was pounding almost out of her chest. He was walking towards her and she felt her cheeks begin to grow warm and her breath to quicken.

"Miss Hamilton, Mr. Wilkes it's a pleasure to see you again," he said, his eyes never leaving Melanie.

"Mr. Butler, this is my very dear friend, Scarlett O'Hara. Scarlett, dear, this is Mr. Rhett Butler. He's from Charleston, but he does quite a bit of business in Atlanta." Scarlett's breath caught as she realized that this was the blackguard her father had warned her about.

"Mr. Butler, a pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand, but still his eyes never really left Melanie.

"Miss O'Hara, was it? The pleasure is all mine." Scarlett felt torn. Here was a man she had waited years for, someone that made her feel something, finally and all he could do was stare at boring old Melanie. She dismissed herself, promising herself she would catch up with Melanie a little bit later. She finally located Cathleen and was at her side in an instant.

"Tell me all you know about Rhett Butler."

"Scarlett!" said Cathleen shocked. "Well, he isn't received."

"Well why not."

"Years ago he took a girl buggy riding in the late afternoon and they didn't come back until after dark, walking no less. They said something happened with the buggy. But that isn't the worst part."

"No?"

"He refused to marry her. And when her brother called him out, he shot him dead in the duel and was forced out of Charleston."

"No, I heard he wasn't received but I didn't know why. That's scandalous." They went upstairs to gossip more and to freshen up. They went back downstairs when in was announced that it was time for barbeque. They split up and Scarlett was once again surrounded by her beaux. Although she was excited to be surrounded by attentive men, he attention never drifted far from Rhett and his attention never left Melanie. Scarlett was perplexed. She had never seen any man less attentive to her and she couldn't understand what Melanie could possible offer that she couldn't

She groaned in frustration as Charles Hamilton handed her a piece of cake. She smiled at him and he blushed profusely. She remained in her own little world until it was time to take her nap. She looked around but she never saw Melanie come upstairs. That was very curious because if anyone she knew needed a nap in the afternoon, it was Melanie.

She decided it would be a very good idea to find her, and she wasn't disappointed.