A Dire Situation

Chapter Twenty One

Rhett Butler stepped out from the carriage and paid the driver tipping him handsomely and sent him on his way. He did not plan on returning to Atlanta that night, relying on the Southern obligation of hospitality to provide him with a bed for the evening and hoping for it to be more than an obligation.

He knew that, despite his resolve to be completely honest with her, he could not come straight out and declare his full affections to Scarlett. He had masked his emotions for so long that he knew the full power of his feelings would frighten her.

'Hell' he'd reasoned on his way through Jonesborough 'she doesn't even realise that I care for her as more than a mere acquaintance. It would be absurd if I were to suddenly declare my feelings as having changed from practical indifference to love seemingly overnight.'

For in spite of the passion he had shown her during their encounter that night he knew that Scarlett would not understand that real sentiment had played any part in it. She had always known that he had coveted her body; he had made his intentions on that matter perfectly clear on several occasions.

And Scarlett could be so charmingly dense at times. Needing everything to be spelt out for her before reaching full comprehension.

No. He would have to lead in to things slowly, allowing her time to digest the weight of what he felt for her and he would watch her reactions slowly. But he knew his time was short.

Scarlett was a woman who he knew had the power to make him completely happy. But at the same time, with that power, came the power to destroy him.

But he could not ignore the rapture he felt in the knowledge of the way she had reacted to him that night. Not once had she attempted to push him away or question what was happening. On the contrary she had been so warm and inviting and giving. That was what had elated Rhett the most, the fact that she had given back and allowed him an insight to the passion he knew she possessed. He knew he had somewhat befuddled her thinking with his display of passion, but he couldn't help but hope that there was more to her reactions than that.

So while he held no false ideals that she reciprocated his hidden love he retained the hope that there was room for development. She was far to tantalising a prospect to ignore. But he knew he would have to take it slowly.

As Rhett stared up at the crumbling house before him that had once been a prosperous plantation he felt a pang of sympathy and guilt.

Scarlett had truly, desperately needed his help and he had refused her.

Certainly he was doing all in his power to redeem himself now, but that did nothing to change the fact that he had acted so hatefully in the beginning.

So Rhett stepped forward to knock on the front door of Tara with the intention of doing whatever he could to atone himself, and hoping that it would be that easy.

Rhett heard a slight shuffling inside and then the door was thrown open and before him stood Mrs Wilkes.

Her face expressed her surprise in seeing him immediately but quickly changed to a look of absolute joy and gratitude.

"Why Captain Butler what an unexpected pleasure. How wonderful to see you again. Now I can finally thank you in person for all that you did for us that night in Atlanta. I can never express to you how grateful I truly am. I am forever in your debt sir for saving my life, the lives of all of us and that of my son as you did."

Rhett almost blushed feeling ill at ease with this outpouring of thanks which he felt he did not deserve.

"Please Mrs Wilkes I beg you not to think so highly of me. I only did what any man would have done under the circumstances. I assure you I feel my actions were inadequate, I only wish I could have done more."

"Nonsense Captain Butler. You did more than we could ever have expected from you. I thought it was terribly gallant that you left to join up with the army when you did, when they so needed you. Oh but now I am being rude in my excitement, forgive me, please come in and make yourself at home and I will see to fixing you a drink. You must be terribly thirsty after your journey in this heat." Exclaimed Melly excitedly while ushering Rhett into the cool shade of the house.

Rhett felt uncomfortable and began looking around as he stepped inside.

"That's awfully kind of you Mrs Wilkes but I was hoping to have a word with Mrs Hamilton rather urgently. Is she around at all?"

"Why yes she is Captain Butler and you're lucky you came when you did for she only returned home just yesterday"

"Did she?" replied Rhett feigning ignorance.

"Yes, she's been in Atlanta. Perhaps you may have seen her there though she wasn't away long. Have you been in Atlanta Captain Butler?"

"I have Mrs Wilkes though I did not have the pleasure of running into Mrs Hamilton" replied Rhett, hoping he was doing the right thing by lying, surely Scarlett wouldn't have let on to any of her family that she had seen him. It would have created far too great a scandal, especially considering the reason for her visit into town was to find a way to get money.

"Oh well I'm sure she will be glad to see you again also. We really are internally in your debt sir. I believe she is outside in the fields at present. Would you like me to escort you to her?" asked Melly pleasantly.

She really was exceptionally intrigued as to what could possibly have bought the distinguished Captain Butler on a trip all the way out to Tara, even though she knew it was none of her business. He must have something of extreme importance to discuss with Scarlett and she could only wonder what it could be. She knew that the two shared an interesting friendship and could only imagine the possibilities of things they might need to discuss.

"That shan't be necessary thank you kindly Mrs Wilkes. If you would just point me in the right direction I'm sure I will manage to find her."

Rhett wanted to be able to observe Scarlett's initial reaction upon seeing him without the interference of another person. For all Mrs Wilkes' kindness he knew Scarlett would be forced to hold out a pretence as long as she was around and Rhett was tired of pretendings and lies.

"Certainly Captain Butler. I believe if you just turn right as soon as you walk out the door you will see her. She's out over on the far cotton field today as I recall. I hope you don't intend on returning to town tonight? It's getting rather late and nothing is as safe as it used to be. Will you allow me to have a room fixed for you for this evening?" Asked Melly, feeling very forward in asking such a man as Captain Butler to stay, while at the same time, knowing it was the right and respectable thing to do.

"That's awfully kind of you Mrs Wilkes and it is with great pleasure that I accept your generous offer of accommodation for the night. But if you'll excuse me for the moment now please I think I shall go have a chat with Mrs Hamilton."

"Of course Captain Butler. If you need anything please just let me know. I'll go see to your room now."

Melly turned around in search of Mammy, her head full of wonderings and Rhett opened the door he had only just entered, glad that, no matter what happened now, the issue of his staying had been sorted, and turned his head in search of Scarlett, preparing himself for the fearful task of facing her.

She didn't see him but she felt him, more, she felt something, a change in atmosphere, she became more alert all of a sudden. More aware of her surroundings and herself. Only one person had ever had the power to make her feel that way so in an instant she knew it could only be him.

A million thoughts ran through her head on facing him again. In truth she had thought of little else since they had last parted company. Surely the rush of feelings of excitement and abandoned thrill he had evoked in her could not be normal. Even what she was feeling now, this alertness, this tenseness of anticipation could not be natural. And yet when had anything concerning Rhett ever been natural or normal? In fact she knew that if any of Atlanta's polite society had ever been quietly asked if they thought that she herself was particularly normal they would all have said that she most certainly was not. So perhaps it was okay that she felt these things? That she was different from everybody else?

She turned around just as he came up behind her. He had that glint of amusement in his eye that she now knew so well and in an instant she was filled with a burning shame at her appearance. She had been working hard all day and knew she was looking exceedingly dishevelled, her hair wild and out of place framing her sunburned face.

"Good day Scarlett" said Rhett causally. "I'm glad to see you looking so well."

His voice held its usual mixture of sarcasm and yet for some reason it did not bother her as much as it usually did. Quite the contrary in fact she had to admit she was glad to see him. She could even go so far to admit that she was excited by the prospect that he had travelled so far out of his way to see her.

"Hello Rhett" she replied casually, unsure of just how she was supposed to act around him given the nature of their last encounter, "I'm glad to see you."

"Are you my dear? Why is that?" His tone was nonchalant and yet she couldn't help but think that he was waiting on edge for her answer, extremely interested in what it may be.

"I… well… I just am is all. Isn't one always glad to see a good friend?"

If he was disappointed in her reply he didn't show it.

"Indeed I'm certain one is. And I in return am glad to see you."

There was a pause then, as quick as a beat, almost imperceptible but they both felt it as they gazed at one another, each not daring to say what was on their minds.

It seemed they both were not quite ready to move along from polite conversation yet for Scarlett then said "I trust you are well then Rhett?"

"I am I thank you Scarlett, and you? How is everyone at Tara? I ran into Mrs Wilkes before I came to see you, she is looking in much better health I should think."

"Yes yes everyone is doing just fine."

This common politeness was wearing thin, she knew it was only a matter of time before they delved into the reality of the situation between them and Scarlett figured it was just as well that she should mention it as Rhett so she began bravely. "Rhett there is something I must ask you, something I must know."

"Yes my pet?" Rhett replied, his interest evidently acute in what she was going to say.

"Belle mentioned…" she begun unsteadily and she could see Rhett visibly stiffen at her mention of Belle, "Belle said that my debt to her was now of no consequence and I was wondering if perhaps you had anything to do with that if you don't mind me asking. Only, I would like very much to know to whom I am now indebted if anyone."

For perhaps the first time in her life Scarlett noticed that Rhett appeared somewhat uneasy. "What is your question Scarlett?"

My question is… well… did you repay my debt to Miss Watling Rhett?"

"And what would you say if I told you that I did Scarlett?" He stepped dangerously close to her now and Scarlett was certain that it was only the fact that they were in view of the house that he didn't physically grasp her to make her look at him.

"I would say thank you very much Rhett and ask you to please allow me to repay you, when I can."

Rhett considered this as he looked towards the ramshackle house that was once a fine establishment.

"So that's what you needed the money to save so desperately?" He asked tossing his head carelessly in the direction of Tara. "That poor excuse for a house?" He said sardonically.

"Be it what it is Rhett, and it may not appear much to you, but it is my home and the roof over the head of my family." She lifted her chin summoning all the dignity she possessed and Rhett was impressed. Filled with a sudden respect for her. His face softened.

"Indeed Scarlett and I am sorry if I caused you offence."

Scarlett smiled softly, conceding his apology. "But you're avoiding my question Mr Butler. Was it you who repaid the money to Belle?"

Rhett sighed, knowing there was no way he could avoid it any longer. "Yes Scarlett it was. But I must ask you my dear," he continued as she tried to interrupt him "not to attempt to repay me in any way. I did only what I should have done in the first place in order to assist you it is only my regret that I left it a little too late forcing you to get yourself into the situation that you did. Can you ever forgive me for that?"

"Why Rhett what a question. Of course I can forgive you, there is nothing to forgive. You were obligated my no means to help me out when I asked. But I thank you that you did and I must insist that you allow me to pay you back every penny. When I can that is, I apologise but it may take some time, but I assure you you will be repaid in full."

Rhett grabbed her arm then, in a grip that was so soft yet forceful that it felt like the most wonderful of caresses and turned her slightly to face him directly.

"Surely you understand my dear that money is of little consequence to me. It's not money I want from you." His dark eyes were boring deeply into her own and Scarlett quivered with excitement, an action that was not lost on Rhett.

He had that same look in his eyes that he had had that night at Belle's and there was no doubt in Scarlett's mind as to his intentions of what he did want from her.

Her breathing quickened as she stared up into his face and for a moment she was surprised by his features. Usually his face carried a bland disinterested look. One that gave the impression that he cared little for anyone or anything. But now it was different. It seemed more open, honest. Scarlett was entranced.

"What do you want from me then Rhett?" She asked in a voice that was not above a whisper.

His answer surprised her. She was used to Rhett commanding things, asking forthright for what he wanted without care for whom he embarrassed or offended. But with a voice as quiet and almost as quavering as her own had been, staring deeply, probingly into her emerald green eyes he said, "I want whatever it is you want to give me Scarlett."

She was paralysed by the intensity of his voice, by the strong, tender grip on her arm. And to such an enigmatic question she could not render a reply. So it was fortunate, or perhaps unfortunate as she later thought in retrospect that Melanie Wilkes chose that exact moment to call them from the house announcing that dinner was ready.

Hello again. I cannot apologise enough for the length of time this update has taken. School takes far too much time out of ones life I feel. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter and I really hope to update soon. Please review and let me know what you think, comments are very helpful and much appreciated. Until next time…