Chapter Three
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Just one kiss on my lips was all it took to seal my future
Just one look from your eyes was like a certain kind of torture
Once upon a time there was a boy and there was a girl
Just one touch from your hands was all it took to make me falter
Forbidden love
Always supposed to be together
Forbidden love
Forbidden love
Forbidden love
We stay destiny forever
Forbidden love
Forbidden love
Just one smile on your face was all it took to change my fortune
Just one word from your mouth was all I needed to be certain
Once upon a time there was a boy and there was a girl
Hearts that intertwine
They lived in a different kind of world
(Forbidden Love by Madonna)
In no time Scarlett settle into her new routine, she loved managing the store and realised she had a good head for numbers and trade, she knew she was gossiped about, due to the fact it was very unladylike for her to own a store. But she loved it and the money she made was hers. Soon the well-respected matrons of Atlanta found their way to Scarlett's store.
Rhett dropped by two or three times a week, and as promised she found more pleasures in his visits each time he came by, she even discovered; she missed his arms on nights when he was away. But she never gave her relationship with Rhett many thoughts, she had decided to do that when she had more time to do so, and what good would it make to think about it. It wouldn't change anything and she had a life in comfort here. And she didn't like to think about their night activities, it was too unladylike. After their first night together her body had been sore in a very good way and she had felt like she had come home after a long and exhausting journey, it was not that she understood it clearly, and not that she cared, all she needed to know was that she felt at peace.
He would come tonight but not just to sleep in but to take her to a ball a the hotel, it would be the first time they were seen in public together and she was a little worried.
Still, there had been no news about Charles Hamilton and a married woman never allowed anyone but her husband to escort her to balls, but she longed to dance and she had been in Atlanta for a month now.
She left the store early to bath and dress, she picked a frock she knew Rhett loved, it was emerald green and almost improperly low cut in the front, but she couldn't care less. She wanted to look at her best.
She was rewarded when she saw admiring in Rhett's eyes, and saw how difficult it was for him to takes his eyes away from her again. He was handsome in his black and white tuxedo and an emerald green scarf.
"We are a handsome couple," Scarlett thought, forgetting they were not a couple.
At the hotel all eyes turned to Scarlett and Rhett when they entered together, she could tell most were chocked, matrons without husbands stayed home and here was that Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton at Captain Butler's arm with matching frock and scarf. It was a scandal.
Mrs. Merriwether approached "Scarlett I will have a word with you," she sternly stated, making Rhett taking his leave.
"What would your dear mother say Scarlett? You are a married woman with a captured husband; you will ruin your own reputation as well as poor Charlie's. I will not tolerate it. And to come with that man."
"Fiddle Dee Dee Mrs. Merriwether, I came to dance and dance I will. If you will excuse me." When she turned Rhett was already by her side offing his arm and leading her to the dance floor.
They danced all night, not once did Rhett allow another man to dance with Scarlett and she didn't mind. It was a beautiful night and the champagne was fine and plentiful.
That night she came to understand what Rhett had meant when saying their lovemaking would be better and better, she felt like he was taking her to the moon and back, never had she heard of this divine climax Rhett's lovemaking gave her and she wanted more. The champagne had made Scarlett more free and she gave all of herself to Rhett that night getting equally in return from him.
The next morning she regretted nothing but knew she had ruined her reputation at the ball yesterday, allowing Rhett to occupy all of her time. Now, people would speculate why exactly she was in Atlanta.
That night changed Scarlett's life forever, Rhett came to the house each day now, often he would arrive just after she had come home. They settle into a marriage alike relationship, discussing the events of the day and their thoughts, Scarlett could never chock Rhett, he wanted her to be honest and not to pretend, she was someone she was not, and she felt free with him. He had given up the mocking and showed more feelings to her. At night they made passionately love and talked in the darkness. They never discussed the future or
expressed more than caring words to each other but both felt happy and at ease.
When Scarlett had lived five months in Atlanta, she noticed she had missed her monthly three times, until now she hadn't given it much thoughts, it had always been a dreadful thing to disturb her, but now she wished for it to come. She couldn't be with child. There was no way she could pretend it to be Charlie's, everyone would know that it was Rhett's. She could never show her face in public again and she couldn't go back to Tara.
She had to tell Rhett he would know what to do.
That night in their room Scarlett found the courage:
"Rhett darling"
"Yes dear," he was undressing and not paying much attention to her.
"Oh Rhett! It terrible. I think I'm with child." She cried.
Rhett turned and she could see he was pale but not for long, slowly a happy smile broke his face, "A child! That is happy news, indeed!" He crossed the room and took her in his arms.
"No! It's not Rhett. Remember we are not married. Well that is I am," she didn't know whether to laugh or cry, never had she expected Rhett to be happy about this.
Suddenly it didn't seem so awful to her anymore.
"What are the odds for Charles Hamilton coming back to claim you now honey? We will find a way for me to marry you," he smiled.
"Marry me? Someone once told me you wasn't the marrying type," she looked seriously at him.
"Then what do you call the last four months Scarlett, how many men spend all their spare time with their mistresses? And I have never stayed with one woman more than a few days before. Of course I will marry you"
"You have a way with words Rhett, how can I say no to such a proposal," she laughed.
Kneeling in front of her he took her hands in his; "Would you do me the honour and give me your hand in marriage Scarlett O'Hara?"
"Oh, Captain Butler this comes so sudden. I don't know what to say."
"Say yes your heartless woman. Or I'll play a guitar under your window every night and sing at the top of my voice and compromise you, so you will have to marry me to save your reputation."
"Why, Rhett Butler you have already compromised me so I guess I'll have to say yes."
"Good, I will find a way" he promised.
As soon as Scarlett was showing she stayed at home, she didn't dare to be caught in a family way. Rhett turned out to be the most fussing father to be, he spoilt her to distress almost making her temper boil. It was nice of him to care but she was not invalid and she hated being locked up in the house. Rhett hadn't found a way to marry her yet, and still, there wasn't any news about Charles.
When Scarlett was in her seventh month the disaster happened; Mrs Meade and Mrs. Merriwether came to visit, they were afraid she had taken ill. They hadn't seen her for months. Taking one look at her Mrs. Meade was sure of her illness.
"Shame on you Scarlett Hamilton, I need not ask who the father is. I saw this coming. You are nothing but a fast piece Scarlett!" With that both ladies left.
Scarlett was heartbroken, now, her family would know.
At dinnertime Rhett came home to a crying Scarlett.
"What will I do Rhett? Now pa will know what a loose woman I am. He will be so ashamed of his Katie Scarlett."
"There is nothing loose about you honey, what we have is not wanton. I will not accept this. Tomorrow I will force your marriage to be annulled."
In his arms Scarlett calmed down.
True to his words Rhett left early the next morning to find a solution. A few hours later the doorbell rang, shortly after Faith came to the parlour announcing a gentleman to see Mrs. Hamilton. Scarlett asked Faith to show him into the parlour and leave the door open. She wasn't prepared for the visitor who entered the room, without warning, she looked into familiar eyes and the room started to move around, she felt dizzy and let out s scream before everything turned black.
An awful smell brought her back, it was Faith using smelling salt on her, confused she looked around, sure it must have been a nightmare, but the illusion broke when her eyes caught sight of the young man sitting in the chair opposite the settee she was on. She had forgotten how soft his brown eyes were, even now, they meant nothing to her, he looked older now and more tired. He was not that careless, shy young boy who had taken her as his bride so very long ago.
"Charles," she whispered, "What are you doing here?"
"I came back to my wife, I heard a rumour that you lived in this house and not at Tara, and I had to see if it was true. And I see it is." He stated bitterly.
"Oh!" Scarlett sat up a loss for words. What did one say in such a compromising situation to a long forgotten husband, she had married in another life?
Charles stared at her enlarged abdomen with clearly puzzlement and resentment written all over his face, without doubt he was remembering their wedding night and the virginal bride denying the eager groom his marital rights. Her temper had been hot and striking.
"How can you be in a family way when I have been away for years. Who has done this to you?" There was no demanding in his voice only sadness and confusion, still, after years fighting in the war Charles was a soft spoken man, he hadn't learned acting any less than gentlemanly towards women and he never would. He had seen the ugliness of life during the war and his capture, but his picture of Scarlett and women had stayed the same, they were to be treated gentle and like children. They were weak creatures that needed to be protected.
"God's nightgown! No one did anything to me I didn't want Charles; I don't live alone in this house. I'm sorry you had to know it this way, but I can't hide it to you as you can see."
"But Scarlett you are my wife. I have longed to return to you, I never stopped thinking about you," he had raised his voice in disbelieve.
Before Scarlett could answer Rhett stormed into the room; "What happens here, are you all right honey?" He went quiet when he saw who the visitor was. Collecting himself Rhett seated besides Scarlett and slipped his arm around her waist in a protective and possessively manner.
"Hallo Mr. Hamilton, now I can stop my search for news of you. You are very much alive, it seems."
Rhett never raised his voice but the deadly quietness of his voice was alarming, his face was emotionless but Scarlett felt his body become tense next to her.
"When did you get back to Atlanta Mr. Hamilton?"
"Yesterday Mr…?" Charles looked from Scarlett to Rhett looking for the answer.
"Mr. Butler. Rhett Butler. Forgive me for not introducing properly, but you must understand I was a bit worried for Scarlett when I arrived."
When Charles didn't say anything Rhett continued, "So you only arrived yesterday Mr. Hamilton?"
"Yes I did. I went to my sister's and my house but it was vacant, therefore I went to see my uncle and he offered me a bed to sleep in and news of my wife. I couldn't believe that Scarlett was owning a store and lived in Atlanta, or why she didn't live in my house but now I do." Again his voice was bitter, in his dear books the heroine always waited for the hero to return, never had he read of such a betrayal like Scarlett's. He didn't know how to handle this situation.
"Ah, it seems we are at cross purposes here Mr. Hamilton, you are married to Miss O'Hara and I have every intention to marry her in the near future, my child should be born with my family name and not yours."
"But it seems that Scarlett is my wife and the child she is carrying will belong to me, I have every legal rights to my wife Mr. Butler." For once Charlie's voice was stern, Scarlett was his wife and her place was by his side. He feared for people's reactions to Scarlett's child, but more did he fear what they would think if he just gave up.
"So you may have Mr. Hamilton, but we seem to forget Scarlett has a will on her own"
Scarlett turned her head and locked eyes with Rhett, she found some of the strength in them she needed, this was all too unbearable and complex. Most of the time since her hasty wedding to Charlie she had been able to completely forgetting him, it was only when someone mentioned his name to her or she couldn't do as she pleased, she noticed the ring on her finger and feebly pictured two faded, calve brown eyes, which she assume belonged to Charles Hamilton. Ever since she had moved into Rhett's house, and he had started to live there as well, she had hardly ever given Charles another thought except from yesterday. She had been lulled into a dream world where she and Rhett belonged together and could escape from the outside world, now she wasn't allowed to do so anymore, thanks to the circumstances.
She had needed her piece of heaven after the hard times at Tara; she inched closer to Rhett but kept quiet. Inside her battled her upbringing and her own wishes, Ellen had taught her, that her place was beside her husband and that she had to endure married life. And it had been a trial with Charles, but with Rhett it had been a pleasure and not something to endure. She didn't want to give Rhett up but how could she ignore the fact that she was married to Charles?
"Scarlett will come with me Mr. Butler, she is my wife," Charles tried to put authority into his voice but failed.
"I will do no such thing," Scarlett cried in anger "This is my home, this is where I stay."
Charles was taken aback; he had tried to forget Scarlett's temper but was now reminded again. "Darling please be reasonable, we are man and wife. I could move in with you for a while until you are adapted to my returning," he begged.
"Ohm! I'm afraid you can not move into my house," Rhett broke in.
"Your house! Scarlett what have you done? That's why uncle Henry would say so little of you." This was all too much for young Charles Hamilton.
"I'm sure Scarlett will grant you a divorce Mr. Hamilton, we could meet at my hotel suit and discuss the details tomorrow?" Rhett's voice was stern.
"Why would you discuss my life without me? Charles will come back here tomorrow to discuss things with me Rhett." Scarlett moved away from Rhett, she was sickly tired of the whole ting and it wasn't exciting having two men fighting over her as it had been in the past.
"Maybe I will live on my own with my baby." Both men looked at her in anguish.
"Don't be ridiculous Scarlett!" Now there was an edge to Rhett's voice, which had been missing before.
"There has never been a divorce in the Hamilton family before," Charles piped.
"I'm tired, please come back tomorrow Charles and we will work this mess out."
"I can't leave you with another man Scarlett. You're my wife!"
"Oh! I wish I were nobody's wife right now. I've been living with Rhett for nine months already, another day won't hurt or change anything Charles Hamilton. For God's sake my reputation has been destroyed and people already know, what harm can it do?"
Scarlett stood tall now, her eyes were sparkling with anger and never had they been closer to emerald green than now. Rhett watched her proudly; he loved the fire in her and wanted to take her in his arms. She intimidated Charles, honestly she scared him, but he also felt a wild desire for this passionate woman before him. He found the courage and got up from the chair, he took hold of her arm and looked down upon her:
"But now I know Scarlett. That makes all the difference. I… I…I want…I want you to come with me," he felt the same rush, he had felt when he asked for her hand that day long ago on Twelve Oaks.
"Don't you touch her. Let go of her arm!" Rhett was beside them in a swift movement, his face dark with anger. In a very possessive manner he place one arm around her waist and placed a hand on her abdomen.
Scarlett couldn't help smiling, Rhett had been gentle and caring about her, but this was the first time she had seen raw feelings towards her from him, she wondered if he truly loved her, or if he just didn't like anything of his taken away from him. She couldn't deny it felt good to be in his arms and she leaned closer to him, closing her eyes. Charles had stepped away from her with disbelieve in his face.
Opening her eyes Scarlett took mercy on him and stepped out of Rhett's arms, she took a step forward and placed her hand lightly on his arm. The band on her finger caught a ray of the sun and twinkled in delight, reminding them all of the bond between the Hamilton spouses. She felt Rhett tense behind her and felt his fear but she kept her focus on the young man, whose last name she shared.
"Please give me this day to think, I know I'm the one to blame, but know I never meant to hurt you. I will talk to you tomorrow and we will find a solution. I promise. But I need to think. Go home now Charles and come back tomorrow."
Charles leaned in to kiss her cheek and Scarlett didn't moved but allowed him, he flushed from happiness and his own courage.
"I will be here at 10 tomorrow dearest" He almost cried.
Behind her she felt Rhett move and before she could react he was out of the door, she sighed tiredly, "I will see you tomorrow Charles."