Chapter 4: Undeniable Effect
Rhett stood on the deck of his boat, watching the waves below. He was sailing to England. It had been two weeks since he'd left Scarlett in Atlanta, and he still couldn't shake what he had felt holding her in his arms on that porch. He should know better, he kept telling himself, but no matter how many drinks he had or how many women he bedded, he still saw her face looking up at him, her eyes closed and a blissful smile on her face.
That simple kiss had affected him so strongly he'd run from it as surely as he knew how; by shocking Scarlett into anger so she would just stop looking at him that way! He'd run to Bell's and dove head first into a bottle of whisky, but by morning all he could think about was begging for Scarlett's forgiveness. He'd left Bell's early, and before boarding a train for Charleston, he'd had a full bolt of the finest bark green fabric he could find sent to her.
She enchanted him in a way no other woman had ever accomplished. As he stood looking over the splashing waves lapping against his boat, he contemplated his next approach. He wondered how long it would take for her to relent to his charms and tumble into his bed. He was a patient man, and he could wait for that green-eyed vixen a long time, but he could already feel the itch to put his hands on her again. He wondered just how far he would be willing to go to feel her beneath him.
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Scarlett had been angry with Rhett for precisely 12 hours. Then, when the most luxurious fabric she had ever felt appeared at her door, she had been too excited planning her new dress to remember why the fabric had been sent in the first place.
Scarlett had ordered the finest dress she could imagine with the fabric Rhett had sent her, and by the time it was finished, spring was upon the city of Atlanta. As the regiments mustered for summer fighting, the city came alive. There were balls and bazaars, war weddings, and parties every week. Rhett's blockade running must have been profitable because every girl Scarlett talked with seemed to have bought her lace and finery from one of his ships.
Once the days were warm, the city began to burst at the seams as new hotels and barrooms seemed to appear overnight to house the influx of prostitutes following the army and families coming to visit their wounded in the hospital. During the cold winter, Scarlett had questioned her decision to come to Atlanta, but the spring heat breathed new life into the city. She was living a charmed life, dancing every night away with dashing soldiers.
As July approached, Scarlett's thoughts began to wander toward Rhett, wondering if her exciting experiences could possibly compare to the stories he would tell her when he returned. She had been horrified by his inappropriate request for her to become his mistress, but after her anger had quickly dissipated, she had begun to think about the kiss they had shared on Aunt Pitty's porch months before. Since then, she had allowed a few soldiers to kiss her on dark terraces or empty hallways after they mourned over their possible fate and the gallant Cause they were off to defend. Despite the romanticism of it all, Scarlett seemed ruined for anyone else's kisses. They all seemed like wet fish after the heart-stopping kiss Rhett had seared her with that night.
One early summer evening, Scarlett was preparing for a bazaar that was not as exciting as most. Although she had worked harder than any of the other girls to prepare for the bazaar that would benefit the hospital, she was slightly downcast about Melly and Aunt Pitty attending. During the after-dinner-nap period, Mrs. Merriwether and Mrs. Elsing had come to ask Melanie and Aunt Pittypat at the last minute to help with the bazaar. The McLure girls had been called to Virginia to bring their wounded brother home, and Mrs. Bonnell's children had the measles. They had hesitated at first but then relented for the Cause.
Scarlett worried that they would keep an eye on her all night and she would have to be on her best behavior and not be able to have any fun. Despite the prospect of working a booth while everyone else was dancing, Scarlett donned her elegant green dress in preparation for another exciting night.
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As Scarlett had predicted, she was relegated to a booth with Melanie for most of the night, selling what the women had made to raise money for the hospital, such as knitted items, pillowcases, and such.
"They look fine, don't they?" Scarlett asked Melanie dreamily as a soldier she had danced with a few times walked by their booth.
"Most of them would look a lot finer in gray uniforms and in Virginia," Melanie said, and she did not trouble to lower her voice.
Several of the proud mothers of members of the militia were standing close by and overheard the remark. Mrs. Guinan turned scarlet and then white, for her twenty-five-year-old Willie was in the company.
Scarlett was aghast at such words coming from Melly of all people. "Why, Melly!"
"You know it's true, Scarlett. I don't mean the little boys and the old gentlemen. But a lot of the militia are perfectly able to tote a rifle, and that's what they ought to be doing this minute."
"But-but-" began Scarlett, who had never considered the matter before. "Somebody's got to stay home to-" What was it Willie Guinan had told her while they danced the other night? "Somebody's got to stay home to protect the state from invasion."
"Nobody's invading us, and nobody's going to," said Melly coolly, looking toward a group of the militia. "And the best way to keep out invaders is to go to Virginia and beat the Yankees there. And as for all this talk about the militia staying here to keep the darkies from rising-why, it's the silliest thing I ever heard of. Why should our people rise? It's just a good excuse for cowards. I'll bet we could lick the Yankees in a month if all the militia of all the states went to Virginia. So there!"
"Why Melly!" cried Scarlett again, staring. She had never imagined Melly would be so passionate about anything or speak so forcefully. Maybe this mousy girl had a spine after all.
Melly's soft dark eyes were flashing angrily. "Our Ashley wasn't afraid to go, and neither was my brother. And I'd rather they'd both be dead than here at home!"
Scarlett stared at her. Suppose Ashley were to die. She turned quickly, forcing the disturbing thought from her head as Dr. Mead stepped up onto the stage, "Ladies and gentlemen. I have important news - glorious news!" Dr. Mead shouted, gaining the crowd's attention. "Another triumph for our magnificent men in arms. General Lee has completely whipped the enemy and swept the Yankee army northward from Virginia!"
The crowd cheered, and the young ladies clapped cheerfully. "And now, a happy surprise for all of us! We have with us tonight that most daring of all blockade runners, whose fleet of schooners slipping past the Yankee guns have brought us here the very woolens and laces we wear tonight. I refer, ladies and gentlemen, to that will oath wisp of the bounding main, none other than our friend from Charleston, Captain Rhett Butler!"
Scarlett whirled around in time to see Rhett standing above the crowd, bowing gallantly. He was dressed in black broadcloth, a tall man, towering over the officers who stood near him, bulky in the shoulders but tapering to a small waist and absurdly small feet in varnished boots. His severe black suit, with fine ruffled shirt and trousers smartly strapped beneath high insteps. He looked, and was, a man of lusty and unashamed appetites. He had an air of utter assurance, of displeasing insolence about him, and there was a twinkle in his bold eyes as he stared at Scarlett. She flashed him a dazzling smile, then glanced around her quickly to see if anyone had noticed. When she glanced back at Rhett, she noticed him walking toward her.
"My dear Miss O'Hara," he said, taking her hand and kissing it gently.
He scoured the length of her with his gaze, and Scarlett felt suddenly warm, and she suddenly regretted not having brought a fan. "Melly, have you met Captain Butler?" she asked her sister-in-law, trying to direct Rhett's attention away from her so she could collect herself.
"Captain Butler, such a pleasure to see you again. I met you last at my uncle's home." Melly said softly.
"On the happy occasion of the announcement of your betrothal," he finished, bending over her hand. "It is kind of you to recall me," Rhett said gently.
Scarlett's brow furrowed at the kind tone he used with Melly. It was a tone she'd never heard from him before.
"And what are you doing so far from Charleston, Mr. Butler?"
"A boring matter of business, Mrs. O'Hara. I will be in and out of your town from now on. I find I must not only bring in goods but see to the disposal of them."
She broke into a delighted smile. "We've been hearing so much about the famous Captain Butler - the blockade runner. Every girl here is wearing the dresses you brought in. Why, even Scarlett's beautiful gown was made from the fabric you kindly sent her."
"That is a lovely gown, Miss O'Hara," Rhett said, turning back to her. "Your brothers are here tonight, I trust, on this happy occasion? It would be a pleasure to renew acquaintances."
"My husband is in Virginia," said Melly with a proud lift of her head. "But Charles-" Her voice broke.
"He died in camp," Scarlett whispered, and Rhett made a gesture of self-reproach.
"My dear Mrs. O'Hara - how could I? You must forgive me. But permit a stranger to offer the comfort of saying that to die for one's country is to live forever."
Melanie smiled at him through sparkling tears while Scarlett felt annoyed again at his graceful remark. She looked up at him and saw that his mouth was pulled down at the corners in sympathy, and something in his look challenged her spirit and brought her strength back in a surge of dislike, but before she could retreat back to her booth, a soldier with a sling on his arm approached them.
"Ladies, the Confederacy asks for your jewelry on behalf of our noble cause."
Scarlett turned and looked at the soldier and then his basket, startled. She was wearing her mother's earbobs and her grandmother's gold necklace. She felt a sudden panic that she would have to hand over her precious heirlooms. How could she avoid handing them over while everyone else was gleefully filling the basket?
Rhett took out his gold cigar case and dropped it in the basket without a word.
Melanie paused for only a moment, then removed her wedding ring from her finger and dropped it into the basket.
"But, it's your wedding ring, ma'am," the soldier gasped.
"It may help my husband more, off my finger." She said, cutting off any further objection.
The soldier bowed to her, "Thank you," he said sincerely.
Rhett turned towards Melly, "It was a very beautiful thing to do, Mrs. O'Hara." he said with elaborate gravity and gave Melanie a searching look that went to the bottom of her sweet worried eyes. His expression changed, reluctant respect and gentleness coming over his dark face. "I think you're a courageous little lady, Mrs. O'Hara."
"Here!" Scarlett said a little too loudly, "This was my grandmother's," she said, taking her necklace off and dropping it in the basket.
The soldier said nothing and went to the next group.
Rhett glanced at Scarlett and smirked. She got the distinct feeling he could read her thoughts and knew she was jealous of the attention he was paying Melanie, "That was very kind of you as well, Miss O'Hara."
Dr. Mead approached them and said, "Melanie - I need your approval as a member of the committee with something we want to do that's rather shocking. Will you excuse us, please?" The doctor hurried her away, leaving Rhett staring at Scarlett.
"Oh, stop looking at me like that!" She snapped at him.
Rhett simply laughed, "My sincerest apologies, Miss Scarlett. Although I must say, war makes women do the strangest things."
She ignored him and turned back into her booth, "If you'll excuse me, Captain, I really should get back to my booth."
Rhett silently followed her into the booth and leisurely leaned against the front post. "Tell me, Scarlett, why are you back in this dark corner and not turning about the dance floor with all these gallant soldiers?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, annoyed that he wouldn't just leave her alone, "I'm helping the hospital." She stated curtly.
Rhett walked farther into the booth, shielded from view in the back of the booth, and whispered in Scarlett's ear. His breath made goose bumps rise all over her body, and her heart tighten in her chest.
"Don't pretend with me, Scarlett. I've seen you at your worst, and I think more of you for it."
Scarlett hesitated for only a moment, then visibly relaxed, "They have me working like a field hand Rhett!" she exclaimed. Then, realizing what she had said, she looked around hastily to make sure no one had heard her.
Rhett smiled broadly at her, "I knew you couldn't stay angry at me for long."
She smiled flirtatiously at him, "I guess I'd be very unpatriotic to hate one of the great heroes of the war. I do declare. I was surprised that you'd turned out to be such a noble character."
"I can't bear to take advantage of your little girl ideas, Scarlett. I am neither noble nor heroic."
Her brow furrowed in confusion, "But you are a blockade runner."
"For profit. And profit only."
She looked at him confused, "Are you trying to tell me you don't believe in the Cause?"
"I believe in Rhett Butler. He's the only cause I know. The rest doesn't mean much to me."
Scarlett opened her mouth to question him further but was interrupted by a drummer roll. Rhett and Scarlett moved to the front of the booth to watch Dr. Mead step onto the stage again.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen. I have a startling surprise for the benefit of the hospital. Gentlemen, if you wish to lead the opening real with the lady of your choice, you must bid for her!"
A 'whoop' went up from the crowd, and the Old Guard gasped, scandalized.
"Come gentlemen, do I hear your bids? Make your offers! Don't be bashful, gentlemen!"
"Twenty dollars! Twenty dollars for Miss May belle Merryweather." One soldier yelled.
"Twenty-five dollars for Miss Fanny Ossing!" Another called excitedly.
Other bids rang out, Maybelle making it all the way to seventy-five dollars. Scarlett stood watching the whole scene, irritated that she was stuck behind a booth instead of out on the floor where she would bring in the highest bid.
Rhett looked at her squarely, not trying to hide his gaze, which did not move from her as he called out, clearly in his Charleston drawl, "One hundred and fifty dollars in gold."
A hush went over the crowd at the outrageous amount. "For what lady, sir?" Dr. Mead asked
"For Miss Scarlett O'Hara."
For a fleeting instant, she took in Melanie's face watching her with a knowing smile, the look on the chaperons' faces, the petulant girls, and the enthusiastic approval of the soldiers. She accepted Rhett's hand proudly and followed his lead to the dance floor.
"Choose yo' padners fo' de Ferginny reel!" Levi yelled out over the crowd.
"How dare you make me so conspicuous, Rhett?"
"But, my dear, you so obviously wanted to be conspicuous!"
She tried to glare at him angrily but couldn't take the beaming smile off her face. "But-I owe it to the Cause-I-I couldn't think of myself when you were offering so much in gold. Stop laughing! Everyone is looking at us!"
"Of course, they're looking at us, Scarlett. We look good together, and we're alike, you and I. We're not meant for civilized society, but we're putting on a face for everyone, so they think we're just as patriotic and honorable as them."
When the waltz ended, Scarlett giggled, "Waltzes always make me breathless," she explained.
"Would you care to take a stroll outside to catch your breath?" he asked, moving her off the dance floor.
"Rhett, I couldn't – if anyone saw…"
"You don't really care what they say, do you, Scarlett?" he asked as he guided her expertly through the crowd.
"Oh, you have the nastiest way of making virtues sound so stupid." She complained but did not stop his advancement through the room.
"But virtues are stupid. Do you care if people talk?"
"Well – no…" she said with little effort since they were already outside.
Rhett put his arm around her waist, and she turned toward him. He pulled her flush against him and backed them against the wall of the building, so they were completely shielded from view in the dark shadow.
Scarlett bent her neck to look up at his face, towering above her. Her eyes quickly adjusted, and she could see his dark eyes gleaming down at her. She knew she should push him away, but the pressure of his body against hers and the cool wall against her back was enough to take her breath from her lungs. She grabbed onto his forearms, steadying herself in his arms.
Without a word, he leaned down and captured her lips, making her moan gently into his mouth. Her immediate response spurred him on, and he gathered her dress into his hand at the back and pulled her middle into contact with his. Scarlett's abdomen felt warm from the inside out, and she eagerly delved her tongue into his mouth and was tickled gently by his mustache.
When he pulled away, she felt flushed and leaned her head back against the wall as she tried to catch her breath.
"We should get back," he said finally, pulling her away from the wall and warping his arm around her waist.
Scarlett nodded and numbly let him lead her back to the bazaar.