Chapter 12

Addison was aghast as he walked through the halls of Peachtree mansion. Having a natural appreciation for architecture, most of the buildings he had seen, admired and built were tasteful and reflected simple grace and beauty. This house! This was a monstrosity! It struck him rather hilarious that Rhett should have built such a hideous thing! Rhett- the man who dressed so immaculately and moved with such poise and grace. Whatever possessed him to build this? His show at Charleston must be a farce! Addison stifled a grin and sipped his coffee in Scarlett's parlour. She beamed at him from across the table.

"That is a fine broach you are wearing, Mr. Addison. I believe I've never seen anything like it."

"It's been in the generation for ages. I know the Yankees tried to get it, but my sister hid the thing between the cracks in the bricks of our house."

"How very clever."

"Yes, it is, isn't it?" smiled Addison, self-assuredly.

"Now Mr. Addison, about this house-"

"It can be done, Mrs. Butler. I shall work on the design and when Mr. Wilkes approves of it, we can begin building."

"Oh how wonderful! And how long will it take?"

"Oh, two months at least."

"Good. Two months is good time."

Scarlett and the children stayed with Aunt Pitty who was full of questions. An old-fashioned Colonnial home? How refreshing! Wouldn't it cost a lot of money? What with the depression and all that."

"Aunt Pitty,please-"

"I know it is a sensitive subject, Scarlett. But I couldn't help wondering-"

"Well after Bonnie's death-" ventured Scarlett, haltingly.

"Oh yes of course. I do understand,dear. I do understand."

The house was demolished, re-designed and rebuilt in months' time. During those long, tedious days, Scarlett made sure she was discussing the designs nearer to the lawns where everybody could see her. She was quiet and patient, looking just about helpless and dim-witted enough for the shrewish matrons to spy on her in surprise. Addison lived up to his name. He was an excellent architect with a keen eye for beauty and taste. This time Scarlett did not haggle with the cost of raw materials. She decided to choose her battles wisely. And it as the days went by, a beautiful, white, five columned Colonnial house, rose up in from of her like a beautiful Southern lady. Scarlett was pleased.

But her pleasure was short-lived for Rhett was back.

Rhett made a slow tour of the house, looking into all the rooms and studying the all around simplicity and elegance. He looked pleased but his eyes were still gimlets. "I was in Charleston last week and a strange story came to my ears. It seems you have attributed the design of the previous, hideous building to me!"

"Oh, how could Addison have said such a lie!" declared Scarlett, in feigned surprise.

"I know it was you." drawled Rhett, smoothly.

Scarlett walked into the parlour and rang for Pork. "I'll fetch us some sandwiches and tea." She looked up, squarely and unapologetically. "Allright I did. I admit the truth. But Addison is from Charleston and if I told him I was initiating everything,he would have been incredulous and would have borne such animosity to me. I couldn't tell the truth."

"Good girl. I see you've learnt to manage people better." replied Rhett, with a mocking grin.

"Besides I didn't think you would care what I did. I thought you said, you didn't give a damn about anything I did."

"We shan't ponder on that question since you very well know this is nothing like what I meant. I fear, I must stop your access to my money."

Scarlett stood up at once in quick temper. "Rhett, you can't! You know you can't!"

"Oh but I will. You can pay for the whole place yourself."

"Rhett, don't be mean. This is the house you've always wanted isn't it?"

"It was, years ago. But I will never live here now."

"But you will give me the money?"

"No."

Scarlett looked about, furious and disappointed but she had expected this. And she had arranged funds by selling her store and tapping into her share of Rhett's money. They sat in silence for a while and the clock struck nine. Rhett didn't want dinner and after a long smoke in his favourite chair, he planned to leave. But as he rose up, Scarlett grabbed the crook of his arm. "Rhett, sleep here. I think you will like the new bedrooms."

"Heaven's no, Mrs. Butler, I will never live in this wretched place. I only came to clear up unfortunate misunderstandings."

Scarlett suddenly stood on her toes and pulling down Rhett's black head, she kissed his lower lips.

"Leave me alone!" returned Rhett, pulling away and walking to the door.

Scarlett breathed hard and called after him. "You aren't afraid are you?"

Rhett cocked his head lightly and Scarlett could hear his laughter rising softly with the night breeze. "I don't want to give you any hopes, my pet. I told you I did not love you."

Rhett was about to open the door. But Scarlett ran in front of him and closed it shut. "What has love to do with anything? Can't a man and woman have a little fun without bringing sentiments into the picture?"

Rhett's eyebrows shot up in complete surprise. He grabbed her by the shoulders and Scarlett thought he might roughly thrust her away. But then he shoved her against the door and he began to kiss her. Scarlett returned his kisses with equal fervor. When they broke apart, she walked upstairs to the bedroom, surely and decidedly and Rhett followed.