Chapter 119
As the Butler residence appeared on top of the sloping road, Scarlett couldn't help feeling a thrill of excitement. Somehow she felt that her trip here hadn't been entirely wasted. To her, Rhett seemed as unreachable as ever but his family was all right and now she had made true inroads into Rosemary's heart. Surely Rosemary would be her strongest supporter. Just like how dear Melanie was. And Rhett was fond of his sister so he has to be nice to Scarlett for his sister's sake. All these thoughts lead to a pleasant sense of comfort for Scarlett. Maybe now Rhett would move beyond his grief and anger and actually start behaving more like a proper husband. And she would make him very happy in return.
With a sigh, she felt a twinge of regret that her visit to Charleston was coming to an end so soon. But so many possibilities laid ahead and the days seemed brighter and more cheerful now.
As Scarlett had predicted Rosemary was already full of praise for Scarlett before her mother. And to Scarlett's added delight, Rhett was in the room as well. This time, Scarlett controlled the triumph in her eyes. She saw now that that sort of look betrayed childishness and merely gave a small smile to show that she felt happy as well for Rosemary's friendship. Old Mrs. Butler looked very pleased and she approved of Rosemary's trip to the countryside. She began recounting days of when she had visited and lived in plantations as a young girl.
Through the corner of her eye, Scarlett thought she caught a momentary look of consternation on Rhett's face. Somehow it made her heart beat faster. This feeling of having met a challenge and emerging a winner. She vowed to herself that she will never tell Rhett about her visit to see Careen and all that happened there. That part of her life would be her secret alone. How she had grown spiritually and started seeing the world anew. Rhett would never never get a hold of that. He could puzzle his head over how different Scarlett was now and never be able to put a finger on it.
Her lips bent into a smug smile and when she looked up, she found Rhett's eyes on her. A faint chill ran down her spine but her eyes took on a look of defiance. When she remembered how he had left her after Melanie had passed away and how she had battled with her demons after that. It had been such a long journey. And now she felt it was her due to be comfortable at last with Rhett's family. He must learn to go along with it. He will just have to.
The next day was spent in planning Rosemary's visit to Tara. Rosemary decided to visit during the summer and stay on for a few months. She planned to bring two other friends with her. Scarlett was all for it. She was sure Suellen could put them up in the extra rooms. Scarlett herself was leaving by ship the next day.
Wade and Ella's things still needed to be packed. They were out playing with their friends and Scarlett was seeing to the packing when Rhett walked into the room.
Scarlett threw a smile in his direction because she felt she should be sincere. Nothing he could say would disturb her plans now that she would be safety back to Tara in a day or two.
"Rosemary is looking forward to her trip to Tara, Rhett" offered Scarlett by way of friendly conversation. "She was talking of making paintings- I told her I knew of many scenic places. What I didn't tell her was how everything had changed after the war and Reconstruction. But I-"
"Rosemary may not be the only one visiting your farm, Scarlett" replied Rhett, shortly.
The maid who had been packing bowed and left the room.
"What do you mean?" asked Scarlett, curiously. "Who else is coming?"
"My brother and his wife-"
Scarlett's eyes opened wide in surprise. "Oh. I had no idea. But surely-"
"They are buying a large plot of land there, right next to your Tara-"
"But why?" asked Scarlett, now completely puzzled. "They aren't going to raise a plantation, are they?"
"Perhaps" said Rhett, softly. "My brother asked about your cotton plantation and the future of cotton crops and I gave him a very promising report. He says it might be safe to invest near your farm."
"Did you have anything to do with this?" asked Scarlett, suddenly. "You know I plan to live in Tara for a while, don't you?"
"I don't care what you do, my pet. I told you several times of that. I myself am leaving for a long trip to England. I am only telling you this in advance since you musn't blame me when you look out the window one day and see my sister-in-law calling you in that drawling accent that you hate so much-"
"Oh, I wouln't mind that a bit, Rhett" answered Scarlett. "Of the two, I like Rosemary the best. But I can still tolerate your brother and sister- even if-"
Scarlett's eyes narrowed a little when she remembered how insulting Rhett's brother had been.
- never mind" she said, snapping out of it. "I'm sure I would get along well with them"
"Good!" replied Rhett, collecting some of his own things from the side desk. He was packing his trunk as well.
After a beat, Scarlett asked, "Are they going to raise a cotton plantation?"
"Perhaps" replied Rhett.
Scarlett waited for more information. But none came.
Suddenly she whipped around as a thought struck her. "If your brother and sister plan to buy the place, why do they want to visit Tara now itself? Are they planning to live there? Where will they buy the food- Are they going to come to Tara-" Her voice trailed away. "They aren't going to get supplies and food from Will, are they?"
Rhett replied suavely from his corner. "They will paw good money for it, my love. And don't worry. I've spoken to Will all about it. He thinks its a good idea-"
"What is a good idea?" asked Scarlett, the same fear rising once again.
"I communicated with Will. Wrote a few letters- I told him that I wanted to invest in Tara. And I told him about how you felt about it. And he seemed to think it was a good idea"
Scarlett felt her heart thumping. What a devil he was. Would he ever tell her plainly what he planned to do at Tara?!
"Of course, there is the trip-"
"What trip!?" asked Scarlett, her voice rising in anger.
"Our trip to England. Will is coming too. I've fixed it all"
"Ha! Will would never leave for England. Will would never leave Tara. He's got everything he needs-"
"He's a Cracker, isn't he?"
"So what? Will is family. He is as decent and noble as an man from a genuine planter-"
"Oh please. Calm your ruffled feathers. I wasn't besmudging your precious's brother-in-law's character. Heaven forbid! I was only saying that while Will may not be interested in cotton as it is, he is very interested in purchasing seeds. I hinted that if he saw how the British mills were using different varieties of cotton, he would have no trouble picking seeds-"
"But if Will goes-"
Scarlett looked stunned. "If Will goes, who will manage things in Tara?" Her eye brows shot up in ripping fury. "You haven't said anything about me and my little party, have you?"
A look from Rhett said that he had. Scarlett sunk into a nearby sofa. Suddenly visions of her riding on horseback with Rosemary by her with her dear friends- Scarlett showing off the farm and the country side and coming back to the house for hot meals- Suddenly all this was replaced with nightmares of the snobby sister-in-law poking her nose in her affairs as she came to borrow butter or eggs. The brother-in-law turning up his nose over her simple country life. And.. oh! Someone would have to keep accounts- and what if that sister-in-law saw her do it- She might ask Scarlett to help- and what horror! Scarlett could imagine herself sitting with the books, just like her Mother used to- all work- no fun or pleasure-
When she raised her eyes, she found Rhett staring at her. His eyes were shining with mock sympathy. Her mouth twisted in a scowl but she didn't say anything. She fumed in silence.
"Is anything the matter?" asked Rhett.
"If I have to help out, I'll do it for Will's sake. Will has always been faithful and loyal to me-" replied Scarlett, trying to stir up some guilt. "How long will your trip be?"
"Ohh.. perhaps six months-"
"Six months!" cried Scarlett, enraged. She clamed up her mouth tight in case she boiled out in anger and fear. But fear gripped her heart. The vision of her managing Tara, working out accounts- in the eyes of her new friends- wealthy, sophisticated friends- it was too fearful.
But she didn't speak anything. Then a thought came to her mind.
"Rhett, you said you were going to roam Charleston and find places where the old glamor still remained. I guess those were only words- you never went anywhere like that!"
She didn't say anything of much significance but she poured as much venom as possible into her tone.
Rhett's eyes lit up and he said, "I did. I wondered why you never asked me before. Just wait. I have something for you-"
He left the room and returned after a while. In his hands he was holding a small prettily wrapped package, all done up in bows. He bowed low and presented it to Scarlett. She took it warily and opened it. Inside, under a bit of paper, something small was shining"
"I can't believe it!" cried Scarlett. Her breath caught in her chest. "My mother's thimble.. how did you?- I can't believe it! Where did you get it?Oh!"
Tears suddenly blinded Scarlett's eyes.
"I take it you like my little present?" replied Rhett, softly.
"Oh, darling- it's my Mother's. It's precious to me. I thought the Yankees took it away. And you've brought it back. Thank you!"
"A heartfelt gratitude. I couldn't ask for more." replied Rhett, his eyes glittering. "Now let me return the warmth of your affection-"
He suddenly bent down and kissed her gently on her cheek.
Scarlett drew back in surprise. But the thimble was still distracting her thoughts.
Rhett walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" asked Scarlett.
"I finished my packing, my pet. And I am leaving for my trip tonight. Will will join me soon. In the meantime, you are going to be very busy, aren't you?"
He left her with a wide grin on his face.