Chapter 4

"Why Captain Butler," Melanie smiled widely on seeing him come up the walk with Scarlett, "How lovely to see you home."

He smiled back at her and Scarlett was infuriated to see that the mocking look he'd been giving her all morning was gone, replaced with genuine kindness. "It's always a pleasure to see you, Mrs. Wilkes. I hope you don't mind that I've joined Scarlett on her call."

"Why, not at all- Scarlett, darling, how lovely you look."

"Fiddle-dee-dee, Mellie, how you do run on," Scarlett said dismissively, looking around frantically as she tried to think of a method of escape.

"No, truly, you've never looked better, my dear." Melanie suddenly blushed lightly. "But won't you please forgive my rudeness- do come in."

Rhett reached out a hand to guide Scarlett inside, but she deliberately ignored it, going inside without so much as a glance at him. Melanie's delicate brow furrowed slightly but she said nothing, merely ushered them both into the sitting room.

"What a lovely surprise," Melanie began, trying to dissipate some of the tension in the room.

"Surely my wife hasn't been a stranger?" Rhett asked with an arched brow and Scarlett burned with fury at his insinuation that she hadn't been to see Melanie- an insinuation that she was sure Melanie would completely miss-

"Why Captain Butler, surely you know that MY sister in law has always been very attentive," Melanie said, and while her voice was gentle Scarlett understood her well enough to know that she had grasped the situation and taken her side. She let out a quick sigh of relief before looking to Rhett with a defiant lift of her chin.

"Forgive me, Mrs. Wilkes," Rhett said at once, seeming almost genuine to Scarlett's jaded ears. "Surely I never meant to imply that Scarlett would neglect your well-being."

Melanie's gaze softened and she smiled at him. "Of course not, and I can assure you that Scarlett has been to see me constantly- why, nearly every day, haven't you, darling?"

Rhett looked surprised for a moment but quickly masked it, and there was a thinly hidden malice in his smile. "I'm sure that you and your husband enjoyed her visits excessively."

Mellie's brow furrowed again. "Well, yes- that is, Scarlett hasn't visited when Ashley is home but- of course, now that you're back, we do so long to have you both for dinner."

"Oh Mellie we just couldn't-" Scarlett began but was cut off by Rhett.

"Nothing could give us more pleasure, Mrs. Wilkes," and he smiled at Scarlett almost mockingly, daring her to defy him.

"I'm afraid you'll have to make due with my husband by himself," she fired back quickly, and Rhett was unable to stop one eyebrow from arching in thinly veiled admiration. "You see, Mellie," and she blushed, throwing a sidealong glance at Rhett but plowing on heedlessly, "I don't feel very well in the evenings recently. You- you understand."

Melanie blushed herself but gently pressed Scarlett's hand. "Of course, my darling, I do understand."

Rhett suddenly sat forward in his chair. "Miss Mellie, you don't mean to tell me that you know-"

"I'd like to speak to Melanie alone," Scarlett said abruptly, turning to glare at her husband, knowing that she must, no matter what, stop Melanie from telling Rhett how ridiculously glad she's been about the baby. "Unless you object- darling."

With difficulty Rhett forced himself to stand. "Why would I object? May I wait outside the room, or must I leave the house?"

Scarlett blushed at his caustic tone but Melanie ignored it, glancing only at Scarlett before saying gently, "Yes, Captain Butler, I believe it might be best if you waited for Scarlett in your carriage if-" she flushed slightly, but continued, "if you wouldn't mind."

He looked at her in surprise but made a small bow and kissed her hand. "As you wish, Mrs. Wilkes. I look forward to joining you for dinner."

"As do I," she smiled as he turned to look at Scarlett through narrowed eyes.

"I expect to see you outside in no more than five minutes."

"Yes, dear," she snapped sarcastically, too tired to care what Melanie must think. As he left she leaned forward and began to speak rapidly. "Oh, Mellie- thank you- you see, I haven't much time-"

"You need never thank me, Scarlett, but- can you tell me what IS the matter?"

"Oh, Mellie, everything is just as bad as it possibly could be-" Scarlett began, but then recollected herself, continuing "But- that is, I'm going to fix it but- I can't with Rhett around. So I- I need you to tell him when he comes back that- that I'm indisposed and lying in your room and I won't see anyone at all. And- for heaven's sake, Mellie, if he asks about the baby- tell him you don't know anything."

Melanie had paled considerably during Scarlett's discourse and now ventured timidly, "But- darling, I don't think I could lie to Captain Butler- he's been so kind and-"

"Oh, do what you like, then," Scarlett cried out impatiently. "Only- I do need to go now, Mellie."

And with those words Scarlett rushed out through the back door.

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