A/N - Thanks to those of you who took the time to review the previous chapter. To all of you here is another one. Hope you enjoy.
A/N ^2 - Some of you have pointed out some spelling/wording errors, wich I have tried to correct - thanks for taking the time to do that.
Rhett moved quickly and noiselessly through the room, not wanting them to realise he was there before he was right in front of them. He didn't take time to greet the just arrived guests, and it caused more than one raised eyebrow. Rhett Butler however was Rhett Butler, and rude behaviour was only what could be expected from him, huffed more than one greyed lady who remembered his behaviour from before his name had been erased from the family bible.
For once he did not take the time to breathe in the eminent beauty of the restored ballroom – a small gesture that normally brought him immense pleasure and pride in his own accomplishment. The Landing was one of the things he had loved most in his childhood and youth, happy memories of long days of leisure and not a care in the world, except for where his next adventure should start. Seeing it slowly coming back from the state of ruin the war had left it in was doing him good, and also one of the few things he felt truly good about at the moment.
Everything else seemed to be so complicated.
Unconsciously also, though he would never admit it to anyone, much less himself, it also in a very small way gave him a sense of redeeming himself to his forefathers for any misdeeds he might or might not have done in the past. He hoped that if the late Mr Butler was still existing in some form somewhere in the world he would for once approve of his eldest sons actions. Not that he felt that the major part of the blame for the lifelong separation between him and his father lay on his own shoulders, but with this as with other things in his life, Rhett had realised that he had come to a point in life where he needed to make peace with himself and the past.
He wondered if that really also went for the past he shared with his black haired vixen of a wife, but pushed the thought a side. The anger that had risen in his chest by the sight of the closeness between Scarlett and his mother served as a convenient blindfold for the true answer in this matter. He wanted to know why Scarlett had come to Charleston, he guessed at the answer, but wanted for her to say it as it would tell him about any ulterior motives. She never had been a good liar.
Without further ado Rhett Butler covered the length of the room with long resolute steps and strode up to Eleanor and Scarlett, a deep frown on his brow.
He deliberately addressed his mother first. Pretending that the woman standing next to her, only inches away from him, was someone of no consequence to him, and not the woman who had occupied his thoughts every unguarded moment for the last many months. He needed just a few more seconds to prepare himself for finally being face to face with her.
"Mother" he bowed his head in a small greeting and paused for a second.
Scarlett's head jerked up at the words – she would recognise his voice every where – and she felt as if she had been hit by a lightning bolt. The entire world around her faded into the background and all she could see clearly was him. Had she been able to think straight she would have told herself off for giving into such clichés, but she couldn't help it. Later there would be time for laughter and scorn towards herself, for her acting like a love sick teenager facing her first beaux, but right now she just wanted to take in every little detail of his appearance, the cut of his hair, the fit of his suit, the wrinkles his coat made as he bend to great his mother. She looked at him intensely, trying to will him to turn to her, to see his initial reaction when he saw her there. "Look at me Rhett" her heart voicelessly sang.
Would he betray whether he was happy or displeased to see her? She hoped that the element of surprise would be enough to shake his normally blank face into displaying some sort of emotion. She had hoped that she would get to see his face immediately when he realised that she was there – but he had turned his back on her focusing, his sole attention on his mother – was it intentionally? Probably, she didn't know any man as much in control of his action and feelings as high and mighty Rhett Butler.
She drank in his appearance, as if the memory of it had to last her a lifetime and she therefore had to remember exactly how he looked tonight. How well he looked, she thought with a twinge of guilt. His body looked firm underneath his party wear, none of the puddyness of just a few months ago was left. The excess fat caused by the drinking had seemingly melted away, leaving him strong, lean and healthy looking – as he had been before the sadness and loss had grown to be his constant companion in life. He looked years younger than she remembered. And for a moment she considered how she could will him to turn to her again, when she had (unknowingly or not) been such a big part of his former state of ruin. Being away from her had definitely helped him regain his old swarthy handsome looks and muscular frame. As she stood there, an equally unwelcome thought sprang to her mind, and she wondered how she could ever have turned to anybody else when she had had this handsome man at her side. How could she have let him charge headlong down his chosen path of ruin and destruction without at least trying to stop him? Her head was blank when it came to answering that particular question, not wanting to dig too deep into old wounds.
She felt an urge to reach out to him, to make contact, to get assurance that he was real, and not another trick played on her by her mind. He had visited her so often in her dreams laterly, and she had played out the scenario so often in her mind, that she found it hard to believe what her eyes told her. She wanted to plead with him to forgive her, beg him to take her back, proving that her confession of love was not just empty words. However she strained herself at best she could, and stood with an outwardly calmness waiting for his attention, at the same time her mind was in overdrive to find the best way to handle the evening. The way that was most likely to provide the outcome that she wanted, that she needed.
At that moment her old fear of him, rejecting her felt so stupid and meaningless. What a simpleton she had been! What had she been so scared of? Why had she been so blind? Casting away the life that could have been, and instead revelling in the cage of loneliness that she had built for her self, by her stubborn love for Ashley. Of course he had never made it easy for her to love him, but if she had risked just a little bit, then perhaps they could have found a way to be happy.
She shook her head lightly and silently chided her self to stop the muddling mess in her head, the past was the past, and nothing could be done to change it. Tomorrow was another day, and it was te happiness of the days to come that she now had to fight for. "Scarlett O'Hara" she told her self sternly, mockingly, "stop being such a mindless goose or he will despise you forever". All she could do now was to hope for a chance to redeem her self, and a small voice stubbornly sang - for him to love me.
"Sorry for my sudden departure the other day, I had some vexing news" His voice bland, but he felt sure that Eleanor would understand or at least accept this simple apology of his.
He wanted to apologise to his mother, show his regret at treating her such a way. Yet he did not wan't to reveal to Scarlett, that he had been at the house only yesterday and that she, or rather her presence there, had been the disturbing news. He didn't feel like seeing her smug face if she found out how the news of her presence had caused him to storm out – as she would surely interpret such an action on his part as a sign of love. Was it? - that was what he had set out to clarify tonight, and why he had wished for her to come.
In response to his curt excuse Eleanor gave him a warm smile, that more than anything assured him that even if she did not condone his rude behaviour towards her, then perhaps she understood what had caused him to act as he did, and had forgiven him without hesitance.
He turned slowly towards Scarlett, knowing that he could not avoid her any longer, with an effort he made his face expressionless or she would have been met by angry eyes.
With his reason and logical senses he knew that the anger he felt was out of proportion with what had caused it, nevertheless his unconscious self wouldn't or couldn't let go.
His movements were deliberately slow, forcing himself to appear as though her appearance there, that ought to have been a surprise, was of no consequence to him – he knew that even if she didn't love him as she had professed back when had finally made up his mind to leave Atlanta and acted on this decison, it would rile her. That knowledge gave him an absurd pleasure... He had always enjoyed the fireworks that cracked, when Scarlett O'hara did not have things her own way.
"My dear, what a pleasure that you were able to join us after all" his Charleston drawl even more pronounced than normally. Yet his tone of voice was kept bland and devoid of feeling. Just the effect he was aiming for – detached. His closed face revealed nothing about what was going on underneath the surface. He felt her eyes burn into her skin, seeking the eye contact that he denied her.
Wanting to provoke her and perhaps tempt himself he leaned in and gave her the merest hint of a kiss on the cheek. Breathing in her sent. A hint of roses, mixed with something else.
The smell that was so uniquely her hit his senses as an unexpected assault on his cool façade, and threatened to crack it. Memories of happier days from the first year of their marriage overwhelmed him. Small almost forgotten details of tenderness and warmth that had been shared between them, few as they had been theese moments, they had for that reason been all the more precious to him and he had stored them carefully. Again he felt the urge to lean in on her and trace the long line of her neck with his lips, tasting her with his tongue surrendering all his sense to her. Taste, smell and sight.
Had she been able to catch his eyes just then it might have told her so much more than he had wanted to reveal about his very mixed feelings about her presence there and the prospect of having her back in his life as a more permanent fixture. He felt old feelings stir in his heart, but it was to early yet to give in, so he pushed the unwanted feelings away. No it was too easy, remembrance of all the hurt and rejection that she had subjected him to helped him harden his heart. He had wanted her to be there, yet dreaded the confrontation, and now… now all he felt was anger. Anger triggered by her being at his mother's side, but really he realised the anger ran much deeper, and was both directed at her and at himself, which made him even more angry at her. But anger wasn't the only emotion that played out in his heart however much he felt he needed to deny it… lust, and longing where also present. Her presence had revealed and underlined that.
He quickly regained his composure and when their eyes met, it was unreadable black that looked into her green eyes.
To a standersby his behaviour would seem completely acceptable by the social norms of the day, as public display of affections were frowned upon.
To Scarlet however his indifference was like a bucket of cold water in the head, and anger flared in her eyes. Anger fuelled by disappointment caused by the lack of emotions on display on her beloveds face. She had counted on seeing something that would give her just the faintest glimmer of hope. Not this bland nothingness?
How she hated him? However the burning sensation on her cheek where his lips had touched her belied that fact.
"My pleasure to come, congratulation on restoring the house" Her tone of voice matched his in coldness. Two could play this game and he wouldn't get the satisfaction of having her beg for his hear yet again. Once was more than enough for Scarlett O'Hara.
Eleanor eyed their little scene noticing every detail of the game that played out in front of her. She shook her head. She was more convinced than ever that there were strong feelings on both sides. But whether the two peacock would be able to keep their feathers down long enough, to actually agree on it was a completely different story. Well, she had meddled enough in their affairs, so if they ever were to find peace together they had to find the way themselves. If they had asked her, she would have told them that in her opinion they were acting like spoiled kids, but they didn't so she kept her opinion to her self.
"Can I have the pleasure of receiving the guests with you my dear Mrs Butler" Scarlett recognised the mocking insolence in his voice; apparently Miss Eleanor didn't, as she sent Scarlett a very pleased smile. Scarlett reluctantly took his proffered arm, accepting his offer.
"My pleasure Mr Butler" She gave him a smile without warmth. After all she was his wife, and it was only proper that she took her rightful place by his side.
She could feel the warmth of his skin even through the heavy fabric of his well tailored dress coat. Even this slight touch made her skin tingle, which she hoped wouldn't be noticeable for him – the shame of having such a traitorous body! Even if she at this moment felt it was inopportune to remember, her body certainly did recall exactly how his hands felt against her skin, and the sensations they created within her.
"I'll go find Rosemary" Eleanor took her departure, leaving the husband and wife to their own devices.
The majority of the guests were starting to arrive leaving no room for any further dialogue between Rhett and Scarlett, who where instead forced to smile and great every single one of the arriving guests. Scarlett smiled and curtsied trying to ignore the curious glances that she felt were cast at her from everybody who came through the entrance.
"A pleasure to see you tonight, Mrs Hensley, please let me introduce you to my wife Scarlett Butler"
"How long it has been dear Andrew, please let me introduce you to Mrs Butler, Scarlett.."
At first she tried to memorise that faces and names of the people that she was introduced to. But there were so many that they blended together into a nondescript mix, with only a few sticking out. Old faces, young faces, sad faces, happy faces. Polite and polished all of them. Gleaming diamonds sparkled at throats and ears, silk swished and heels clacked against the floor. It was enough to make everybody dissy. The men eyed her with open admiration, most of the women with a bit more formality. Some smiled genuinely to her, and returned her greeting with some warmth, other eyed her with barely concealed curiosity, and a few eyed her with open envy and smiled flirtingly to Rhett.
She didn't get any support from Rhett, he stood by her side erect and uninviting, treating her with a detached carelessness which annoyed her deeply. How could anyone be as hard headed and unfeeling as Rhett Butler. At the same time, even the most critical and scrutinizing eyes of the keenest observant, could not have guessed at the true state of their marriage. He might be detached and cold in his attitued, but still his behaviour was very polite and correct.
When the row of arriving people thinned, Rhett led her around the room greeting the guests that had arrived earlier in the evening and thus had not been properly received. He still didn't look at her, and she didn't know whether to be barking mad at him or be relieved by his behaviour, so for once she kept her smile in place and acted as she had been raised to do. At least no one in Charleston could this evening accuse her of improper behaviour.
But at least she didn't have to think about what to say to Rhett as he had not uttered a single word to her directly apart from his initial greeting, and the small talk with the guests that naturally involved her.
The constant alertness however was tiring. How exhausting this charade was. She didn't know how much longer she could stand for it. And almost felt like causing a mad scene just to force him to display some emotions.
After what seemed like hours even Rhett could not find any newcomers who hadn't been received with the proper greeting and acknowledgement.
"Well, did you enjoy that Mrs Butler" he asked a hint of the old mockery back in his voice. Much to his surprise he had enjoyed showcasing his wife to his city, another thing he was carefull to conseal from her. He had felt her eyes on him often, and yet he had kept up his indifferent attitude. It was his protection shield, and would be until the time came when he would chose to let her in, or perhaps he would never let it fall - if he came to the conclusion that he would not risk his sanity again, or that he did not love her enough to do it. Almost as much as this togeterness, he had enjoyed the curiosity that was apparent in so many eyes and voices. He was sure all had wondered and speculated about his single state of arriving back in Charleston, and not believed a word of his excuses for not bringing his wife along – most, after all, had some sort of connection to one of the members of the old guard in Atlanta. Yet here she was at his side the very wife he was rumoured to have left behind, busy tongues never tired of speculations like that.
Perhaps after all it would prove to be a good thing that Scarlett had arrived with his mother. At least, that would not cause any more tongues to wag. Scarlett in addition had been surprisingly complacent and had without argument subjected herself to his guidance – being steered around, smiled and responded to all the people he introduced her to. Also, being close to her without being in actual conversation with her, had calmed his temper, and he felt that it was time to dive into what would surely be an interesting conversation.
She cast him a sour glance, but thought better of it and forced her face into a sugary sweet expression. She also felt calmer now; somehow an almost homely feeling had been created. And though she knew it to be nothing but a frail illusion, she decided to enjoy it while it lasted.
"Well of course Rhett, but you know my throat is all parched up from all this speaking. I must admit I cannot compliment you on the service provided so far… where can a girl get something to drink around here?"
"Your wish is my command" He smiled at her and led her to the bar at the side of the ballroom next to the largest of the doors leading out to the garden.
An old negro servant, who had never defected from the Butler service, stood guard at the bar. He was decked out in his old livery that had been dusted of for the occasion and repaired with neat invisible stitched where time or insects had worn it out. He was tonight serving punch or a glass of champagne to all the thirsty guests, a job he took great pride in. He had also occupied this very job back in the days where he had been the property of the owner of the place, and not as he was now, payed for his services. Had anyone cared to ask him, he would have told them that this very day, that meant so much to the guests here, also was an important day for him, he to enjoyed seeing the country side come back to life.
A couple of gentlemen had retired to the bar as well, either not wanting to dance, or in the case of the younger members of the group, perhaps needing the courage of the punch before asking their favourite lady for a turn on the dance floor. All were deeply engrossed in a conversation, probably on the topic of racehorses, judging by the odd word that reached the ears of Scarlett, as she waited for Rhett to hand her a glass of the punch.
She took the glass from him and sipped at the bubbling liquid within, the bubbles hit her palate in a burst of flavours, and she couldn't hold back a giggle. Her eyes wide open with a startled look, dark eyebrows creating to perfectly rounded arches above.
"What do they make this from, it tastes divinely" She smiled at him, a real smile that for once reached her eyes and made them twinkle. Forgetting her intention of being aloof and unattainable as she got caught up in the joy at being at a real party once again. A real party where she had her prince charming at her side no less.
Her sudden outburst of childish happiness was contagious, and he couldn't help but adapt her easy going tone. When had they last been anything near this comfortable together? When had they had any fun at all together? So who was he to deny them this respite? Didn't they both need a break from the misery of the past years? The difficult confrontation that was bound to come, could be postponed by an hour or two couldn't it?
He smiled at her.
"Well Mrs Butler, I should have warned you" He winked at the old servant who smilingly handed Rhett a glass of the bubbling liquid of his own.
"You know, this punch is not an ordinary punch, but a punch made from a long legacy of Butlers. Legend has it that the original recipe was brought over from England, by my great, great, great grandfather, who more than a century ago had to leave England…" He paused
"Ahem… Rather quickly – I could tell you the details, but I fear that the cause of his sudden departure is not classified as fit for ballroom conversation" The last bit was uttered in a stage whisper.
"Half the fleet of England was on his heels, and he barely had time to pack up his belongings, in actual fact, he didn't bring much apart from a sac of gold he had picked up god knows where, and a scroll of parchment that didn't contain anything but this simple recipe for punch"
Scarlett looked at him, her eyes slightly narrowed in disbelief, yet amused by the sudden change of atmosphere between them. She didn't know what had caused it, nor did she care very much, all that mattered was that he was at last being pleasant to her. And no one could be more pleasant to be around, than Rhett Butler in a good mood.
"Rhett Butler, you are pulling my leg now, what kind of dim wit do you take me for" She chatted him lightly on the arm with her fan, and smiled letting her dimples show – she still mastered all the studied moves of a coquettish southern belle even if it had been years and years since the last time she had had the chance to practice.
"I swear Madame, it is the truth" He adapted a strange accent that was somewhere between British and French, made a mocking cross my heart motion with his hand and then hooked his arm with hers, motioning her away from the bar.
"To honour the arrival of Butler folks on the shores of this Land, all subsequent generations have added their own little extra twist to the original recipe, making the final concoction rather spicy – so better not be to hasty with emptying your glass, though I must admit it does taste divinely"
"What do you suggest our addition should be?" he added, and then realised what his words implied. His eyes darkened over for a minute. How foolish he acted. Was he really going to submit himself this easily to another ride round Scarlett's merry go round?
Unusually apt for Scarlett, she perceived the impending change in her companion's mood. However not quite ready to let go of the easygoingness of just a moment before she hastened to change the subject, and not comment on his slip of tongue, though it brought her great joy to know that at least part of him contemplated a future with her.
"Come on Rhett, let's dance – you know it is ages and ages since I have been dancing anywhere, let alone at a fancy ball like this, so please can we?"
Sensing her intention and will for light heartedness he relented, and pushed his dark thoughts into a faraway corner of his mind. At least she hadn't used his slip of tongue as a way to trap him into any admissions or promises, and for that she deserved some credit didn't she?
He slipped his arm around her waist and let her out onto the dance floor where the first tunes of a starting waltz had pairs of two streaming onto the floor. Some flushed from a walk in the park, others a little light headed from a visit to many to the punch bowl, all however looked as though they were having a good time. Only a few old matrons kept to their seat, casting suspicious glances, at what they thought of as the frivolity of youth.
Their bodies moved together, a perfect fit as always. They both knew they made a handsome couple on the dance floor and revelled in the attention they were sure to receive.
Rhett smiled as he noticed Rosemary being let onto the dance floor by some sturdy colonel who was sure to tread on her feet until they were red and blue, and on top of that most probably entertain her with a detail recounting of his days at the frontier. He had enjoyed spending some time alone with her over the past weeks, and hoped she would enjoy the evening. He also hoped that perhaps she could find someone who could take the haunted look out of her eyes that she had when she thought no one was looking.
"What are you smiling at" Scarlett's voice interrupted his chain of thoughts.
He shook his head slightly
"Nothing in particular my dear, just how good it is to finally see some life back at the plantation"
She smiled at him, she new exactly how he felt. And for a moment she just let herself be swept away by the dance and the sensation of comfort and security, which enveloped her as they followed the flow of the music with their skilled steps.
"You look beautiful tonight Scarlett" his voice was serious, but a hint of mischief in his eyes.
"You don't clean up to badly yourself, Rhett" The dance made her fell mellow, and relaxed, a dreamy look that he remembered only to well from the past crept into her eyes.
He knew that it was probably not thoughts of the once so coveted Ashley Wilkes that was on his mind, but still it nagged him.
Without thinking the question that gnawed at him, popped out of his mouth.
"Why did you come to Charleston Scarlett?"