Dear readers, I'm posting a new chapter.

I'll be honest, I'm a little worried, as the situation in the story is not standard, it's not a continuation of the book, it's an alternative story altogether, where Scarlett doesn't think about Ashley, is friends with Melanie and there's a new hero.

I don't want Rhett to be seen as a negative here, on the whole, they're interacting with Scarlett as best they can so far. He makes fun of her, they fight all the time. She's just as feisty with him. If he is harsh with her sometimes, it's because he feels something for her and is afraid of it.

P.S. I don't pretend to write the characters as they are in the book, I can't, I'm not a writer. It's just my imagination and hobby. I can say that creative people are already busy with constant self-examination and comparing themselves with others, so that's it.

Thank you for all your comments and feedback!

P.P.S.Melanie in this story is both naive but also more courageous and observant.

The book discussed below was not published until 1865, but let's forgive this little mistake here. I love this book so much and even included it in the story "To let him go".

I own nothing in regard to GWTW.

Enjoy reading:)

Chapter 5.

Autumn had taken hold in Georgia, the warm, dry weather was replaced by cold weather. Chilly winds blew, people rolled harder in their coats and shawls to avoid catching a cold.

And the war went on, a series of battles where one side or the other prevailed. More and more men went to the front, and more and more sad notices were delivered to homes.

Fortunately for Melanie, Ashley was well, and Scarlett was happy to receive news from home, where Ellen described their lives and shared news from neighbours. Scarlett's friends, the Tarleton twins, were alive and well. Scarlett was mentally happy for the rowdy boys, who were both daredevils.

In December, after the Battle of Fredericksburg, in which the Southerners emerged victorious under the command of Robert E. Lee, there was renewed hope in their hearts for victory and a speedy end to the war.

Scarlett was unable to go to Tara for the winter holidays as her sisters had bad colds and Ellen feared pneumonia and worried about the health of her only grandson and eldest daughter.

Roy Thompson also became a frequent visitor to Peachtree Street. Sometimes, after his business trips, which were becoming more and more frequent, he would bring letters from Ashley, for Melanie, as he was often in that regiment.

At small events he often accompanied Scarlett and Melanie, to Rhett's quiet indignation.

Rhett, too, was away more often now, usually on days when his ships came into Charleston harbour. On a couple of occasions he sailed himself, and then brought back presents from Nassau, which Melanie and Aunt Pitty accepted with gratitude, and Scarlett, after another fight with him, threatened to return all the hairpins and handkerchiefs he had given her, and went to her room to get them, but he only laughed at her as he sat in their parlour and politely apologized. One day, in a fit of anger, she even started pulling hairpins out of her hair to get "your stupid hairpins" back. Aunt Pitty wasn't home, and Melanie was putting Wade down for his afternoon nap.

As he watched her black curls spread down her back, he swallowed, suddenly wishing he could smell the scent of her hair. He took a deep breath and with a sweet smile apologized to her for the joke, and then talked her into taking the hairpins back.

He and Roy seldom crossed paths, and if they did, it was only with a cold greeting and a nod of the head to each other. Inwardly they felt that they were in the Peachtree Street house for the same "reason," but if Roy openly expressed his sympathy, there was hardly the slightest sign of it behind Rhett. He was polite and affable with Melanie, liked to play with Wade, to make Aunt Pitty laugh, but with Scarlett it was constant jokes and fights.

Scarlett wondered how this man still managed to sneak into their house every time.

It is not difficult to guess that Roy's society was a saving grace for Scarlett. He was very courteous and polite to her, though he was amused if he noticed her explosive temperament.

At one of the little balls to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, Scarlett and Melanie were again in Roy's company. Rhett was also at the event and nodded slightly in greeting.

Scarlett took a moment to pull Roy aside. She looked lovely after the dance, a few strands of her hair were out of place, and Roy took one strand and tucked it gently behind her ear.

This intimate gesture made Rhett clutch the glass so tightly in his hands that for a split second he thought the glass would crack. He watched them walk out onto the veranda, but he couldn't get any closer.

Scarlett and Roy stood on the veranda, the evening was cool, and she quickly felt herself getting goosebumps.

Roy took off his jacket and threw it over her shoulders.

"That's better, Scarlett," he said, smiling.

"Thank you, Roy," she whispered. "It's a lovely evening, isn't it? And the news from the front are good. Maybe this war will be over soon, Roy? What do you think? I can't bear to think that it could go on for so long..."

"Scarlett, darling, let's not talk about the war today," Roy said seriously. "I'm very much looking forward to the end of the war myself, it is not the way to solve conflicts in the civilised world. But so far I can tell you that there is no suggestion of the end."

Here he saw the fear and sadness in her eyes and stroked her cheek affectionately.

"My dear Scarlett, look at me, I have upset you. What kind of a gentleman am I after this. To carry on such talk with a lady."

"No, Roy," Scarlett interrupted him, "I'm very glad you talk to me on so many subjects, I feel so free with you and yet I feel that my words and my opinions are interesting to you, it's rare that I can talk to someone like that unless ..." she interrupted and almost said Rhett's name. He was easy to talk to, too, but all their conversations ended in fights, his mocking laughter, her anger, and sometimes her tears behind closed doors. No, Roy doesn't need to know about this.

Scarlett smiled slyly and sweetly, and distracted Roy with a question.

"Will you be joining us for dinner this Saturday, Roy? Will you be in town? Come, it will be Wade's birthday. My son is turning one year old."

"Yes, Scarlett, thanks for the invitation, I'll be sure to come!"

"Then we will expect you at five for dinner. There will be a little company and..."

Roy interrupted her confused invitation, took Scarlett's hand and kissed it gently. Warmth spilled down her arms, her breathing became shallow, and her cheeks turned pink.

"I'll be sure to come, Scarlett," Roy said, lifting his eyes from her hand.

The french doors opened and Rhett came out with a cigar.

"Good evening, Mrs Hamilton," he addressed them politely and lazily. "Mr Thompson," he nodded to Roy.

Rhett was annoyed, but skilfully concealed it. He saw the jacket on Scarlett's shoulders, her flushed cheeks and the way Roy had recoiled from her as Rhett walked out.

He was afraid to admit to himself that things had long since gone beyond friendly conversation. The thought of Roy kissing Scarlett, touching her, drove him crazy.

"I think Mrs Wilkes was looking for you, Scarlett. They were just leaving," Rhett continued.

Scarlett looked at him with annoyance, then smiled at Roy.

"Looks like I have to go, Roy."

"I'll walk you out Scarlett, come on."

Roy gently took her hand and they were going to the hall.

"Good evening, Captain Butler," Scarlett told him politely.

"See you on Saturday, Mrs Hamilton," he replied and Scarlett turned sharply on him and widened her eyes.

Rhett smiled his mischievous varmint smile and continued.

"Yes, Mrs Wilkes was kind enough to invite me to her nephew's birthday party. I gladly accepted," he said all this in a polite tone, but there were devils dancing in his eyes.

"Oh, Rhett... I mean, Captain Butler. Well, I'll be glad to see you," Scarlett replied politely and thought, "Go to hell! What is Melly thinking of when she calls that scoundrel without consulting me!"

Rhett seemed to read her thoughts, laughing merrily as usual.

Roy squeezed Scarlett's hand gently, not quite understanding the whole scene, and they went into the hall.

It was Saturday, and Wade turned one year old. Looking back, Scarlett didn't realize how fast the time had flown by, her son was already learning to walk, babbling the words "Mummy and Auntie, give" and being a really sweet baby.

Yes, she often lacked patience with him, as well as sleep, but thanks to Mellie's help, motherhood turned from a burden into a pleasant care.

Melly was glowing, too, even though she'd been reprimanded by Scarlett the day before about inviting Captain Butler to the party.

Melanie took a seat in the parlour, keeping an eye on Wade, who was playing on the floor. As Scarlett gathered in her room, she thought back to Captain Butler at the last ball.

Melanie was very observant by nature, as well as very well mannered and always had compassion in her soul. She also had a knack for seeing the best qualities in a man, while insistently ignoring the bad.

She had been watching Rhett Butler for a long time, beginning with that first dinner party at their home.

He thought he was a great actor, apparently, and thought he had everyone wrapped around his finger. That may have been the case with Scarlett, but Melly was quick to see all the signs of a love in this big, formidable Captain. He hid them so persistently behind taunts and fights that her dear sister-in-law certainly didn't see the obvious.

Melanie smiled affectionately. To see the dashing blockade runner suffering for love was both sad and sweet.

If only he had given Scarlett some hint of his feelings. But instead, he watched Mr Thompson get all the attention from the woman he loved. Melanie didn't understand it. She felt sorry for Captain Butler, which was why she was so insistent on pushing them towards each other. If you asked her what the ultimate goal was, Melanie wouldn't answer. She would never interfere in someone else's private life, but she had no patience for lies and pretence.

The last Christmas party had been particularly memorable for her. Scarlett had been so pretty, even in her black dress, though she had managed to persuade her to wear a white lace collar. She danced a lot, mostly with Mr Thompson. Captain Butler seemed engrossed in conversation with one gentleman and another, but Melly could see whom his eyes were following all evening. And that moment when Roy and Scarlett came out on the veranda! She saw very well how the glass froze in the Captain's hand and how tightly he clutched it. It was at that moment that in an outburst of sympathy she went up to him and began a polite conversation which ended with a mention of her dear nephew's birthday and an invitation to dinner.

The thing was done, Scarlett was of course angry, especially as she had invited Mr Thompson, but after Mellie's promise that she would not let "that varmint Rhett Butler make jokes at her expense," Scarlett cooled down and agreed.

Mr Thompson was a fine gentleman, of course. Melly saw his interest in Scarlett and saw her sister-in-law's embarrassment about him. She realized that Scarlett was uncomfortable discussing her "new beau" with her dead husband's sister. It would be an insult to the memory of her dear Charlie.

"Ah," she thought, "my dear Scarlett."

Melanie understood her almost-sister's feelings. But she also remembered how they had talked to Charles before the wedding, how enamoured and delighted he had been, repeating to her sister, "You see, she chose me! She could have been any gentleman's wife, but she chose me!"

Melly smiled as she remembered her brother at that moment. She remembered, too, how he had come at Twelve Oaks before he was sent to the front. He was serious, but there was so much love and tenderness in him for his wife.

"Take care of her, Melly, for me. She is very vulnerable, almost a child, believe me. She has a kind heart. If anything happens to me, please, Melly, take care of her like your sister..." affectionately asked Charles to her then.

Melanie remembered how tightly she had hugged her brother one last time and whispered that Scarlett was already her sister.

Melly brushed the tears from her eyes and looked lovingly at her nephew. How lucky Scarlett to have Charlie's son!

By five o'clock a small company had gathered at the house on Peachtree street. Aunt Pitty, Uncle Henry, Roy Thompson, Rhett Butler, Dr Meade and his wife, Melanie, Scarlett and little Wade.

The evening was quiet and pleasant and Scarlett thought about the reason why. Usually there was always something going on where Rhett was, but tonight he was being "gallant". He praised all the ladies' outfits, made Aunt Pitty laugh (as usual), listened to Mrs Meade talk about her son Darcy's achievements at the front.

He drank whisky with the men and was very polite, hardly arguing when Dr Meade made his speech about the near victory. He only looked at Roy, and he intercepted his gaze and was very serious.

They understood each other without words; these two grown men did not live in a world of illusion. Roy knew how things were at the front, he knew everything from the inside. Rhett, thanks to his not-so-honourable connections, knew a lot too. For a second, Rhett thought they could be good mates with this serious military man. But, there was one "but." A sweet young girl with green eyes who blew out a candle with her son on a birthday cake.

The party was coming to an end and Roy was about to leave, Scarlett volunteered to see him off, as usual.

Rhett watched from a distance, pleased that Roy was leaving in the morning and that he had to leave dinner early. Rhett had expected to talk to Scarlett; it had been a long time since they'd been alone together, without the ubiquitous Aunt Pitty at his shoulder or that knight Roy Thompson.

But their being alone on the porch for longer than he thought was appropriate angered him; he was burning with jealousy and didn't know how to handle it.

"Oh Roy, it's been a marvellous evening, hasn't it? Thank you for coming, Wade certainly enjoyed it," Scarlett spoke quickly. Roy had noticed this cute trait in her a long time ago - excitement made her speech speed up and smile sweetly.

"Wade is pleased, but what about his mother?" he asked slyly.

"Roy, of course I'm glad you came. I will be honest - our companionship is something that always cheers me up, lifts my spirits." Scarlett replied with a smile.

"I brought this for you," Roy said, suddenly holding out a package to her, in white paper and tied with a green velvet ribbon.

"For me?" whispered Scarlett in surprise. "But it's not my birthday, is it?"

"You're mother, it's your birthday too. Open it," asked Roy affectionately.

Scarlett hastily untied the ribbon, unfolded the paper and saw a small book, the title "Alice in Wonderland" didn't tell her anything and she looked at Roy questioningly.

"A book? That's nice, Roy."

"I see, it's not Shakespeare," began Roy.

"Oh, I hate Shakespeare!" replied Scarlett furiously!

Roy laughed and asked "I know that, but, why, honey?"

This affectionate word made Scarlett's heart flutter and she simply replied "He's quoted too often."

"Oh, Scarlett, then I wasn't wrong about the gift. It's an unusual, fabulous story. An unusual book for a special girl," Roy said, lowering his voice.

"Thank you Roy, I'll be sure to read it," she whispered.

He leaned over, took her hand and kissed it gently, lingering his lips longer than they should.

He straightened, then looked gently into her green eyes. "Good night, dear Scarlett," he whispered softly and dared to lean over to her and lightly touch his lips to her cheek.

She barely had time to whisper back, "Good night, Roy," before he smiled and headed down the street towards the hotel with a firm gait.

Scarlett returned to the house, placing the book wrapper absent-mindedly on the small dresser in the hallway.

The guests were slowly leaving, Dr Meade and his wife wished little Wade well once more, and Uncle Henry left too, patting the baby's hair affectionately. Aunt Pitty sighed tiredly, complaining that she had a migraine from "being in the same room with that obnoxious Henry," and retired to her room.

Melanie, sitting on the sofa beside her sleepy nephew, noticed Captain Butler nervously twirling an unlit cigar in his hands and realized that he had something to say to Scarlett, who was also tired but satisfied and silently finishing her coffee.

"Well, I think I'll go and put my nephew to bed tonight, if you don't mind, darling?" said Melanie affectionately and questioningly, looking at Scarlett.

"Thank you, Mrs Wilkes," Rhett said suddenly, "I have to go too and I'd really appreciate it," he looked at Scarlett intently, "if you'd see me off, Mrs Hamilton."

Scarlett set the white coffee cup on the table beside the sofa and stood up, adjusting her black dress.

"Thanks, Melly, I'll be right over," she said affectionately to Melanie. She helped her pick up Wade, who was almost asleep.

Rhett stood quietly and watched. Then Scarlett turned to him and only said, "Come on, Captain Butler, I'll walk you out."

In the hallway on the dresser he noticed a bundle with a book on it, next to his hat. With interest he read the title and looked questioningly at Scarlett.

"Is this a present for you, Scarlett?"

She only nodded.

They stepped out onto the porch and he asked the next question, "May I ask who presented you with such a children's book?"

Scarlett's eyes lit up with annoyance, why did he always have to comment on everything?

Seeing the fierce gleam in her eyes, he suddenly realized that he didn't want to argue with her, laugh at her, or fight with her right now. So, he said quietly, "I'm sorry, Scarlett, it's none of my business."

She looked at him with round eyes of surprise and started to say, "I don't think I asked you..." but he smiled softly at her, almost with his eyes alone, held out his hand to her and touched his fingers to her lips gently, barely touching, interrupting her sentence.

"Hush, Scarlett," he said in a soft voice, and her eyes were still wide open with surprise, "I'll help you now not to say something that will lead us into another fight again." Here he gently removed his hand, he seemed to still feel her warm breath on it.

He bent down, took her hand, kissed her cold palm gently, and with a slight, bowing bow, withdrew. Everything was trembling inside him and he couldn't tell whether it was the fear that she might realize something, whether it was the touch of her, or the intensity of his feelings.

Scarlett was left standing on the porch, stunned. She shook her head and thought with indignation, "What other games is this varmint up to?"

Silently she looked across the front lawn and looked in the direction Rhett had just gone, and an hour earlier Roy had gone in the same direction. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she headed into the house, then into her bedroom, taking the book from the dresser with her.