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After that night, her neighbors lived in fear. Several people were arrested in the next few days. They couldn't confirm exactly where they were that night.
In the morning, Yankee officers came to Suellen's house. They reported that Frank's body, and Tommy Welburn's, was found in a vacant lot behind the Belle Watling brothel. She was inconsolable.
Rhett Butler and Belle Watling swore their stories were true. This was strong proof for the Yankees. But for the proud Southerners, it was a slap in the face. Now they were beholden to the two most hated people in this city. Women couldn't bear to think they owed Belle Watling for their husbands' lives. They owed it to the whore who had them crossing the street. But it was more humiliating for them. Now the Yankees in Atlanta knew their husbands spent their nights in a brothel.
Men were more relaxed about Belle. But they hated being beholden to Rhett Butler. They hated him for being friends with the Yankees, who saved them that night. Everyone wondered why he did it.
A few days later, Frank's funeral took place. Half the city attended at the Atlanta cemetery. Scarlett was by Suellen's side the whole time, but she didn't try to support her. After the accusations at Melanie's house, Suellen stopped speaking. She now preferred India's company.
Scarlett was not insensitive. She sympathized with Suellen. But she could not understand the men's actions that had killed Frank. Now Suellen was alone and, as Scarlett learned, pregnant.
She had another problem, it was Ashley. After his injury, he recovered at home and went outside the next morning after that night. It was a miracle that he managed to withstand the interrogation of the Yankees, but no one saw him after that.
Scarlett was on her way to the Wilkes house today to see him. Melanie opened the door.
"Scarlett, dear, it's good to see you, please come in." Melanie invited her in and led her into the living room. "Would you like some tea?"
"No, thanks, Melanie, I'd like to talk to Ashley if possible."
"Oh, sure, but I'm afraid he won't be able to come out, he's not feeling very well. I know it's inappropriate, but you can come into the bedroom if it's really important." Her cheeks flushed with a hint of color.
Scarlett felt a little awkward, but she nodded anyway. She followed Melanie, who led her into a room and left them alone. She saw Ashley lying in bed with his eyes closed. His unbuttoned shirt revealed his bare chest partially to her. Scarlett surprised herself. Until recently, she would have given anything to see Ashley like this. To enjoy his half-naked body. But now it didn't touch her at all. But, she noticed that he was not so well-built. She didn't feel any passion or desire to touch him. She wanted to leave the room, but they needed to talk.
Ashley, who had heard the rustle, called out to her without opening his eyes.
"Melanie"
"It's not Melanie, Ashley." He opened his eyes wide as if he didn't expect Scarlett to be in the room.
"Scarlett, what are you doing here?" He tried to sit up in bed, but it didn't work, and he winced in pain.
"I'm sorry, Ashley, I wanted to talk to you. Don't try to get up." She walked across the room and stood next to him. "I want you not to worry about the job. I've found a temporary replacement for you, and as soon as you get better, you can return to your duties."
"Oh, Scarlett, you're very kind." He reached out and took her hand.
"And I will continue to pay your salary, so don't worry and get well."
He pulled on her arm, forcing her to come closer. Ashley pressed his lips to her wrist.
"Ashley, what are you doing?" She tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn't let her go.
"Darling, you are so kind, you have such a big heart. Oh, my dear, I'm so happy to have you by my side." He continued to kiss her hand.
Scarlett felt confused. Until recently, Ashley had behaved as if he wasn't interested in her and tried to avoid her in every possible way. And now he was kissing her hand. She felt awkward.
"Ashley, please, you don't have to do this." She managed to free her hand and move away from the bed.
"Scarlett, please don't be mad at me, I..."
Melanie entered the room. Scarlett exhaled, realizing she could finally leave. So, she did. She didn't understand this change in Ashley's behavior at all. What has changed and what has changed in her? She no longer craved his attention, much less his touch, it was amazing. Scarlett thought she might have died if she couldn't be with Ashley, but right now she didn't care. She didn't want him anymore.…
Residents of the city tried to live a normal life without arousing suspicion. The women were still going to their sewing circles. Scarlett attended them with Melanie. India never apologized for what she said that night. But Scarlett didn't want to talk to her.
Even before this, preparations were underway for the spring ball. It was to raise funds for widows and orphans of the Confederacy. Scarlett looked forward to this event. She didn't mind helping to organize it. At first, the matrons wanted to cancel the ball due to what had happened. But they decided to hold it anyway to avoid attracting the Yankees' attention. She gave a generous gift to the foundation, earning Old Guard endorsement.
Now, Scarlett stood before the mirror. She was ready to go to the former arsenal building, where the Yankees allowed them to hold a ball, as it was during the war.
She remembered dancing with Rhett, under the Old Guard's disapproving stares when he paid one hundred and fifty dollars. It had been so exciting back then, and she wanted to hope that he would show up today and they could dance again. The only flaw in the evening was that Scarlett had to wear a mourning dress. Frank was her brother-in-law, so she was in mourning too.
Rhett gifted her a bracelet. To match it, she ordered a lilac dress. But now, the dress hung uselessly in the closet. This upset Scarlett greatly.
But upon entering the brightly decorated hall, all Scarlett's discontent disappeared. An orchestra played on stage. Everything was on fire. Couples spun on the dance floor. If you looked closely, you'd see the men in worn suits. The ladies wore almost no jewelry. Their dresses were different from their colorful, pre-siege outfits. But it seems that they didn't pay any attention to it at all. They were laughing and dancing.
Scarlett saw Gregory Clark moving toward her. He stood out from the crowd in his new black tailcoat. She wanted to leave so as not to cross paths with him, but he seemed too insistent in his confident gait.
"Scarlett, good evening. Can we talk?" he came over, trying to kiss her hand, but she refused to hold it out to him.
"I wouldn't want that, but apparently you won't leave me alone, so speak up," she said sternly.
Gregory smiled.
"I would like to apologize for my behavior at the dinner that night. I shouldn't have said what I said. I deeply respect you and admire the fact that you alone were able to build your own business. It was quite unexpected to find out that a woman was doing something like that." It seemed to Scarlett that he was sincere, and she softened a little.
"Thanks, Gregory. I love what I do and am proud that I managed to earn good money. I didn't expect this from you."
"I'm sorry again, Scarlett. Let me make it up to you and invite you to dance." She looked around and noticed how the ladies in the audience were watching them with envy. She couldn't deny that Gregory was an attractive man and a bachelor at that. Every single lady in this room had already set her eyes on him, she was sure. But she wasn't going to give up dancing, that's why she came here today, so she nodded and he led her to the middle of the hall.
They shared several dances. Then, Scarlett apologized and decided to keep the ladies company. She stated that Gregory needed to share his attention with the other girls in the room. He freed her with hesitation.
The evening continued, and at some point, Scarlett heard a whisper that swept through the hall. She turned around and saw Rhett enter the hall.
She heard the ladies whispering. They said he had given a lot to the widows and orphans' fund. She was very surprised.
Even during the war, Rhett did not believe in their Cause. He broke the blockade only for his benefit. And, after the war, he did not seek to connect with the Old Guard. Only his recent act raised questions. No one, including Scarlett, knew why he did it. And now there are donations. She didn't know what he was playing at, but she was sure that there was some benefit for him in it.
He looked great, as always. It was an art to always look perfect in any situation. But he mastered it. He moved easily and casually, bowing to those present in the hall. Women and men smiled at him, greeting him politely. But they felt uncomfortable in his presence. But he didn't seem to care at all, because he looked like the host of the evening.
Scarlett couldn't help but smile at him. He scanned the room with his eyes until his gaze stopped on her, and a wide smile lit up his face. She suppressed the urge to meet him halfway. Instead, she raised an eyebrow.
He walked toward her and she was already ready for him to ask her to dance.
"Miss O'Hara, let me ask you to dance." He took her hand as if he already knew that she would not refuse him.
"You are overconfident, Captain Butler. What if I refuse? She fluttered her eyelashes and stepped forward. Then, Rhett spun her around in the dance."
"I doubt you would have refused Scarlett, as it was evident on your face." I dare say that you were ready to run across the hall to me as soon as I entered." She wanted to step on his foot out of indignation that he had so clearly read her thoughts.
"That's not true. You are not my first partner today, I have already danced."
"And who was it?" he pressed her harder.
"Mr. Clark... he waltzes well." She looked at him slyly.
"Are you trying to make me jealous Scarlett?" he laughed. "Clark is not my competitor."
"How vain are you, Rhett Butler?" she frowned. She wanted to make him jealous, but, as always, he was like an impenetrable wall. "And who is your competitor?"
"No one, dear." She rolled her eyes.
"You are impossible..."
"And you like it, Scarlett, admit it." His face reflected the amusement.
"Oh, no, no, no, you are unbearable." She turned away from him, pouting, and heard his laughter again.
They danced and danced. Scarlett lost count of the waltzes. She saw the matrons' displeasure. Their faces condemned her. She had spent too much time in Rhett's company tonight. After a while, she excused herself and went outside to get some fresh air.
It was already late in the evening, and it was cool enough outside for the end of March. Goosebumps covered her skin, but she didn't want to go back yet. It was a wonderful evening, she missed the pre-war time. Dancing, cavaliers, new dresses. So much has changed since the war. But tonight was a pleasant nostalgia.
Scarlett grimaced, remembering the disapproving looks of the Old Guard. Tomorrow, they would scold her for dancing in mourning. They would also scold her for letting Rhett Butler stay with her. But today she didn't care, she would think about it tomorrow, no one would spoil her mood.
She heard footsteps behind her and smiled, thinking it was Rhett. Her heart beat faster when she thought about the fact that he might kiss her tonight. Scarlett turned around and found Gregory surprising.
"Scarlett, I finally found you. I thought you had already left the ball." He looked slightly agitated.
"No, I went out to get some air. Did something happen?"
"No, there is nothing. I wanted to talk to you." Surprised, Scarlett looked at him questioningly.
He took her hands in his and pressed his lips to them.
"Dear... I wanted to tell you…I think about you all the time..."
God, he's going to tell me he loves me. Scarlett was amused. She had forgotten the last time this had happened to her. She tried to remember if it was Charles Hamilton at the Wilkes' barbecue. He wanted her to marry him. Now she was grateful that she had the sense to refuse him. She would be a widow now, and even with a child. Scarlett shuddered inwardly. But now there was no war. She had few fans. Gregory's attention was nice, and his recognition would amuse her. Maybe she'll even let him kiss her.
"Scarlett, you are so beautiful, let me say that I am in love with you."
"Gregory..." She rejoiced inwardly. Long-forgotten feelings of satisfaction and triumph returned. She had won another man and forced him to confess his love. She had to lower her eyes in embarrassment so that he wouldn't see her true emotions.
Before she could finish, he pulled her to him and kissed her. His lips were soft and tender. He put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Scarlett placed her hands on his shoulders. She felt warm and comfortable in his arms.
Scarlett was too engrossed to hear the approaching footsteps.
"I'm sorry to bother you..." she heard a cold and calm voice.
She abruptly stepped away from Gregory. She feared the man nearby.
Scarlett didn't expect him to find her with Gregory.
She stared at Rhett with her eyes wide open. His body was tense. He seemed indifferent, but his eyes were bright. Scarlett felt as if she had been caught cheating on her husband. It made her laugh because she hadn't actually done anything like that. But the sight of Rhett standing a few steps away from her made her nervous.
"Captain Butler, don't you know the rules of decency? You are clearly superfluous here, you should leave this place," Gregory said irritably.
"The rules have never bothered me." He lit a cigarette. "This is a great place to smoke a cigar. Can I offer you one?" he behaved so casually, as if he hadn't caught them kissing.
Scarlett looked at Gregory, who was seething with rage, but it didn't bother Rhett at all, it rather amused him. He paid attention to her.
"Scarlett, dear, aren't you too cold? Perhaps you should go back inside," she could hear the concern in his voice, but she wasn't sure how sincere it was. Such treatment seemed to anger Gregory even more.
"I..." she was even confused. The whole situation seemed absurd to her. She felt awkward about it all. Moreover, she even felt guilty that Rhett had seen them. She didn't want Rhett to know about that kiss.
"Scarlett will be able to decide for herself what to do. Captain Butler, you forget yourself."
"I'm worried about Miss O'Hara's health and nothing more. It's too cold to be outside for so long."
"So you're a noble gentleman now," Gregory laughed.
"I should go back inside." Scarlett felt the tension rising. She wanted to leave.
"Will I walk you out, Scarlett?" Gregory was about to take her arm, but she stepped back. "No, no, there's no need, it's time for me to go home, it's too late. Mr. Clark, thank you for a pleasant evening."
She turned to Rhett and saw his burning gaze.
"Captain Butler... have a nice evening." He bowed to her without even trying to escort her out.
She moved quickly, trying to leave as fast as possible. But before disappearing through the door, she turned back. She saw two men having a tense conversation. Unfortunately, she was too far away to hear a word.
She didn't sleep that night, her thoughts revolved around what happened at the ball. Gregory confessed his love for her. What did it mean to her? It was certainly a balm for her wounded heart after Ashley, but she couldn't promise him anything. She liked Gregory, she enjoyed his company, but nothing more.
For a second, Scarlett imagined if he would propose to her. Would she have agreed to not be alone? She had doubts. Scarlett had always considered marriage only in the context of her love for Ashley. She often dreamed of marrying him. What was amazing to her now was that her dreams only ended at the wedding ceremony. Scarlett never thought about what their family life would be like.
She couldn't imagine what it would be like to be married to Gregory. But then she stopped herself. He had only confessed his love to her. He did not look like an ardent boy ready to dive into the pool and ask her to marry him after months of dating.
There was also Rhett. He had deliberately interrupted them today, she was sure. And what he and Gregory were talking about when she left. She'll probably never know. The only thing she was sure of was that these two men didn't like each other, and it wasn't about the card game.
She remembered that both were visiting the terrible woman's establishment. What men found in this, she did not understand. Scarlett didn't know what they were doing with the women. But it was something indecent the lady would never agree to.
Scarlett looked out the window. Dawn was breaking. She sighed, irritated. She needed to sleep. Otherwise, she'll have black eyes tomorrow. With these thoughts, she rolled over and closed her eyes.
You can find my story about Clark Gable on the website AO3 "Changing the past"
