Chapter 1: Scarlett goes to Charleston

It was already night when she finally arrived in Charleston. She quickly hailed a rental carriage to take her to the nearest respectable hotel. She ended up staying at the Midsea Hotel, one of the most traditional in the entire city. She would go to her aunts' house in the morning; for now, she just wanted to lay her head down and rest.

The room she rented was comfortable and elegant, but Scarlett found it gloomy. There was a fireplace, a dresser, bedside tables, and an imposing bed in the center of the room. She undressed as best she could, hurriedly removing her dresses, and sank her head into the pillow.

It was past nine o'clock when she finally opened her eyes. It had been a dreamless but refreshing night. She thought she was late. She had her aunts' address from the letters and intended to show up at their door. She wasn't sure what to say to them or how she would use them as a bridge to her mother-in-law, Rhett's mother. She hadn't specifically planned this part; her plans were more directed toward what she would do regarding Rhett, but she knew she would find a way to reach him.

She got up and dressed quickly. Without a maid to help her, it took a bit longer than usual. She made a simple bun and looked at the complete work in the large suite mirror: a simple light green dress with covered arms and bust. "I don't look very pretty," she thought sadly, "but I'm not going to see him now, so it's better this way. I don't want his mother to think I'm forward," she concluded with a laugh.

Aunt Pauline's house came into view, a building very different from what Scarlett remembered, "very different from before the war," she reflected.

She got out of the rental carriage and soon saw a familiar-faced old lady—it was undoubtedly Eulalie. She approached and found the aunts knitting on the porch. When they noticed her presence, they were ecstatic.

"Scarlett, dear, what are you doing here?" Pauline said in astonishment.

"Oh my dear, we are so happy to see you," Eulalie said at the same time, standing up to kiss Scarlett.

"Aunts, it's so good to find you so easily. I arrived in Charleston last night and came to see you."

"Of course, you would come to Charleston with Captain Butler around here. How are he and my dear friend Eleanor?" Pauline asked.

Scarlett sat down; she didn't want to start this topic so soon, but the aunts' eagerness left little room. "I haven't seen them yet. I arrived last night and stayed at the Midsea."

"Scarlett, what an outrage! You shouldn't have done that. Why didn't you go straight to the Butler house, dear?"

"Auntie, I preferred not to disturb them late at night."

"Nonsense, you should have come here or gone to them as soon as you arrived!"

"Yes, Scarlett, imagine if they find out you're at the hotel and not at your family's house!" Eulalie asserted.

"Yes, aunts, I know. The thing is, Rhett doesn't know I came. He wouldn't have allowed it if he knew."

"What do you mean? Captain Butler is so kind!" Pauline said. "Oh yes, my husband is excellent," Scarlett said, without any irony in her voice. "But we haven't been on the best terms since Bonnie's death." She said sadly and made a crying face to move the aunts.

"Oh dear, he loved his daughter so much. What a tragedy," Eulalie said, extending her arm to hold Scarlett's hand.

"You must make up, Scarlett! You should give him another child; he is such a good father," Pauline said. Hearing this, Scarlett started to cry for real.

"Pauline! Scarlett doesn't need sermons now, poor thing." Scarlett recovered a little.

"And how have you been, aunts?" Scarlett asked, silently begging for a change of subject.

"We're well. Pauline and I are in good health. We see Careen from time to time now; she's out of her isolation period in the convent and visits us at least once a month. Dear Careen is so good."

"Ah yes, Aunt. Careen is an angel; I miss her."

Pauline, who hadn't taken her mind off the previous conversation, spoke again: "You must go to your mother-in-law's house immediately, Scarlett. Eulalie and I will take you!" Scarlett's eyes lit up, and she raised her head eagerly. Things were happening much faster than she had planned.

"You must talk to your husband and resolve things, sweetie," Pauline said, gently patting Scarlett's back.

"Indeed, Scarlett, you should. This must be easily overcome; he loves you so much!" Scarlett burst into tears again.

"There, there, dear. We'll take you to your mother-in-law's house. She will surely do her best to help you reconcile," Pauline said.

"Please, aunts, don't say anything to Mrs. Eleanor. I don't want anyone else to know about this. Rhett would hate me if he knew I told you anything," Scarlett exaggerated.

"Hate? Oh dear, he wouldn't hate you even in a hundred years. There, there, whatever mess you two have made, I'm sure reconciliation will come soon. Now, let's go." With that, Pauline took Scarlett by the hand and went to call the coachman.

"Scarlett, dear, it's so good to see you again," Mrs. Eleanor said, kissing her on the cheek. "Rhett didn't tell me you were coming; what a nice surprise. Eulalie, Pauline! Come in, come in. I'll have Harriet prepare a fresh pot of tea."

The building was classic and elegant, with simple and tasteful decor, Scarlett observed. There was certainly Rhett's touch there.

"I'll call Rhett too; he'll be so happy to see you!" With that, her mother-in-law disappeared up the stairs, leaving Scarlett and the aunts alone in the living room. In a few minutes, she returned, with Rhett holding her arm. Scarlett held her breath at the sight of her husband, who immediately fixed his eyes on her. She felt like a sixteen-year-old girl again, nervous and anxious about his reaction.

He scanned her figure; how good it was to see her again. How beautiful she was! She looked simple, so angelic and… No, not angelic; Scarlett was the devil herself! He wouldn't get caught in her web.

"Scarlett, what a nice surprise!" he said, laughing with his white teeth, but his eyes didn't smile. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, then moved on to greet the aunts. After that, there was small talk among the five present, in which Scarlett responded succinctly to everything asked of her, looking at the floor and glancing at Rhett through her eyelashes when she thought she wasn't being observed, when suddenly Rhett said: "Scarlett, let's get your things from the hotel, dear." And taking her by the hand, he led her out of the living room.

The journey to the hotel was awkward. As soon as she entered the carriage, he closed the door and didn't look at her, cutting off her attempt to start a conversation by saying he would talk to her at the hotel.

Chapter 2: At the Midsea

"Rhett, there are some things I believe you need to know." They were in her Charleston hotel room, which, despite its size, felt even more imposing due to the tension.

"Scarlett, please stop. I don't want to analyze our failing marriage once more. I know you're very sorry, but I'm really tired of all that."

"I know that, but there are things that you have to know, things that I have to tell you, otherwise I will never find any peace. If you still don't want me after that… Well, at least I won't be left wondering what could have been."

He just stared at her, with a slightly disinterested look on his face. She thought it was enough incentive to go on.

"Rhett, you enjoy saying that lies are intolerable, but you are guilty of that sin more than I ever was. I truly believe that if you had only shown your true feelings to me, I would have realized my love for you a long time earlier."

"Do you really think it was that easy, Scarlett? You hurt every single person who loves you."

"That may be true, but it doesn't change the fact that you acted cowardly."

"And now you blame me for the failure."

"No, I don't blame you. I know all my mistakes, and that's what I want to show you. The afternoon when I talked to you about not having any more babies… I regretted it immediately. I cried after you left the room. And if it weren't for being sure that you didn't desire me any longer, I would have run into your arms that same night. I hated sleeping without you, and I still do. That night when you carried me upstairs… It was the best night of my life, Rhett, but you were gone in the morning, returning three days later after being at that… horrible place, and mocking me. I went to the bank, the store, even to the police, worried about you for God's sake. And if you want to know, it did hurt me. I tried not to think about it, but it always did. The fact that you were with other women—not from shame; it would drive me crazy if I cared, so I pretended it didn't, but it did, it always did. And after that, when I discovered I was with child, I was happy. It was the first baby that I truly wanted. I used to fantasize about it, thinking it would be a little boy with hair and eyes as black as yours, and how much I would love and care for him. When you got back, cold and distant, I was so afraid of how you would react, and I didn't think… I never blamed you for that, Rhett. Or for Bonnie's death—you loved her like no other parent ever loved a child, and it wasn't your fault. I know that now. Maybe you don't care anymore, but I have to tell you how sorry I am for that. I was desperate and looking for something to blame, but it wasn't your fault. If it weren't for you, Bonnie wouldn't even have been born. Such a fool I was. It was an accident, Rhett, and of all the things that went wrong in our marriage, this is my deepest regret."

He wasn't looking at her anymore, his gaze passing through her, his arms crossed.

"Well, a little late, but thank you, Scarlett."

"You were a wonderful father to her, Rhett. And you are still a wonderful father to Wade and Ella. In fact, I have to admit they are more fond of you than of me. Darling, please give us another chance."

"And what about Ashley?"

"Rhett, you're the only man for me. You know I was never physically unfaithful, but what you don't know is… Rhett, you're the only man I've ever fantasized about. I never desired Ashley. He never gave me what you always did. And I'm saying this because I'm tired of being proud; look where pride has brought us."

"Not to a very happy place, indeed."

"Rhett, at night, when it was dark and I was completely alone, your kisses always came to my mind. Even before we ever kissed, I kept wondering how it would be, being kissed by you once more."

"And what about the scene of you dreaming of Ashley on our honeymoon? And both of you being caught at the mills? How about that?"

"That's the point. I used to imagine how it would be if he were there, but never in a… sexual way. And Rhett, that day at the mills—we were just talking, talking about the old times and the old friends. I remembered how I used to be, how life used to be, and I cried. He hugged me, and then India Wilkes came in. Rhett, you said to me that he blinded my senses, but if you weren't so worried about him… you would notice…"

"Notice what, Scarlett?"

"The effect you have on me. You always got me worked up, Rhett. I've never felt that with any other man, not even the other two I married."

He looked at her with surprise and a hint of sarcasm. She continued.

"Rhett, I love you with all my heart, and more than that. Remember that dream I used to have? That I was amidst the fog, looking for something or someone—it was you, Rhett. It always was you. I love you so deeply that I don't care if we become poor. I would live with you and our kids anywhere. You're all I want. I would bear twenty more of your babies if I could, not just to please you, but because I want to be the mother of twenty parts of you."

"It delights me to hear all that, Scarlett, but I don't think I can love you anymore," he said, looking into her eyes.

"I don't care. You loved me for so long before I loved you back. I can love enough for both of us right now. Just give me the opportunity, I beg you," she said, approaching him, her body close to his.

"No, Scarlett, it would be too much suffering…"

"Stop being a damn coward, Rhett Butler," she said furiously. "You and I are married; you made a vow with me for a lifetime. Be a man and stand by my side. Don't you have any curiosity to know how it would have been to be married to me while loving you? I know my words can't convince you, but maybe my actions can…"

She jumped into his arms and kissed him passionately, running her hand through his hair and pulling him close to her. He kissed her back for a moment and then took a step back.

"Scarlett, don't come to me with cheap tricks. It won't work."

"This isn't a trick, Rhett. I want my body to show you how I feel. Tell me you don't have any curiosity about how I would behave in bed now. I could do everything you've ever wanted, anything you want to teach me…"

"Scarlett, stop!" he said, taking another step back.

She moved closer and closer.

"See for yourself if you don't believe me." She took his hand and guided it under her skirts. She felt his hands on her thigh, moving higher, his fingers touching her wetness.

"I can't lie about that," she said, looking deeply into his eyes.

He sighed, then suddenly grabbed her, lifted her skirts, put her on the bed behind them, and began kissing her passionately. She ran her hand through his hair and moaned.

Soon he was over her, kissing her mouth, neck, taking her breasts out of her dress and licking them. She was consumed with desire, looking at him with passionate eyes and trembling.

"Witch," he whispered the insult in her ear.

"You can call me the devil, as long as you don't stop," she laughed.

And he didn't. Soon he was inside her, taking her with anger but with so much pleasure she was in ecstasy. He was coming home.

Later, when he ordered her to ride him, she obeyed him with a smile. He whispered what she should do in her ear, but it didn't take much instruction; she had a natural talent. He was amazed. And in that sweaty frenzy, they gave each other pleasure through the afternoon.

Later, naked and tired, she drew circles on his chest while lying on him, his hand on her shoulder, her eyes on his chest and his eyes on her.

"Scarlett, this doesn't mean we're back together," he said kindly.

"Sshhhhh!" she said, putting her finger on his lips. "Silence, my captain. Don't ruin this moment. Let me just be a happy fool. Give me that piece of joy." And then she kissed his lips, looked into his eyes, said that she loved him, and laid down on his chest once more.

Chapter 3: Falling

He had made love to her during their FIRST reunion. He couldn't believe himself—how could he be SO weak? How had he succumbed to her so easily?

But then he recalled her pleading for him, guiding his hand beneath her skirts... and he heard himself sigh. For so long, he had longed for exactly this, that spark of passion from her. She had never initiated a conjugal relationship before; he thought she was disgusted by him and his desires, and yet...

No, he didn't love her anymore—how could he, after all that had happened between them? He just wanted to be free of her, but the memory of her warm eyes, of her sighing "Rhett," moaning in his ear, whispering sweet things only he could hear...

What harm would there be in taking advantage of her body? He wasn't being dishonest with her; he had made it clear that he didn't love her, and yet she still wanted to share his bed. She insisted they should share the same room and wouldn't hear his reasons, claiming it would be an outrage in the town, a disgrace to his mother, and a shame for them. He couldn't help but laugh and point out her hypocrisy, but she shrugged and simply said:

"Rhett, you already had me today; what difference does it make to you? Am I such terrible company?" she said, pouting, and added, "A little creature like me couldn't force you into anything, Rhett. I swear I won't bother you. Unless, of course, you want me to," she finished, with a mischievous smile so ironic that he couldn't help but laugh as well.

His mother had already planned activities for Scarlett for at least the rest of the week, and this surprised him, as Eleanor, always demure and serene, wasn't much for conversation, but Scarlett had awakened a side of interest in her mother-in-law. They talked from afternoon tea, after Scarlett had settled in the house, until the end of dinner. He thanked her inwardly, as this spared him from more dialogues with Scarlett. Rhett wasn't sure how his heart was doing and needed time—time to get his head straight—and Scarlett, with her lovestruck face, looking at him with eyes full of emotion, eyes he had always sought in her and never found, wasn't helping him concentrate. He decided he would leave after dinner and return when she was already asleep. On the first night, everything went as he expected, and he managed to avoid her for most of the day, so he decided to repeat his plan.

It was already past midnight when Rhett arrived home. It was a warm night, and he planned to go straight to bed, wake up early, and be gone again before she woke up—away from the clutches of that shrew who was his lovely wife.

He entered the room silently, noticing the dim light, and suddenly his worst fears came to the surface. Turning to his left, he saw her—Scarlett was awake, half-dressed, sitting in the armchair, knitting something with her eyes fixed on him. Furious eyes.

"Mrs. Butler! I didn't expect to find you awake," he said, with a smirk.

"Why do you call me that?"

"The last time I checked, we were still legally married. Am I wrong? Has there been any update on the status of our marriage?"

"I'm asking why you call me by your last name if you don't treat me like a wife."

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, you clearly don't respect me as your woman, and you don't treat me like one either!"

"Do I need to remind you, madam, that we were intimate just a little over two days ago?"

"Intimate, my foot! You stayed away from my bed for years!"

"My God!" he said with a furious laugh.

"You must be mad—either that or you've suffered memory loss! You kicked me out of our room, Scarlett! You abandoned me because I had desires that were too impure for your refinement, because you wanted to chase the sweet gentleman, because…"

"Spare me your justifications, Rhett Butler! When did you ever accept something so easily? You didn't even try to come back. You compared me to your vulgar women and just said that I no longer attracted you! And I never said a word about your desires—that was completely your invention. Don't bring Ashley up again; I've told you I don't love him. For all I care, he can go to hell, and I wouldn't mind, Rhett!"

"What did you want me to do? Take you by force? I loved you, Scarlett! I loved you!"

"I never denied you! Not once, since we got married. So yes, Rhett Butler, I also blame you for the years we spent apart."

"You must be out of your mind, woman!" he said, running his hand over his head and turning his back to her.

"No, I'm not—I'm more aware than ever! Aware that I'm in my husband's room, wanting my conjugal rights, ready to be a woman, and he doesn't want me, doesn't desire me, refuses to have me!"

He turned to her with rage in his eyes, grabbed her by the arms, and pulled her to her feet, his eyes fixed on hers.

"So you think I don't want you? That I don't want to kiss those red, inviting lips…"

And he kissed her.

"Don't want to run my tongue over that porcelain skin of yours, like this…"

And he did so, lowering her nightgown and exposing her breasts, kissing them as if he were parched, and she were a fountain of water. He moved his mouth up, kissing her neck, and whispered in her ear:

"Don't want to grope your backside every time you sway it while you walk, fascinating every man who sees…"

He stripped her of her robe and lifted her nightgown up to her waist, squeezing her buttocks so hard she moaned his name—more in encouragement than in supplication. Reading her desire correctly, he began to touch her intimately. He closed his eyes and groaned when he felt how wet she already was. He pulled her closer, and she could feel the extent of his desire.

"That I don't want, every minute of every damn day, to be inside you?" And then he slid two fingers inside her.

"Oh, Rhett," Scarlett moaned, leaning her body into his hand, trying to make it go deeper, while one hand grabbed his hair and the other clutched his shoulder for balance.

"Come to bed, Rhett," she tried to pull him, but he remained immobile. She looked at him, confused.

"No, Scarlett, you don't deserve the bed."

He pulled her roughly and kissed her again, while lifting her and laying her on her back on the floor, with her legs wrapped around him.

"You want your conjugal rights, don't you? I'll give them to you—but on my terms, where I want, how I want, and when I want!"

She grabbed his hair and pulled him back into the kiss, while frantically fumbling to remove his pants.

"In a hurry, aren't we?" he laughed shamelessly, as he stood up to remove his pants and shoes.

She propped herself up on her elbows and remained lying down, watching him brazenly, devouring him with her eyes, and he didn't take his eyes off hers, laughing as he saw what they were focused on.

"Now lift that nightgown and spread your legs for me, sweetheart."

She obeyed, not taking her eyes off him. And then, in two seconds, he was inside her, all at once.

"Oh! You're so tight, my love. I won't go slow tonight, Scarlett."

She just grabbed his hair and moaned.

"Open your eyes, damn it! I want you to see the man who's possessing you. No fool ever fucked you like this, have they? And no one else ever will—you're mine, only mine."

"Oh yes, Rhett, yes," her face contorted, and she tried to match his frantic pace.

"Say it, Scarlett, say it!"

"I'm yours, Rhett, only yours."

He increased the pace and felt her body twist more beneath him, felt her inner muscles clenching, her hands digging her nails into his back.

"Open your eyes, damn it! You're enjoying this, aren't you? Look at me—I want to see you taking pleasure like a whore, my whore."

She opened her eyes and screamed his name, her chest heaving as she arched beneath him.

"Oh Rhett! I love you, I love you so much."

He looked deep into her eyes and almost believed it—almost...

"I'm not done yet. Turn over," he ordered, pulling out of her and flipping her not so gently onto the floor.

"You wanted to be used, so I'll use you. Now stick that ass out for me, Scarlett! Just like that…"

And he entered her again. He was almost sure she'd tell him to stop now—he was testing her. She wouldn't submit to him like this, on her knees, on the floor. But he saw he was wrong when she turned her head, not to reprimand him, but with eyes full of desire, telling him to go faster. He then lost all the remaining control he had, and when he spanked her, instead of reprimand, he received moans of pleasure. He grabbed her by the hair and fucked her with all the strength he had while she looked into his eyes over her shoulder, urging him not to stop.

When he felt her inner muscles contracting again, he couldn't hold on and spilled himself inside her. After pulling out, he lay on his back on the floor and pulled her to rest on his chest. He was still in his shirt, and she was in her nightgown, or what was left of it.

She lifted her head and looked into his eyes, and at that moment, he thought he had never seen a purer look of adoration in his life.

"Thank you," Scarlett said and kissed him softly on the lips.

Thank you? In other times, just trying to touch her private parts would have earned him a hard slap and days of indignation. Now, besides her begging, he could take her as he pleased and still receive thanks. The world was turned upside down. He laughed to himself as he picked her up in his arms and carried her to bed. Then he turned off the lights, and noticing that she was asleep, he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Chapter 4: Mammy's advice

It was already late morning, and the sunlight filtered softly through the pale curtains, leaving the room aglow. Scarlett finally opened her eyes, feeling every part of her body ache. The memories of the previous night hit her all at once, bringing a wide smile to her face as she sat up in bed, slowly. He could deny it all he wanted—of course he still had feelings for her! Maybe he didn't love her as he once had, but she'd see to that. As she washed and dressed, Mammy's words came back to her memory.

"You don't understand, Mammy! He said he doesn't love me anymore, that the only things left for me in his heart are pity and kindness," Scarlett said, sobbing, lying in the lap of the woman she loved most in the world.

"I know, chile, I know. Mr. Rhett's hurtin' somethin' terrible, sweet lamb. Ain't no wonder, Miss Scarlett done treated that poor man like he were a stray dog! Now, now, stop them tears, chile, y'gon get Mr. Rhett back, don'tcha worry. He crazy 'bout ya, he is—he might say what he want, men always think they know what they want, but ya gon' show him he still want ya! Give him time to lick his wounds, chile; he done been through a heap o' things hisself, ya know."

"I know, Mammy, dear God, I know. I know how much I wronged him, how foolish I was. But is there really a way to get him back? Oh, Mammy, I'm afraid there's no way to make him come back."

"Miss Scarlett, Mr. Rhett a man o' his word, ya the mother of his little girl who done passed. Didn' he say he'd come back so folks wouldn't talk? He love lil' Mr. Wade an' lil' Miss Ella, too. You might best think 'bout bein' a better mama for them, not jus' fer Mr. Rhett. But rest assured, honey chile, he gone notice if you be a bettah mama. So there, Miss Scarlett. When he come back, you gon' behave like a true lady, jus' like Miss Ellen, take good care o' that man, show him the love, use them charms you got! Mr. Rhett won't know what hit him." And Mammy smiled, making Scarlett laugh through her sobs.

"But Mammy, it's been over three months, an' he still ain't come home!"

"Then you gon' have to go to him! You know he's stayin' in Charleston, Miss Pauline done wrote to ya! Go after him—he chased ya long 'nuff; time ya give a lil' back, honey chile. Go show him ya love him, that ya changed. But, for the love o' God, Miss Scarlett, have patience! He ain't gon' come runnin' back first week ya there—these things take time."

"But what do I do, Mammy?"

"First thang's callin' him back to yer room, but I think ya already know that, doncha? Then, be kind to him, be good to him. Miss Scarlett, ya ain't never been all that good to Mr. Rhett, ya know—he barely seen the loving side o' ya."

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the bedroom door. It was the maid come to dress her for the day. She chose a copper-colored dress—plain, decent, and modest, but its cuts highlighted her curves in all the right places. She found the dress dull, so, naturally, Rhett would think it elegant. She'd learned his tastes even if she didn't understand or agree with them much. The maid was skilled with hairstyles and did a beautiful braided bun. The result, Scarlett thought as she looked in the mirror, was fine—she was ready for the day.

"There you are, my dear," Eleanor said, rising to kiss her daughter-in-law's cheek. Scarlett smiled. "Rhett left early this mornin', my sweet; seems he's quite busy today. But don't you worry, we'll keep you occupied, Scarlett."

"That's right, we've got the charity sewing club today, and after, we can take a walk by the beach! You haven't seen the ocean since you arrived, have you?" asked Rosemary. Scarlett shook her head. "You're too kind to me!"

"Nonsense! Come, I've had breakfast laid out for you," said Eleanor, leading the way. Scarlett followed.

"Scarlett, darling, how are your children? Do tell me."

"They're fine, back at Tara; they've grown so much since you were last in Atlanta… for the funeral of…" Scarlett trailed off, remembering how awkward Eleanor's only visit to her home had been. Eleanor, understanding her silence as grief over her daughter's death, took Scarlett's hand.

"Oh, my dear! What you and my Rhett have been through! I can't imagine the pain of losing such a sweet, beautiful little girl." Memories of her daughter's black curls and blue eyes flew through Scarlett's mind, and her heart twisted painfully. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Oh, now I've made you cry—forgive me, Scarlett, forgive me! You and Rhett will have more children, Scarlett, I'm sure of it. Of course, it'll never take away the sorrow of losing Bonnie, but it'll bring a new joy to your lives!" Thinking of how Rhett now despised her, of how he wanted no more children with her, she began to cry even harder.

"There now, Scarlett, what's wrong now?"

"Nothing, nothing, it's passed."

"Tell me, Scarlett, what's wrong?"

"I doubt Rhett wants more children."

"Rhett not want more children? My dear, he's still grieving, he's still in a deep sorrow, and only now, with you here these last days, has he begun to feel alive again. But it will pass, my dear. My son is strong, and so are you. And another thing—I see you miss your children. If you plan to stay here longer, don't hesitate to bring them here. I'd be delighted to have them. Rhett loves them, Scarlett, and perhaps, having them here will soften his stubborn heart a bit." Scarlett smiled.

"Speak to Rhett, call for them, Scarlett—they're welcome here as long as they want to stay. My dear, forgive my interference, but I truly believe it would be best for him and you to stay here for quite a while. That city is too full of memories of the child, and Rhett blames himself so deeply for her death, though he doesn't say it. But I know him."

"I think you're right; perhaps it would be better for both of us to stay away from Atlanta, at least for a time."

The charity sewing circle was better than Scarlett expected. All the women were, if not friendly, at least polite, and she enjoyed herself. And the sea! What a wonderful walk she took with her sister-in-law and mother-in-law. Scarlett even waded a little, though she tried to keep her dress dry, only to come back with its hem wet and sandy. Rosemary and Eleanor seemed charmed by Scarlett's vivacity and playfulness; they could see why the incurable bachelor Rhett had chosen to marry her.

Rhett had been sitting in the parlor for only a few minutes when the three women entered, laughing and chattering merrily. They took a moment to notice him, and he used the chance to admire her. She looked so lovely, hair tousled, dimples showing, cheeks flushed from laughing. The modest, tasteful dress raised his eyebrows. So unlike her! And as he looked down and saw the sand clinging to the hem of her dress, a frown creased his forehead. But before he could think further, his mother noticed him.

"Rhett, dear, there you are. We were just tellin' your wife about the day you learned to swim." Rhett's eyes met Scarlett's, coyly glancing up at him through her lashes.

"So you thought you were drownin' an' forgot you could just stand up, little brother?" Rosemary said, laughing.

"You weren't even born yet, Rose."

"That don't stop me from laughin' at memories Mama told me about!"

"Nor does it stop your wife."

"There now, Miss Eleanor, we'd best stop, else Rhett won't forgive me for such a wicked betrayal," Scarlett said, smiling at him.

Rhett smiled back and continued, "And what in heaven's name took you ladies to the beach?"

"We wanted to show Scarlett the view, son."

"And she didn't stop at lookin'," Rosemary added, laughing.

"But you went right along with me!" Scarlett said, nudging her sister-in-law playfully with her elbow.

"Both of you go freshen up now; Rhett is taking us out for dinner tonight." The two young women's faces lit up as they rushed upstairs. Scarlett turned to look back at Rhett as she climbed, and their eyes met. He was watching her! She continued her ascent to her room, smiling to herself.

"Such a spirited thing, Scarlett is, son."

"Indeed."

"And she loves you so."

Subtle as a mule's kick.

"And what makes you think that, Mama?"

"Oh, no woman willingly spends all day listenin' to an old lady tell tales about a man she don't love." "Well, I'll go get ready now, Rhett. I'll be back in a few minutes—get the carriage prepared.

With that, she left the room, leaving a confused and thoughtful Rhett behind.