First of all, I am grateful to everyone who supports me and inspires me to continue writing. Your feedback is very valuable to me.
Love and kindness. Kiss you, Mrs. G.
I borrowed a little dialogue between Scarlett and Mrs. Merriweather from MM
Scarlett thought about the whole situation. She decided to use Rhett's absence to see if she wanted to marry him. She had a few more months before he would return, that would be enough to make a final decision.
But her plans were not destined to come true. A few days after Rhett's departure, Gregory appeared on the doorstep with a bouquet. Scarlett was having tea in the living room with Melanie when he appeared. They looked at each other, and Melanie blushed.
"Mr. Clark, what a surprise," she greeted politely. "Join us."
Gregory beamed a warm smile at her.
"I have to decline, Mrs. Wilkes, I have an urgent conversation with Miss O'Hara. I'd like to talk to her alone."
Scarlett was surprised, she glanced at Melanie and invited him into the library. She sat down on the sofa and invited him to sit down. He moved closer to her and took her hand.
"Scarlett, I know we haven't known each other long. But I've found you fascinating since our first meeting. I love you, and I hope you can love me back." And I would be happy if you would agree to become my wife."
She wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Just a few days ago, another man in this room had also asked her to become his wife. Another offer flattered Scarlett. It reminded her of the pre-war days. But he wasn't one of her Clayton County boys. He was a grown man. She suspected that tricks and lies wouldn't work on him.
Gregory was pleasant to her, and she enjoyed spending time with him, and the kiss they shared wasn't so bad. But they didn't know each other well enough for her to decide to spend the rest of her life with him. That awkward dinner conversation made her think he wouldn't let her do her business.
"Gregory, I am very flattered by your offer, but we hardly know each other. I'm not sure if you know me well enough to make me your wife." She offered a courteous rejection.
"I know, Scarlett, but we don't have to get married right now, we can get to know each other better..."
"Gregory, I'm not sure I want to get married at all."
"Darling, give me a chance..." he moved even closer, trying to hug her, but she stood up, moving away from him. He began to beg. Her earlier pleasure at his proposal turned to pity. There was nothing more disgusting to her than feeling this for a man.
"I'm sorry, Gregory, I can't..."
"Tell me the reason, Scarlett."
"Is my reluctance not a reason for you?" she asked, getting annoyed.
"No, there must be something more serious." Gregory's behavior had changed, and now he seemed annoyed. He walked up to her and roughly grabbed her forearms. "Tell me..."
Scarlett tensed.
"Let me go, you're hurting me."
He shook her.
"Tell me..."
"I'm marrying Captain Butler," she blurted out.
It seemed to shock Gregory.
"Scarlett, don't make this mistake, please..." he looked at her pleadingly, his annoyance seemed to evaporate. But she was adamant and wasn't going to discuss it with him.
"I will not leave it like that and I will not give up, I will do everything to make you accept my offer!" He didn't even wait for her answer and left the house, slamming the door.
And from that moment on, her life turned into a living hell. Thanks to Aunt Pitty, the whole Old Guard found out about what happened, and the city buzzed. Scarlett had become the subject of gossip in every living room in this city. She hoped they'd tire of this topic and let her breathe. But Gregory Clark would not allow it.
He started stalking her. He began to come to her regularly, spending afternoons at her house, even when she preferred not to come down to him. Or he was waiting for her on the porch when she returned from the mills. One day he went so far as to serenade her under her window, which compromised her. And by all the rules of Southern society, she should have married him after that.
But Scarlett wasn't going to obey those rules now. She made it clear to him that nothing would change her mind. The Old Guard resisted, refusing to let her decline Gregory's offer. They condemned her for accepting Rhett's offer.
Wherever she met the old ladies of Atlanta, they preferred to talk to her only on the same topic. This was in a church, a store, on the street, or in the park. They tried to get her on the right path in a roundabout way. The bravest was, of course, Mrs. Merriweather, who was not afraid to speak openly with Scarlett.
"Your mother is dead and Miss Pitty can't talk to you about this. So, I must say, Scarlett, that Captain Butler isn't a man whom a woman from a good family can marry. You'll be very disappointed if you do it. Mr. Clark would be the best option for you."
"He saved your husband and the rest of the men from the gallows in case you forgot."
"Do you think he did it all out of generosity? He wanted to make us all look stupid. He's a terrible person, people like him are not accepted anywhere."
"Is it, Mrs. Merriweather? I remember how, during the war, you all received him in your living room."
"Everything was different in the war. "How can you contemplate marrying a man with no military record?"!"
Scarlett was indignant.
"He also served, he spent eight months in the army with General Johnston at Franklin."
She looked at Scarlett with uncertainty.
"I didn't know about it. But he wasn't even injured. Everyone who had value suffered injuries."
"In that case, they're all worthless idiots who couldn't hide from a bullet. And here's another thing, Mrs. Merriweather. I'll tell you this and you can tell it to all your friends. I'm marrying Captain Butler and I wouldn't change my mind even if he was fighting on the Yankee side."
Ashley's reaction was a particular disappointment to her. One afternoon, she came to check out the mill and caught him frowning at her. At first, she tried to ignore it, focusing on her work, but it was like not noticing the elephant in the room. His presence weighed on her and made her uncomfortable. He gazed at her with disapproval, his silence infuriating her the most. At some point, she couldn't stand it.
"For God's sake, Ashley, how long will you be silent? Finally, tell me what you want," she said angrily.
His crestfallen appearance exasperated her. He shot her a disapproving glance, his eyes condemning her actions.
"Scarlett, your father is gone. I want to discuss your reckless plan."
She lifted an eyebrow, pausing for his response.
"Your engagement to Captain Butler… You're making a huge mistake. Dear, it will ruin your reputation. He spends time with Yankees and carpetbaggers. Decent Southern society will never accept him. The same fate awaits you. Don't do this."
"Ashley, don't pretend that you're very worried about this and that you care."
"But I care. You deserve the best. You need a real gentleman who will appreciate you."
Scarlett wanted to laugh at his statement.
"Ashley, do you hate that I'm marrying Rhett? Would you be easier with my marrying Gregory Clark?" Or is it possible that you don't like the idea of me getting married?"
His face drained of color.
"Scarlett, how could you think of such a thing? I want to protect you, you are so dear to me..."
"In that case, Ashley, tell Captain Butler in person. Maybe, after your conversation, he will change his mind about marrying me. I won't change my mind."
After that conversation, she hardly appeared at the mill. Ashley's hypocrisy amazed her. How could she have spent so much time running after him and thinking that he loved her? She wouldn't be surprised if he took pleasure in her being alone forever, as long as no one else could touch her. Why had she not seen the real him so many times and wasted so much time?
She wanted to avoid the shame of knowing that Ashley had known about her childhood crush all along. How could she exalt him above other men? He lacked half the qualities she had given him. If he cared, he'd be happy she was finally getting married. But he didn't do it. And it disgusted her.
The more they tried to talk her out of the wedding, the more she wanted to marry Rhett.
The only pleasant thing about the last month was the letter Rhett sent her from London.
"My dear Scarlett,
How are you doing? Are you all right?
London is too dull and grey, the exact opposite of sunny Atlanta. But I am convinced that you may like it here, next time I will take you with me. The number of shops and English fashion will amaze you.
I think about how you spend your days and how many men's hearts you've already broken in that time. Should I worry about my rivals?
I remember you wanted to get a big diamond ring, I found exactly what you wanted, and I hope you like it.
I hope you're ready for our wedding. I can't wait to see you in your white dress. You'll be the most beautiful bride.
I'm looking forward to the day when I can see you again.
Rhett"
Every day, Scarlett found her stay in Atlanta more unbearable. She decided it would be good to leave and avoid these people. She didn't want to go to Tara because Suellen was there. Scarlett didn't want to hear her whining about Frank's death.
And then she came up with the idea to visit her aunts in Charleston. It was Rhett's hometown and his family lived there, it was a great chance to learn more about him and his past. She wasn't sure if his mother knew about their wedding, but Scarlett could visit her with the aunts.
A few days later, she got off the train at the Charleston station. A quarter of an hour later, she was in the living room, drinking tea with Pauline and Eulalie. After a little small talk, they exchanged glances and began their attack.
"Scarlett, dear. Our good friend Eleanor Butler told us that you are going to marry her son, Rhett," Pauline said. "This news shocked us."
Scarlett immediately regretted coming here because her aunts would not leave her alone. But now she knew that Rhett had told her mother about his wedding, and they could talk now.
"Of course, we understand your wish for a husband. Girls your age have been married for a long time. But Rhett Butler is a terrible choice." You are such a beautiful girl, we are sure you have other applicants. More... respectable and with a good reputation," Eulalie continued.
"Auntie, I appreciate your concern, but there's no need. I know who Rhett is and I'm fine with it."
This statement shocked both of them because, for the next few minutes, they were silent.
"But Scarlett, that girl thing..."
"It was many years ago and it's time for everyone to forget about it for a long time, Aunt."
She was getting tired of this conversation. Scarlett hoped to find peace in another city. But her aunts would not drop the topic. They would try to dissuade her. She thought about what Rhett's mother would say. She would dissuade her. Or she'd be glad that a girl still wanted to marry her son.
"Society does not forget such things. Since then, he has done many more dirty things. So, even if no one remembers the past, they will talk about the present."
"Aunt Pauline, I don't care at all, I understand this may shock you, but I won't change my mind."
"We will go to Eleanor tomorrow. She will be reasonable and take our side. She must understand, no matter her love for her son. We cannot disgrace the Robillard family with this marriage."
After that, Scarlett mentioned she felt tired after the trip and wanted to rest. She worried about meeting Rhett's mother tomorrow. And if she was against their wedding, how much would Rhett listen to her? Scarlett wanted to marry him, no matter what his motives were and no matter what society said. She wanted to believe they could be happy together.
The next morning, Scarlett chose her most modest dress. She was ready to visit her future mother-in-law. She was nervously standing on the doorstep with her aunts.
The door opened. A woman, close to her aunt's age, stood there. She had dark hair with some gray and piercing blue eyes. She greeted them and turned her attention to Scarlett. A soft smile lit up her face.
Is this the Scarlett we've been looking for? "Hello, dear, nice to meet you," she stepped forward resolutely and hugged her. Scarlett hugged her back.
"Good morning, Mrs. Butler."
"No, no, call me Eleanor." She smiled again. "Please, come in."
They entered the living room. And Scarlett sat down opposite her. She reminded her of Ellen. The same refined aristocracy and restraint. The woman behaved with the Southern dignity and grace Ellen was trying to teach them.
"Scarlett, I'm glad you decided to visit and get to know me. We can have a great time together. Rhett visited me before he left for England and shared the good news," she said, looking sincere.
Scarlett couldn't help but smile, so his mother didn't mind.
"That's exactly what we wanted to talk about, Eleanor." Aunt Pauline didn't let Scarlett reply. "We are against this wedding and we will not allow Scarlett to marry your son. We love you very much, but we will not allow anyone to disgrace our family."
Scarlett saw Miss Eleanor frown. She straightened in her chair, ready for an attack.
"Pauline, I'm not excusing Rhett. He has many offenses. But, is it fair to stigmatize him for life?" If they have decided to get married, I do not want to and will not oppose it!
"I understand that you care about your son's happiness, but at the same time, you cast a shadow on our family. You must talk to him and break off the engagement!" The tone of Eulalie's voice began to rise, and the air in the room almost sparkled.
"There are two sides to this story, your niece made it clear to my son that she accepted his offer, so what can we talk about?" Eleanor boomed in response. She looked at Scarlett.
"Dear, have you changed your mind and don't know how to say it?" She shifted her attention with a softer touch. "Then, of course, I will do everything to mitigate this situation." Her face turned sad.
"Of course, she'll change her mind. Scarlett is too young to understand the consequences of such actions. And we will do everything to convince her of this," Eulalie persisted.
Miss Eleanor frowned again. She was about to speak, but Scarlett intervened to prevent a quarrel between the women.
"No, Miss Eleanor, I haven't changed my mind and I won't change my mind. And to my aunts, I've already said that. Our wedding will take place as soon as Rhett returns from England. I don't want you all to quarrel. We are adults and we make our own decisions."
Aunt Pauline exhaled.
"It's hopeless..."
Miss Eleanor smiled brightly at Scarlett.
"I'm happy, Scarlett. I know you made the right decision. What do you say we spend the day together tomorrow?"
For Scarlett, it was a chance to learn about Rhett's life. So, she agreed despite her aunts' disapproving looks.
Scarlett had been to Charleston several times before the war. Her opinion of the city had not changed then or now. Charleston was a boring city. It was more conservative than Atlanta. She understood why Rhett didn't like it.
Rhett's mother picked up Scarlett at eight in the morning to go to the market with her. This was new for Scarlett. In Atlanta, ladies did not buy groceries themselves. And here it was a whole ritual and an excuse for the ladies to see each other to gossip. Miss Eleanor said that the earlier they arrived, the better food they would find.
She focused on choosing fish and seafood. The smell made Scarlett feel sick. She was not used to it. But she continued to smile kindly and help her with shopping. Later, Scarlett saw that Eleanor Butler had another goal. It wasn't to show her Charleston's cultural attractions. It was to introduce her to the city's most famous ladies.
They all looked at her with interest. Some cast condemning glances. Others felt pity. She didn't mind Miss Eleanor introducing her as Rhett's fiancée. But the way these women behaved toward her infuriated her.
After shopping for groceries, Rhett's mother invited her to breakfast. Scarlett was glad to be alone with her, away from prying eyes.
"Scarlett, please excuse my performance at the market. I wanted to introduce my son's fiancée to everyone." She cast a remorseful glance her way.
"It's all right, Miss Eleanor." Her face lit up with genuine warmth. "It's just that all these women... it feels like I'm being sacrificed, it's annoying."
"Dear, I don't want you to think Rhett is so terrible, I know how many different rumors there are about him..." Scarlett saw her blush.
"What do you mean?" she wondered what Rhett's mother meant. Scarlett knew some of the rumors about him were true. But, she had no idea how much his mother knew.
"Oh dear, I know ladies shouldn't discuss this. But, I know all my neighbors are talking about Rhett visiting..." She hesitated.
Scarlett already knew what she was trying to say. The woman in front of her looked depressed and confused. She felt sorry for Miss Eleanor, for how much she had to endure during all this time. To listen to all the gossip about her son. To endure the shame this society has imposed on him and his family.
"Houses with a bad reputation, you mean," Scarlett finished for her.
The woman's face paled. Either Scarlett's effortless statement or her prior knowledge convinced her.
"Yes... and you've heard about it too. Is this what they're talking about in Atlanta?"
"Yes, Miss Eleanor, that's the way it is. Our local gossips are talking about it too," she confirmed.
Eleanor Butler fixed her gaze on her. Her eyes studied Scarlett. At that moment, she saw a striking resemblance to Rhett. She always caught him looking at her like that when he was trying to figure out what she was thinking. The woman before her no longer looked like a prim Charleston matron. A steely determination now showed on her face, as if she was ready to fight the Yankee army.
"Scarlett, I love my son. I want him to marry and find happiness in family life. But I must warn you. And even if it angers Rhett, I'll say it..." she paused for a second, looking at Scarlett. "It's not a rumor, it's true. My son sins by what happens in such establishments. And I'm afraid even my motherly instructions don't stop him."
There was bitterness in her last words. But she didn't stop.
" I can't keep quiet. Not when you're so young... you should know what you're agreeing to." She frowned at Scarlett. "But you don't seem surprised or even shocked."
Rhett's mother made a mistake. Scarlett was shocked, but not by what startled her. It was about the subject she raised. Scarlett never thought Eleanor Butler would discuss her son's visits to brothels. This stopped her from showing any emotion. It was vital to play the role of an offended Southern lady in front of his mother.
"Miss Eleanor, please promise me to keep this between us. Rhett must never find out."
Eleanor nodded.
"It will be our secret," she assured.
Scarlett sighed, she felt awkward discussing it, but she had nowhere to go.
"You're right, it didn't surprise me, because I've known about it for a long time. Rhett told me this." She saw the shock on Eleanor's face.
Scarlett laughed softly.
"We have a trusting relationship with him. But I don't want to know some details of his life. But I digress. Yes, I know about his... adventures, let's call it that. I'll do everything to keep him from this terrible place again."
Scarlett was sincere. She remembered the promise Rhett had made the day he proposed, and she was going to hold him to that.
Eleanor's eyes welled up with tears. She squeezed Scarlett's hand, which lay on the table.
"Oh dear, I do not know what to say. God sent you to my lost son so that he would finally find peace and happiness. He's a good man, Scarlett..." she squeezed Eleanor's hand.
"I know, Miss Eleanor, he's very kind. Rhett took me out of Atlanta when it was under siege and saved me and my family from starvation after the war. And I am very grateful to him for that."
She wanted to cheer up this worried woman. Her child was too grown and sometimes reckless.
"Will you tell me about his life here? I would like to know more about him," she smiled encouragingly at Eleanor.
It seems that she was glad of Scarlett's interest in her son's life, calmed down a little, and began her story.
"Oh, Scarlett, Rhett has always been such an active kid. He never sat still, the exact opposite of his brother Ross and even more so Rosemary. It's a pity you didn't meet them, they're not in Charleston right now. Rhett has always been curious. He spent all his time running through the forests around our plantation. But everything changed when he grew up..." her face became gloomy. "His father... was always a cruel man, and Rhett refused to live by the rules of Southern society. He punished Rhett for any disobedience, once he beat him half to death, and I couldn't do anything." Her face turned sad and she fell silent.
"When Rhett went to study at West Point, things got even worse. He did what he wanted, went for a walk, had fun, and was eventually kicked out. He came home and I thought it couldn't get any worse. But then..."
"That story about the girl..." Scarlett continued.
"Yes. I believed Rhett when he said that nothing had happened between them. But my husband was adamant, he insisted on the wedding, and Rhett rebelled. That girl's brother challenged him to a duel, and my son shot him. At that moment, I knew that I had lost him forever. His father would have survived his son's death, but not that he was alive. He kicked Rhett out of the house penniless and I haven't seen him in over ten years..." she sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry, Miss Eleanor, I didn't mean to upset you." Looking at the woman consumed by memories made Scarlett feel unwell.
"No dear, you didn't upset me, it's all in the past now. Rhett is back and I'm glad that a girl has appeared who is ready to accept him for who he is." She smiled gently at Scarlett. "Well, it seems like it's time for us to finish breakfast and move on. I'll tell you more stories about my son if you're interested."
Scarlett spent the whole day in the company of Rhett's mother. They went shopping and visited some of her friends. It was a good day. It changed her perception of Rhett. She might understand more about the mysterious man who would soon be her husband.
Scarlett stayed in Charleston for a few more weeks. Her aunts would not give up. After a failed attempt to stop them, she grew tired of it. So, she decided to return to Atlanta. The mills were waiting for her there.