Hello everyone. Sorry for the long wait. I am grateful to everyone who reads my story and those who leave comments. Your opinion is very important to me. This story is saving me now at one of the most difficult stages of my life, so I will continue to write and hope my inspiration will not leave me.

I've gotten a lot of comments about how Scarlett is smarter here than in the original story. I agree with your comments, when I read the book, I could not understand how a woman who is so knowledgeable in business can be so ignorant in other areas of life. So yes, my Scarlett will be smarter, although I don't think this will affect her understanding of Rhett and his feelings.

This chapter is unedited so I apologize for possible mistakes, English is my second language. I welcome your criticism. Enjoy the new chapter.


Over the next few days, Scarlett tried to remember what happened that evening. After she and Rhett finished dancing, she pleaded ill health and decided to return home. She couldn't stay in the same room with him, he offered to take her away, but that was the last thing Scarlett needed.

Scarlett barely slept that night. She tried to brush off the intrusive thoughts like an annoying fly.

She wanted Rhett Butler.

The thought scared her to death. Rhett was a scoundrel, he was friends with the Yankees., stole Confederate gold, visited a brothel, and did a million other terrible things that she was sure he had done. What did she want from him anyway? Was she in love with him?

No! It couldn't be, she loved Ashley, her golden-haired knight. She tried to revive the image of Ashley on a white horse when he returned from his Grand Tour. She loved her gentle, dreamy Ashley. His quiet voice, his always thoughtful face...his...his…

Her mind distorted this image, showing her the Ashley of the present. A tired and lost man who couldn't find his place in this world. A man who lived in the illusions of the past and did not try to move forward.

Scarlett's brain was boiling. Her world was practically split in two. After all, Ashley loved her, she was sure. It couldn't just be her body's desire, she had misunderstood everything, and Rhett was trying to make her believe it. How could she betray his love? She was probably going crazy because she didn't understand what was happening to her.

And she remembered Rhett's words, "You can't tell the difference between love and lust» No, he was wrong. She would prove to him, she would prove that Ashley loved her. Tomorrow she would go to the mill and talk to Ashley. He will say that he loves her.

That's why she liked Rhett, she missed Ashley and his attention, she was just too lonely and she paid attention to the one who was next to her. That's all.

She had no feelings for Rhett Butler. It was a trick of her tired brain.

Scarlett had a meeting with Melanie scheduled for that day, they were preparing a Christmas dinner together and agreed to choose decorations for the house. But before meeting her, Scarlett went to Ashley's mill in the morning to find out everything for herself.

She entered the building to see Ashley sitting at a desk and filling out paperwork. He raised his head and smiled affably.

"Scarlett, dear, I'm glad to see you. You're early today." He got up moving towards her.

"Yes, I'd like to talk to you, Ashley. It's important."

"Of course Scarlett. What did you want to discuss?"

"Ashley, do you remember that conversation we had in Tara's garden..."

"Scarlett..." he paled and retreated.

"I know we agreed that we would never bring up this topic again. But it's important. Ashley, I need to know if you love me..."

She took a step forward and came close to him, placing her hand on his chest.

"Scarlett, I can't... I can't." He tried to pull away.

"Ashley, please, this is important to me... please..." suddenly he grabbed her and hugged her to him.

"Dear... you are so gentle, so kind. Of course, I love you, how can I not love you"

Scarlett's heart began to beat faster, and hope blossomed in her. But she needed to hear confirmation.

"Would you leave Melanie for me?" she stared intently at his face, which turned white as chalk. "Ashley...would you leave Melanie and to be with me, to marry me?" She was almost screaming.

But instead of answering, he took a few steps away from her and looked at her with pain.

"Scarlett, I can't... she...We have a son. I would never do that."

It was as if she had been hit, she couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe what he was saying.

"That is, if you were bolder, you would be satisfied to have me as your mistress. So would you be more comfortable in this situation Ashley?"

He seemed speechless, blushing to the roots of his hair, trying not to look into her eyes.

"How could you think of such a thing, Scarlett, I would never do anything like this to you"

"But that doesn't stop you from thinking about it, does it? She smiled ironically.

So Rhett was right, he was always right. Ashley just wanted her, wanted her body. He wasn't any better than Butler, but at least he'd never cheated on her, and he'd admitted it honestly. She sighed wearily. Ashley didn't deny it, he just lowered his head.

"No, dear, no it's not like that. Trust me. You are so important for me..."

But Scarlett didn't want to hear it.

"That's enough Ashley. The only thing you should have done was tell me the truth many years ago, although it doesn't matter now. I think we have nothing more to discuss. With your permission, I'll go, I have a lot of things to do today."

"Scarlett, if there's anything I can do for you," he tried to touch her, but Scarlett stepped back.

"No, Ashley, there's no need. Have a nice day"

And without waiting for his answer, she went outside. She got into the buggy and headed into town to meet Melanie. She had a little time to think about everything that had just happened.

Rhett was right when he said Ashley wanted her body, not her soul, but he was too cowardly to admit it. Scarlett was disgusted with herself, from the fact that she had been running after Ashley for so long, from the fact that his motives did not immediately become obvious to her. She should have realized this sooner, Scarlett felt like a fool.

She wanted to scream. Ashley didn't love her, never had. She was angry, upset, and hurt. Most of all offended. Most of all, she was hurt by the realization she was preferred to another woman. Was she worse than Melanie? Was she only fit to be a mistress? She smiled sadly and felt tears running down her cheeks. She remembered the evening on Aunt Pitty's porch when Rhett had suggested it to her when she had been so outraged.

And now Ashley. Was she unworthy of love? Couldn't a man just love her? She wanted tenderness, and understanding so that the man who loves her would hug and comfort her at night when she had nightmares. So she could lean on him, so he would be there for her when she needed help. But apparently, only women like Melanie could count on something like that, but not Scarlett.

Scarlett stopped her horse and wiped away her tears. She won't think about it anymore. She doesn't need their love! She could live alone, she had her mills and money, she supported herself. She didn't need anyone, not their love, support, or pity.

But no one should know about this conversation with Ashley, not a single living soul, especially Rhett Butler.

Rhett... what should she do with him? But she immediately came to her senses. He had offered her nothing but the status of a mistress, even before the war. He wasn't even her cavalier, although he often visited her house, spent time with her, made gifts, sometimes too expensive gifts, and shared a few kisses. But there was nothing else. He didn't make any hints. So what did he want?

For a second, Scarlett imagined what it would be like if she married Rhett Butler. But in the same second, she put it out of her mind. How she went from loving Ashley to marrying Rhett. She was definitely going crazy.

Melanie was waiting for her outside the store and if until recently the idea of participating in the preparation of the holiday seemed ridiculous to her, now she happily took it up trying to forget everything that happened in her life.

"Dear, how are you feeling today?" Melanie looked worried.

"Yes, Melanie, I'm fine, thank you. I was just too tired yesterday."

They entered the store and headed to the counter with Christmas wreaths.

"I was worried about you, Scarlett."

Scarlett looked at her, wondering what Ashley saw in her. She was completely plain and had never been popular with men. Too modest and unable to say too many words.

"Melanie, really, it's okay, you don't have to worry. Let's choose something" She didn't want to discuss it with her.

The counter was littered with wreaths of various sizes and colors. With red and green bows, cones, ribbons and candles. Scarlett saw a single wreath with a blue satin bow that was lying under a pile of others and reached out to pull it out, causing most of the wreaths to fall to the floor.

Scarlett groaned in annoyance, bending down to pick it up and saw male hands that began to pick up wreaths from the floor. She looked up and saw a stranger. He looked at her and smiled, scooping up all the them with two hands, throwing them back on the counter, and standing up. Scarlett straightened up, having the opportunity to examine him.

He was tall and slender with curly brown hair. He looked to be in his thirties, maybe a little older. He was smiling at her with a wide, radiant smile, and his blue eyes were shining.

"Let me introduce myself, Gregory Clark." He took her hand to kiss it.

"Scarlett O'Hara"" she didn't protest his greeting. "And this is my friend Mrs. Melanie Wilkes."

He bowed respectfully to her, kissing her hand and bringing a blush to Melanie's cheeks.

"Mr. Clark, are you passing through Atlanta? Melanie asked curiously, she seemed very interested, which surprised Scarlett very much.

"No Mrs. Wilkes, I live here now." Scarlett was not in the mood for small talk today and the only thing she wanted was to choose a few things and leave here. "I moved here from Tallahassee."

"Oh, so you're a Southerner..." Melanie smiled brightly.

Scarlett didn't want to seem rude, which meant she had to keep the conversation going.

"What brings you to Atlanta, Mr. Clark?" she asked politely.

"My new business has brought me to your city. And I am very glad that I met such beautiful ladies first." He smiled looking into Scarlett's eyes. His smile was infectious and Scarlett smiled back.

For the next twenty minutes, he helped her and Melanie choose decorations. Scarlett thought it was a little awkward, but Melanie didn't seem to mind it. Moreover, Mr. Clark volunteered to carry their purchases to Scarlett's buggy.

As the three of them left the store, Scarlett saw Rhett waiting by the buggy, smoking a cigar and smiling at her. His smile faded when he noticed Clark, who was entertaining him and Melanie.

"Captain Butler, what a meeting," she smiled sweetly.

"I noticed your buggy here. I wanted to know how you were feeling, Scarlett." His face was really worried.

"I'm fine, Captain Butler, thank you. I feel much better today." She turned to Clark.

"Mr. Clark, this is Captain Rhett Butler..."

Clark's face twisted a little.

"It seems that Mr. Butler and I have already met."

Rhett laughed. Scarlett looked at him suspiciously.

"Yes, we've met..." he looked at Melanie. "Mrs. Wilkes, good afternoon."

Rhett kissed her hand, making Melanie blush.

"Good afternoon, Captain Butler. Scarlett and I were choosing decorations for Christmas."

"Yes, Mr. Clark has kindly agreed to help us," Scarlett decided to add, shifting her gaze to Rhett.

"I'm sure you had a great time, Miss O'Hara." His face was expressionless. "I have to leave you, ladies, unfortunately, I have some business"

He bowed, tipping his hat slightly and returning to his horse. He cast a strange glance at Scarlett as he mounted his horse and continued on his way.

"Well, Mr. Clark. I think we should go too." She turned around and looked at him.

"Of course Miss O`Hara, I hope to see you again." He easily grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"Mrs. Wilkes," he bowed to Melanie and walked down the street.

"Melanie, what was that just now?" but Melanie was silent and Scarlett looked at her friend.

Melanie looked puzzled. Her lips drew into a thin line.

"Melanie?" Scarlett had to call out to her again.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry, I was thinking. Of course, let's go. We have a lot more to do."

Scarlett loved Christmas when the whole family gathered in a warm, homely atmosphere. Songs, a delicious dinner, and of course gifts. The last Christmas before the war was like this. Now everything has changed. Only Suellen, Carreen, and her were here. Scarlett felt a wave of sadness, but she tried not to think about the past and focus on the present.

It was decided to hold a festive dinner at Melanie's house. There were a lot of guests invited, besides the Wilkes, Uncle Henry, and Aunt Pitty were supposed to be there, India, Suellen and Frank, Carreen, and of course Rhett.

The Wilkes' small house was decorated with candles and ribbons, mistletoe twigs hung here and there, and in the corner, there was a small Christmas tree decorated with sweets, which Bo liked. In honor of the holiday, Scarlett and Melanie even cooked together in the kitchen, helping Dilsey with some dishes.

Scarlett loved this pre-holiday bustle and the warm atmosphere of the house. It was nice to spend the evening with close people, although she didn't want to see some of them.

Dinner was scheduled for seven o'clock in the evening. But the guests should have arrived earlier. The evening had not yet begun, and India was already annoying her with her displeased face.

After a while, the guests began to arrive. Scarlett saw Suellen standing in the doorway, holding Frank's arm. She was beaming at him so much that Scarlett felt sick. What did her sister even see in this man? He was completely unattractive and looked much older than her.

After a while, Aunt Pitty and Uncle Henry arrived and the living room was filled with the noise of conversations. But Scarlett was waiting for the last guest, who had not yet arrived. And as if reading her mind, Rhett Butler appeared in the doorway, smiling at everyone present.

The conversations suddenly stopped and Scarlett could see the confusion and discontent on the faces of the guests. Melanie came forward to greet him. He bent over her hand and kissed it in a welcoming gesture.

"Captain Butler, we are glad that you joined us today." She waved him into the living room with a smile.

"Thanks again for the invitation, Mrs. Wilkes, it's a great honor for me." he seemed sincere. "I brought a bottle of wine, I hope you like it."

"Oh, Captain Butler, that wasn't necessary at all." She blushed.

Melanie went into the living room and Rhett followed her, greeting the others. He seemed completely unperturbed, meeting India's frowning gaze and Aunt Pitti's confused one. Scarlett looked at Ashley, he was polite as always, but she could see he was uncomfortable being around Rhett.

She was sitting on the couch next to Carreen and noticed that she hadn't made a sound since Rhett appeared and looked at her and noticed how worried she looked. And when he came up to them, bowing, she introduced her.

"Captain Butler, meet my little sister Carreen," he kissed her hand and she blushed to the roots of her hair.

Scarlett rolled her eyes at her, and Rhett smiled at the sisters' reaction.

"Scarlett, dear, I'm going to talk to Suellen," Carreen stammered, getting up." Captain Butler..." she hurried away, and Rhett sat down next to Scarlett on the couch.

"Well, Rhett, you were able to charm my sister too. Almost without saying a word," he laughed.

"What can I say, Scarlett, no woman can resist my natural charm"

"Don't be so vain, India didn't succumb to your charms, and neither did Suellen." She glanced around the room, noticed Ashley frowning at them, and quickly turned away.

"They could also eat out of my hands if I attached any importance to it… He lowered his voice. "After all, I already have a lady who is crazy about me and that's enough"

She frowned, trying to figure out who he was talking about, but then she saw the amusement in his eyes and realized that Rhett was laughing at her.

"Oh Captain Butler, don't be so cocky. I don't fall under your spell, no matter how hard you try." She looked into his eyes defiantly.

"You've dashed my hopes, Scarlett. I had hoped so much that you had a feeling of deep love and affection for me, but you trampled on my feelings." He was playing with her.

"Love Rhett? Don't make me laugh..."

"Yes, even the idea of loving me is simply unimaginable."

Scarlett barely heard what he was saying, turning her attention to Melanie and Ashley, standing in the other corner of the room and chatting sweetly with each other. She remembered a recent conversation with Ashley at the mill. Nausea rose in her throat as she watched the way he looked at his wife with love.

"What, I'm sorry, Rhett..." she turned to him absently.

"The thought of loving me," he repeated casually again. "It looks scary enough"

When the meaning of his words came to her, it upset her. It was strange that she was worried about Rhett's feelings. She had never seen him like this. Previously, she had seen in him a man who lived for pleasure, denying himself nothing, and she could not even imagine that he could think about love.

And now she felt sad that he could think that way about himself. At first, she thought Rhett was playing with her again, trying to annoy her or make fun of her. But it wasn't like that, something in his eyes told her that he was serious. Did he really think that no one could love him? The theory itself seemed absurd to Scarlett.

"Why do you think that? She furrowed her brows.

"Scoundrel, rascal, scalawag... that's what they call me," he laughed softly. There was no emotion on his face, but something in the depths of his eyes made Scarlett realize that maybe it was sadness.

She didn't understand how she even had such thoughts about Rhett, but for the first time, she wanted to take his hand and shout that it wasn't so. He was a handsome man, he was a rich man. He could charm all the women in a kilometer radius if he wanted to and his kisses were amazing... And if he had behaved like a gentleman, he would have been able to regain the favor of the Old Guard and find a girl who would love him.

At the thought, she felt a pang of jealousy, imagining that Rhett might also kiss someone else passionately besides her. But Scarlett caught herself in time.

It was still Rhett, Rhett who would turn her words against herself. And then she decided to tell at least part of the truth she was thinking about.

"It's easier for some people to believe the mask you're wearing and not try to see the truth." Her eyes involuntarily found Ashley again, but after a second she looked back at Rhett. "In my humble observation, you are more of a gentleman than some of the men in this room. Therefore, no, this thought is not terrible at all," and smiled slyly at him.

She saw a flash of fire in his eyes and a smile that touched the corner of his lips. He wanted to say something, but Melanie announced that dinner was ready and Scarlett quickly got up, trying to get away from Rhett as quickly as possible. This dialogue was already too embarrassing, she didn't want to continue it now.

Dinner was long over and Rhett said goodbye to everyone, thanked Melanie for the invitation, and kissed her hand.

"Mrs. Wilkes, I want to thank you for this evening, what could be better than spending time in pleasant company?" he smiled so sincerely, looking at her that Scarlett, who was standing next to him, just rolled her eyes. Rhett's similar treatment caused a pang of jealousy in Scarlett. Why was he always so courteous to her, and so annoying to Scarlett and always trying to infuriate her?

After saying goodbye, Rhett went out onto the porch and Scarlett followed him. This was the first time they had been alone together tonight.

He looked at her questioningly.

"Scarlett, have you decided to walk me out?"

"I'm glad you came tonight Rhett..." the words left her lips before she could stop them.

He smiled brightly and laughed.

"Really, Scarlett, it was nice to spend the evening with me? Not long ago, you shouted that you would hate me to death." He laughs even louder.

How did he manage to infuriate her so quickly?

"Oh my God, Rhett, can't you be nice for once and not try to prick me," Scarlett exclaimed indignantly, waving her hands. "You're always so sweet with Melanie..."

Again, she stopped in the middle of a sentence with annoyance. Why did she talk at first and then think, she was ready for another one of his barbs? Rhett smiled rapaciously as if he had managed to lure her into a trap. He took a step forward, reducing the distance between them to a minimum.

"What do I hear, Scarlett?... Are you jealous of Miss Melanie?" his eyes were feverishly bright.

She wanted to hit him, how dare he even think about it…Although it seems he clearly read her mind.

"Jealous, Rhett? You think too highly of yourself." He looked so arrogant that she wanted to hit him. "For me to be jealous of Melanie, she's just a plain mouse."

He suddenly burst out laughing so loudly that Scarlett thought the whole street would hear him.

"Hush..." she punched him in the chest." Stop laughing, everyone will hear you."

"Calm down, my little ignoramus. You don't have to worry, I have only a feeling of deep respect for Mrs. Wilkes and nothing more, no romantic feelings." He stopped laughing and spoke quite seriously.

She continued to stare at him stubbornly. But she wanted to believe him. And in the end, she reluctantly smiled.

"Oh, Scarlett..."

Rhett suddenly hugged her and his lips descended on hers. There was no passion or need in that kiss, only unimaginable tenderness. Her head was spinning and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. But the kiss ended as suddenly as it began.

Scarlett opened her eyes, meeting his dark, burning eyes.

"What was it for?" She asked curiously.

"It was my Christmas present," and he smiled at her, a real sincere smile that was directed at her, not at Melanie.

He ran his hands over her arms and took a step back.

"It's time for you to go back inside, Scarlett, you're going to freeze." He put on his hat and turned to leave.

Scarlett was confused by everything that had happened in the last few minutes.

"Rhett..." she called out to him and he turned around.

"Yes?" and again that sly smile on his face.

"I'm going to the mills on Tuesday... would you like to join me?" her heart was racing, she knew she shouldn't make such offers, it was inappropriate and wrong for a lady, but Rhett almost always accompanied her and she enjoyed spending time with him. She was looking forward to their trips even more than the visit to the sawmills itself.

"I'll be there as always. Merry Christmas Scarlett," he playfully bowed to her and strode to his carriage, which was waiting for him.

"Merry Christmas, Rhett," Scarlett said, but he couldn't hear her anymore.


You don't think this story with Ashley will end, do you? Perhaps our little gentleman is not ready to let her go yet.