Rhett Butler was someone who was used to getting what he wanted. When he had wanted money, he became a blockade-runner and watched his wealth grow. When he had wanted women, he found company in Belle Watling or other ladies at the local saloon. When he had wanted to get back into good graces with his family, he married a young southern woman with their blessing, and he received all of the benefits of the prodigal son. But, lately Rhett was finding it harder and harder to get what he wanted.
His wife and child were gone, his family wouldn�t leave him alone, and his business in Charleston was not doing well. To top it all off, he couldn�t stop thinking about Scarlett. Night after night, he sat in his office replaying his memories of her like movies at a picture show. The sounds of her laughter, her vivaciousness, and the way that she could make him smile even at his worst moments� something that Elizabeth never was able to accomplish. She was so different from Scarlett. Humble, and patient she had never opposed or questioned him. While there was no doubt that she was beautiful, she lacked the passion and temper of Scarlett, which had always been Rhett�s main attraction.
Rhett sighed as he twirled his glass of bourbon around in his hand. Life in Charleston was becoming increasingly depressing, and he knew that if he didn�t get out soon he was going to� God only knows what� Kill something, or someone, or maybe even himself. He needed change, and he needed it desperately. But where would he go, Savannah? New Orleans? Atlanta? Scarlett was there, and maybe� but he wouldn�t allow the thought to enter his mind. After everything he had put her through� and everything she had put him through� could there still be a chance? Would she still have him? He realized that there was only one way to find out.
Rhett left word with his servants that he was going on vacation, without telling them where he was going. He reasoned that this would prevent his family from interfering with his plans. This was something he needed to do for himself, and he was going to do it alone. He packed a bag and bought a ticket for a train bound for Atlanta. He figured he would start there, then head to Savannah, the last place he had seen Scarlett� his chest tightened at the thought of their last meeting, and how he had left her there, sleeping, like she was a common prostitute. No time for past regrets now, he needed to focus on the future.
Rhett arrived in Atlanta and immediately headed towards the house they had shared in Atlanta. He put his key in the lock and opened the door to the cold and dusty house. Five minutes and a brief inspection later, he realized that no one had been here for months. He headed right back out the door and to the train station where they gave him a puzzled look when he requested a ticket on the next train to Savannah. Once there, Rhett immediately searched out the O�Haras to ask about Scarlett, but no one would tell him where she was, whom she was with, or even how she was doing. And he couldn�t completely blame them, considering how he treated Scarlett last time he saw her.
Rhett slowly walked out the front door and down the short path in front of Jamie and Helen O�Hara�s house. He was angry and frustrated, but knew that he had done all that he could for his cause. �Psst� Rhett!� Came a whisper from the front door, Rhett turned around and saw Helen standing on the front porch. Rhett quickly returned to her, �Look, I�m sorry about Jamie and the way he is, it�s just� well, we are all a little over protective of our family. But I believe that you�re honest, even if he doesn�t. Scarlett is in Ireland, I�m not sure where. But if you want to find her, that�s where you have to look. Just remember, you didn�t hear it from me.�
�Absolutely. Thank you so much!� Jamie sent him out the door to keep Jamie from seeing, but Rhett�s smile gave it all away as he walked back to his hotel. He knew what he had to do; all that was left was to tie up a few strings in America then head off across the ocean.
Will Rhett be able to find Scarlett? Will Scarlett take him back? Find out next time!