My my Mrs Butler, what is the occasion for this.. ahem" he paused pointedly, while with a mockingly raised eyebrow he let his eyes sweep over her new elegantly but elaborately made dress. The base colour was a silvery grey with ruchets and bows of pastel pink, placed in a way that created a complicated pattern on the extensive skirt. Also the bodice was decorated in the same way, creating a look that spoke more of money than of any real elegance of taste in its design. Very Scarlett.

"...elegant get up!" After a slight pause he completed the sentence. Holding his breath for a second waiting for her to rise to his bait – but as no response came from her he continued.

"Ready for tonight's festive meal I see..." Again – with a slightly arched eyebrow – adding a subtle challenge and an even subtler insult to the seemingly harmless words. Apart from this his face was blank, full lips beneath the neatly groomed moustache shaped into a half smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Her eyes flared momentarily at his last word, but with a frustrated partly quelled sigh she let the bait fall. She gathered her skirt and stepped down the last few steps of the expansive staircase, causing a slight diversion for her rapidly flaring temper. A rustling of silks and the quelled tap of her foot against the velvet covered steps her only response.

"...set on rubbing every one of our Old "Friends" noses in our wealth once again"

The sarcastic remarks came one after another without him giving much thought to it. Stray bullets nonchalantly shot – without care for how many hit their target.

Such was the nature of their relationship – a case of a union of convenience with small breaches of the seize fire at all times. Though no one would openly declare war - admitting to themselves the hurt and frustation that was so eagerly felt. Though, as Melanie Wilkes had so aptly divined, the unconscious fight had grown more hostile and serious. Thus the words which had previously just ment to jab and were carried out with a measure of warmth were now laced with just a hint of poison and a pinch of cold hatred, and flowed continuously and effortlessly from him. Aiming for the target and most often finding bulls eye.

Another flare and a slight tension around the mouth were however the sole indication he got that the words hit their mark, the rest of her face remained composed. For once her will of steel put to use at something other than the ruthless battle of survival or bringing in the best business bargain. A small deviation from the normal cause of things – but instead of making him pause it only spurred him on. An addict looking for his unhealthy fix.

Instead of the angry retort he had expected he now saw how she forced her mouth into a simpering smile.

"How you do run on Rhett" She slid on her gloves and made some invisible adjustments to her elaborate hair do. Another act to divert herself from her bubbling anger.

He eyed her.

A new game from his darling.

He had been suspiciously surprised and even slightly on guard ever since she without any need for persuasion had agreed to this dinner invitation. Birthday parties in the circle of the Old Guard was rarely anything she took any pleasure in participating in; and to get her to attend normally required quite a persuasive effort on his part. Not that he himself was particularly keen on said company, but in order to secure the standing of the children and access to the society he wanted for them, this was part of the deal he had negotiated for himself. But Scarlett... She had never until now complied with his demands in this regard, in fact on several occasions she had openly defied him in his attempt to redeem them in the eye of the public, and he sincerely doubted that this new compliance was because she had realised the full truth of his fear - that the children could be ostracised if they were not careful to keep up at least a semblance of respectability.

Looking back over the last couple of weeks he had seen more than one instance of this new compliant attitude and a surprising restraint in her volcanic eruptions, but he had yet to disclose the reason behind this forced change of attitude.

The only thing he knew for certain was that compliance from Scarlett always came at a price, and so it raised his suspicions as she rarely did go down without a fight unless she had some scheme planned.

He felt like he had been presented with a game of "connecting the dots" where at the moment only a few of the dots had been revealed to him, which meant that the clear picture was still obscured to him.

Another bait on the tip of his tongue, but he restrained himself, and instead with a slightly mocking attitude he proffered his arm.

"Allow me madam"

"Thank you Rhett" Unknowingly she held her breath as she extended her arm to link with his.

Again some laden comment was on the verge of being spoken, but he pulled back; at least for a little while – tonight - he would play along and see where and how far Scarlett's plan would take them.

He smiled to himself, a real smile that momentarily lit up his eyes. One thing was sure, wherever this would take them the ride would be fun, as a scheming Scarlett was always amusing to watch, and secondly, when her plan was revealed in full he would be ready, and sure to take victory in the battle as he always did when a confrontation took place.

At least he was still confident in his own skills when it came to besting his headstrong wife.

In addition the dots that had been revealed told him that this whole débâcle could actually turn out very much to his advantage – if he played his card well... And card playing was definitely one of Rhett Butlers greatest skills.

"En garde my dear" he muttered under his breath as he with an elegant bow helped her into the awaiting carriage. Slowly he got in next to her, and stared pensively into nothingness as the carriage set in motion.

GWTWGWTWGWTWGWTWGWTWGWTW

"My Darling, you are sure we shouldn't rather stay at home...

…..If you are not feeling right up to it no harm will come from us making our excuses this one time" Ashley spoke lightly, surprising himself with actually realising that he himself had a strong inclination to stay at home.

Melanie shook her head lightly. Not failing to notice the extra endearment that had crept into her husbands addressing her. True she had felt a bit under the weather, and true it would probably help her to stay at home. But as she was quite certain the ailment was not of a physical nature. She was sure that it was better to go.

"I am fine Ashley, I really am" Here voice sounded surprisingly firm and convincing to her own ears which came as pleasant surprise. Another surprise was the slight flicker of something... could it be disappointment? annoyance? She saw in Ashley's eyes - with this her determination to go to the party.

In truth she wasn't fine, and she knew exactly what was the reason for her seeming ill health. The visit from her darling sister in law, that she both longed and dreaded to see again. That plus the weight of the task she had set on herself. But though staying home tonight would seem as a burden of her shoulders, it would only be a temporary relief, and in the end serving nothing but to prolong the completion of the task she had set for herself. Thus they had to go. She had to be there, continuing with her little ploy.

She toyed with her shawl, bringing it closer around her slender shoulders, hesitating for a moment. But no that wouldn't do. She shrugged the cowards tempting choice from her mind and gathered her full skirt.

From within her small frame she located the streak of wilful determination and with a convincing air she smiled and managed to momentarily look as if she hadn't a care in the world. Ashley though, still looked a mite displeased but he didn't venture further into the topic. Instead he held out his arm for her.

"Then let's go" Only a faint note of resignation could be discerned from his tone of voice. But his eyes bore no hint of resignation instead they watched her intently, curiously. Seeing her more clearly than he had in a long time.

Feeling all of a sudden a bit shy – she couldn't remember when last she had felt that she had had his undivided attention in this small way. Not that Ashley was ever unmindful of her. Like hers his world was made out of hazy shapes and softly blurred images, but just for a fleeting second she felt like she sprang into colour and sharpness under his gaze. A not altogether unpleasant feeling.

With a genuine smile she placed her hand on his offered arm. Lace glove covering her delicate hand made contact with the linen of his suit. Only the smallest of gesture nevertheless a small blush in her cheeks.

Later - she would think about her quest later...

A/N - I know it is only short, but I feel like it is better to actually getting something out there than not ;) Hopefully I can use this to spark my imagination that has been running awfully dry lately. Now tell me what you think.