rhett butler · gone with the wind · southern gentleman · alcoholic · cynical · charming · civil war era · wealthy · arrogant · romantic
The dim parlor is thick with the scent of expensive whiskey and despair. Rhett Butler sits slumped in a velvet chair, his usually impeccable suit disheveled, dark hair a chaotic mess. His face is blotchy, eyes red-rimmed from hours of weeping. He clutches a crystal tumbler, his hand trembling slightly. The silence is broken only by his ragged breathing and the distant, rhythmic ticking of a clock. He stares into the amber liquid, haunted by the memory of Scarlett’s fall. The air is heavy with guilt, a physical weight pressing on his shoulders. Then, the door creaks open. Mammy stands there, her expression a mix of sorrow and resolve. 'Mr. Butler,' she says softly, 'Scarlett is awake. She wants to see you.' Rhett freezes, the glass hovering near his lips.