Gone with the Wind / Унесённые ветром. Уровень 3

You think her silly and stupid and her patriotic notions bore youВ».

«Because she’s Charlie’s sister… and like a sister to me», answered Scarlett with dignity.

«You mean because she’s Ashley’s Wilkes’ widow».

«I had a letter from Tara today. The Yankees are close to home and my little sister is ill with typhoid. I want to go home! But I can’t».

«Well, don’t cry about it», he said. «You are much safer here in Atlanta than at Tara. The Yankees won’t hurt you and typhoid will».

She laughed nervously.

«Don’t giggle», he said, and taking her hand, he turned it over and kissed her palm. Something vital, electric, leaped from him to her at the touch of his warm mouth, something that caressed her whole body thrillingly. His lips traveled to her wrist. She tried to draw back her hand.

She wasn’t in love with him, she told herself confusedly. She was in love with Ashley. But how to explain this feeling?

He laughed softly.

«Don’t pull away! I won’t hurt you!»

«Hurt me? I’m not afraid of you, Rhett Butler, or of any man!» she cried.

«An admirable sentiment, but please lower your voice. Mrs. Wilkes might hear you. And compose yourself. Scarlett, you do like me, don’t you?»

That was more like what she was expecting.

«Well, sometimes», she answered cautiously. «When you aren’t acting like a varmint».

В«I think you like me because I am a varmintВ».

This was not the turn she had anticipated.

«That’s not true! I like nice men… gentlemen».

He kissed her palm again.

«But you like me. Could you ever love me, Scarlett? May I call you �dear,’ Mrs. Hamilton? I shall call you �dear’ whether you like it or not».

«You don’t love me?»

В«No, indeed. Did you hope that I did?В»

«Don’t be so presumptuous!»

«You hoped! You are charming and talented. No, I don’t love you. But I like you tremendously… for the elasticity of your conscience, for the selfishness which you don’t hide, and for the shrewd practicality.

I like you because I have those same qualities in me. I realize you still cherish the memory of the godlike and woodenheaded Mr. Wilkes. But there must be room in your heart for me too. Scarlett, I am making you a declaration. I have wanted you since the first time I laid eyes on you, in the hall of Twelve Oaks. I want you more than I have ever wanted any woman.