transformy1948

@@@@@ "Are you having a good time?" Rhett asked her much later"My, yes! It really is the best ball of the Season She meant it, the evening had been everything a ball should be, filled with music and laughter and happiness on all sidesShe'd been less than pleased when she was given her dance card, even though it was presented with a bouquet of gardenias framed in silver-lace paperThe Governors of the Society, it seemed, filled in the names on all the ladies' cards in advance But then she saw that the regimentation was masterfully orchestrated She was partnered by men she knew, men she had never met before, old men, young men, long-time Charlestonians, visiting guests, Charlestonians who lived in many other places but always came home for the Saint CeciliaSo that every dance held the tantalizing potential of surprise and the assurance of change Middleton Courtney's name wasn't on her cardShe had nothing to think about except the pleasure of being in the exquisite room dancing to the beautiful musicIt was the same for everyoneScarlett giggled when she saw her aunts dancing every dance; even Eulalie's usually sorrowful face was alight with pleasureThere were no wallflowers hereAnd no awkwardnessesThe terribly young debutantes in their fresh white gowns were paired with men skillful at both dancing and conversation She saw Rhett with at least three of them, but never with Anne Hampton Scarlett wondered briefly how much the wise old Governors knewAnd it made her laugh to see the EllintonsHannah was obviously feeling like the belle of the Ball She must be dancing with the biggest flatterers in Charleston, Scarlett thought maliciouslyNo, she decided, Townsend looked like he was having an even better time than his wifeSomebody sure must be sweet talking himThey'd certainly never forget this nightFor that matter, neither would sheThe sixteenth dance was coming up soo