There was a light drizzle beginning to fall as a single carriage made its way down peach tree street. The mood of the day was dismal except for the sweet chatter of Rhett Butler's daughter which filled the carriage. Rhett wondered why of all days they had to return on this one. For some reason, he was hoping Scarlett had been smart enough to bring her shawl to cover her from the rain on her way back from the mill. He didn't really want to think about her because thoughts of guilt still consumed him. Even though Scarlett had shut him out of her life long ago leaving them less than a marriage; caring for her had become second nature. Bonnie had wanted to return asking for mother and he could not deny her request. Although he had longed for her during their time away, he could not bring himself to let down his guard. Rhett butler had never claimed to be a gentleman, but a part of him wanted to take her in arms and recount his love once more. Pulling bonnie a little closer to him, he bared these thoughts from his mind. Bonnie was the closest thing he would ever have to Scarlett and this was all too much to hope for.
The carriage halted in front of the large mansion with Bonnie jumping down excitedly and Rhett following behind her. Rhett loomed up at the large towers and stained glass windows. To those who would not know better, it would appear that Scarlett and his family had everything. He had hoped by giving Scarlett free reign to do as she pleased including overseeing the building of her home that it might bring them closer together. He had hoped to give her everything and appeal to her love of material things. Somehow though this architectural nightmare he had built was now turning in to his own house of horrors.
On this morning he figured Scarlett would be at her mill no doubt with Ashley. Bonnie ran full speed through the large doors up the staircase holding her kitten high in her hands calling for her mother. Rhett followed behind and paused on the stairs at the site of Mrs. Wilkes who was standing at the top to greet them. "Bonnie, what a beautiful kitten" she exclaimed. Rhett couldn't help but notice the look of great concern on Mellie's face. She was trying her best to conjure one of her sweet smiles. "Daddy gave her to me. I want to show her to mother." Mellie's face dropped at the mention of Scarlett. Rhett chimed in, "bonnie, why don't you go with Mammie. If you hurry, maybe she will take you to see Mr. Butler before it pours the rain." Bonnie turned and headed back down the stairs to Mammie who was waiting for her. Rhett ascended the stairs and stood next to Mellie after the pair had moved from sight. She waited a long time before speaking then put a hand on Rhett's arm. "Captain Butler, I hate to be the one to tell you but your return does not find things well." Rhett sighed and said, "unfortunately Mrs. Wilkes that seems to be the usual around here. Why should I expect things to be any different?" Mellie seemed to tighten her grip on Rhett's arm saying, "I'm afraid you misunderstand me. Scarlett, she is not well." "How do you mean" it was always like Scarlett to take on. Why it would be just like her to pull something to fool Miss Mellie and try and get Ashley to herself. She had pulled a little stunt on him during their honeymoon and then shown up at the ball fit as a fiddle. Yes, she was quite the little master of deceit always playing people like they were cards in her hand. "Captain," Mellie interrupted his fuming thoughts, "I'm so sorry, there is nothing anyone could have done. She did everything right. But she has been so different since you've been away and that impending bank crisis Ashley speaks about has got her so upset. She has lost the baby."
A/N What do you guys think? I wanted to do something a little different. Been working on this for a while and I will post more depending on feedback.
