I could not sleep a few nights ago so I wrote a cute little bit about Scarlett/Rhett that I'll put in later as a "romantic interlude" after he sends the children to bed and arranges a romantic dinner after she hasn't been feeling well. Something to look forward to, but not anything particularly magnificent. Anyway, where were we? Ah, yes...

PLEASE REVIEW!!! Much love, Cat

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"Mrs. Butler, a moment, I am sketching as quickly as I can," Dominique pleaded, her pencil racing across the paper in an attempt to capture Scarlett's vision.

"No, Dominique, not like that, I want it to sit at my natural waist," she explained patiently.

"Yes, Mrs. Butler," replied the girl, taking another piece of paper out and quickly drawing another body form and beginning to adjust the waist as Scarlett wanted.

"Exactly!" Scarlett cried enthusiastically. "Yes, and perhaps a...no, wait, try adding a trim right there," she suggested.

"Mrs. Butler?" prompted Dominique after she hadn't heard a response for a few moments.

Scarlett's brow was furrowed in deep concentration. She took the paper from the seamstress, scrutinizing apparently every line and every sweeping curve. "Perfect," she pronounced it, throwing an arm around Dominique for a quick hug. "He will love it," she murmured to herself.

"Yes, well..." began Dominique, somewhat startled by Scarlett's uncharacteristic and vaguely improper show of affection and appreciation. "We can begin with the fabric next week, I will see you then," she said as she gathered her things, leaving Scarlett to stare at the drawing.

Dominique turned the knob of the door, looking back for a moment to make sure she hadn't forgotten something before stepping forward and colliding with a very solid male chest. "Frederick?" she said brokenly, as his hands came up to catch her arms and brace her from the impact and her body immediately reacted to their close proximity.

"Can we find somewhere to talk?" he asked, his low voice sending shivers of uncertainty and desire through her.

She shouldn't. He affected her far too much. Dominique had promised herself after having her heart broken that she would be warier the next time a man seemingly carried by fate appeared to her. But her heart still raced and foolishly hoped that he was different...that he could be what she needed and in some ways had been waiting for without knowing it.

Dominique found herself nodding, only realizing she had agreed when she felt his hand move to the small of her back and usher her out the door and to his waiting carriage.