"Love In Tara"
Hello. I am sorry I haven't posted anything in a very long time. I don't have a computer anymore so it is very hard to continue working on Love In Tara but I will try. I am posting the chapters as 1-5, 1-10 ect. I am really upset because Love In Tara has been taken off of the site twice so I keep posting it back. I don't know why it is taken off. Thank you all so much for your replies. I will post the rest as soon as possible.
Chapter 1
"Scarlett, Captain Butler is here!" Aunt Pittypat wailed.
"I'll be right down, Aunt Pitty!" Scarlett called out in haste as she stared at herself in the mirror dejectedly. She couldn't see Rhett looking like a 'poor white trash Yankee'. She had been nursing wounded soldiers now for two years, ever since the war had started. Today was her nursing day and she hadn't even changed.
"Scarlett!" Aunt Pitty wailed, more insistent this time.
"Oh, I'll be right down!"
She would have to tolerate Rhett's sarcastic remarks this evening of her appearance. With a frustrated sigh, Scarlett made her way down stairs, colliding into Aunt Pitty.
"Great balls of fire!" Scarlett cried, "You nearly scared me to death! Well where's Captain Butler, Aunt Pitty?"
"Oh, Scarlett you must tell him to leave, he isn't received in a decent respectable families house! When, I think about what he could do to you I feel faint!"
"I'll see Captain Butler as I please. Now where is he?" Scarlett haughtily replied.
"He's out on the porch. Don't bring him into this house, leave him outside," Pitty whispered as she swayed back and fourth before ascending the stairs.
Scarlett watched as Pittypat Hamilton barley made it up the stairs, swaying lightly on her small feet. She wished she could just leave, away from all the gossiping "Fat Old Cats." She was sure Mrs. Merriwether had something to do with Pitty's decision to ban Rhett from her home.
She stepped out side, finding Rhett sitting contently on a chair, smoking his cigar. She took the opportunity to observe him, as he was deep in thought. Rhett was an imposing figure. His dark hair glistened in the afternoon sun and his tan skin was bronzed from many days of working outside in the California goldmines. He was the most attractive and masculine man she had ever known.
As if Rhett had sensed her watching him, his head rose and he looked up at her with a devilish grin as he stood up.
"My very dear Mrs. Hamilton, you're looking well as usual," he said bowing over her hand mockingly. She only pulled her hand out of his grasp.
"I'm not in the mood for your jokes, Rhett," Scarlett said with a frustrated sigh as she sank into the chair.
"Indeed?" Rhett asked raising his dark brows in question. "What's on your mind my pet? Surely it can't be my presence that's annoying you?"
"No. I just hate this war! There's no balls or parties. There are only old wounded soldiers and those 'fat old buffalos' that judge everything I do. Mrs. Merriwether was even trying to have Aunt Pitty ban you from the house!"
Rhett heartily laughed. "I wondered when she'd get around to it." He looked towards Scarlett, who was still pouting. "Come, Scarlett, don't sulk all day. The war will be over soon. Besides I brought you something."
"Oh, Rhett! What is it?" Scarlett happily cried, forgetting her earlier dilemma.
"I'll tell you later," Rhett commented as he kneeled next to Scarlett, grabbing the palm of her hand and kissing it. His neatly trimmed mustache tickled her hand, and she tried to pull her hand away. But Rhett's grasp was firm as he spoke: "Don't pull away, Scarlett. I have a proposition for you. You see I'm going off to join the war and…"
"Rhett you can't be serious! You hate this war as much as I do and why should you join when it doesn't mean anything to you?" She already felt upset by 'the old cat's' conduct; she didn't need Rhett to do something foolish now. She tried to pull her hand away once again but he didn't let her.
"I never lie when the truth is so much easier, Scarlett. Yes, I'm going off to join our brave lads in gray. Well enough talk of war, as I was saying I have waited for you longer than I've waited for any woman…"
"Are you proposing Rhett?" Scarlett asked, barley breathing. She batted her black eyelashes coquettishly. "I've caught him now." She thought with evil pleasure. Rhett roared with laughter, wiping the satisfied look off of her face.
"How many times must I have to tell you I'm not a marrying man?"
"But… why…?" She stuttered hopelessly.
"I was asking you if you could find it in your cold heart, to become my mistress?" Rhett finished, grinning boldly.
Mistress! Scarlett's mind rang. She yelled the first words that came to her lips: "Mistress! What would I get except a passel of brats?" And then her jaw dropped in horror at what she had said.
"That's why I like you Scarlett, your frank. You never let your guard down."
Scarlett turned towards Rhett, her eyes glittering dangerously. "I'll be frank then! Get out of here! I never want to see you again! I'll hate you till I die! You're despicable and a… cad, the worst I've ever seen! Get out of here and never come back! If you do my father… he'll shoot you!"
She stomped to the door, like a child, Rhett following behind her. "I suppose you won't take a rein check on my proposal?" He asked. She didn't answer she only glared at him and opened the door roughly. With a tip of his hat Rhett was gone.
As soon as he left Scarlett ran to her room, bursting into tears, muffling her anguished cries against her pillow. "How can he do this to me?" She thought bitterly. She never expected Rhett to marry her, but she didn't expect this disgusting proposal. "Why should it matter?" She reasoned as she fell to sleep.
Meanwhile as Rhett made his way down to Belle's for his last drink, he went through his own thoughts, He was going to tell Scarlett he loved her and wanted to marry her, he had even bought her a ring. But as he saw Scarlett's revengeful pleasure at his words, Rhett quickly stopped short, asking her to become his mistress. Knowing it would hurt her as much as she hurt him.
"Scarlett doesn't love me and she never will," he sadly thought. He was going to fight a lost cause, maybe he could forget Scarlett, but was it that simple to forgot the beautiful Southern Belle that stole his heart?
Chapter 2
It had been one year since Rhett had left. Scarlett missed him much more than she'd care to admit. She missed his swarthy handsome face, his bold laughing eyes and most of all his company.
Once every one had found out Rhett joined the army, they were horrified. Some never even fathomed the idea. Some hoped he would get shot at the Yankee's hands. He deserved it, many had said. Especially Mrs. Merriwether and Dr. Meade. But always Melanie prayed for the safe return of her "Beloved Ashley" and Captain Butler.
Scarlett didn't have enough time to pray for Ashley nevertheless Rhett. By the day, thousands of wounded soldiers came into Atlanta's Hospital and every day Scarlett worked like a field hand, until she came home exhausted, where she fell into a restless sleep with the images of dying men clinging to her skirts.
Today was her day to nurse again. How could she endure another day, when Melanie stayed home carrying Ashley's child? A few months ago Melanie had found out she was with a child and immediately told Scarlett. When Scarlett had found out she wanted to die. How could Ashley and Melanie have a child, when it was her that Ashley loved? With a heavy heart Scarlett made her way to the hospital.
By the end of the day Scarlett was exhausted and ready to go home. She couldn't think of anything but the comfort of her bed. But as she made her way towards the door she heard an in mistakable Charleston drawl: "Surely, you haven't forgotten me Mrs. Hamilton?"
She spun around instantly. She saw Rhett Butler lazily lounging on a bed. Seeing Rhett again was such a shock, Scarlett could barley breath. A smile threatened to escape her before she remembered Rhett's disgusting proposal. She forgot herself once again, as she always did when around Rhett. "If you think I've forgotten your disgusting proposal, you're sorely mistaken Rhett Butler! "
"No, I knew you hadn't forgotten, Mrs. Hamilton. Will you be so kind as to fetch me a glass of water?" He said with a devilish grin, having the advantage over her.
"Of course, Captain Butler," she said through gritted teeth. She quickly poured a glass full of water and brought it to Rhett, as she handed the glass to him their fingers touched causing her to jump back as if she had been burnt.
Rhett only chuckled as he drank his water. "Come, Scarlett, surely you're not still angry with me for my infamous conduct? I even brought you a present."
She found she couldn't stay angry with Rhett even though she wanted to. "Well I'm not so angry anymore," She replied sweetly, flashing her dimples. "But, Rhett, I must admit I didn't expect you to join the army… Are you injured, Rhett?"
"Of course not. It was getting rough; so I decided to come back for a while and er- have some pleasure. Maybe you would care to help me?"
Scarlett laughed quietly. "You really are a conceited varmint Rhett Butler. What makes you think you're presence is pleasurable? " Gladly she sat next to him. It was so nice to be able to sit next to him again.
Rhett leaned over and whispered in her ear, "I'm just conceited enough to actually believe it." Scarlett pulled away blushing profoundly.
He laughed. "Well do you want your present or should I give it to Miss Pittypat?"
"Don't, you dare, Rhett Butler! You didn't really get me a present did you?" Scarlett asked looking around as if she'd see it. Rhett laughed at her child like behavior.
"Yes I did you nosey girl." He pulled a thin red velvet box from his tattered pocket. Rhett handed the box to Scarlett, watching her quietly. He had taken great pains to retrace this piece. But he would move Heaven and Earth for Scarlett if she were happy.
Scarlett opened the box and couldn't believe what she saw. There lay her mother's white Rosary beads that the Yankees had only taken a few months prior. Wordlessly Scarlett put the Rosary beads safely back into the box. Without thinking she threw her arms around Rhett's shoulders, kissing him on the cheek. She was too over whelmed to notice she had kissed Rhett Butler and was sitting on his bed.
"Thank You, Rhett. This is the best gift ever. How ever did you find it?" She asked, chocking on her own tears as she stared at Rhett in wonder. Would this man ever cease to amaze her?
Rhett smiled. He wordlessly handed her his handkerchief. "Well it wasn't too hard. I happened to be playing poker with a Yankee Captain one night and he mentioned all the valuables he had taken from a Jonesboro plantation. So I decided to take look and being the gentleman I am, I bought it. But I see I shall have to buy you more presents if I always get your undeniable kisses," he finished with a grin. Looking at Scarlett's soft red lips.
Scarlett blushed and distractedly said, "Rhett you… know… I-I didn't mean what I said about Pa shooting you."
He grinned at her meek demeanor. "Of course you did. I'm a cad and should be shot; I don't mind it. I'd rather be shot anyways than hung."
"Oh, Rhett don't be nasty! I told you I was sorry."
He looked down towards Scarlett's bosom, which was slightly showing. "Indeed? As much as I'm enjoying sharing my bed, I think you should sit on the chair. The "Old Guard," is less likely to gossip about my conduct of, "trying to seduce you into my bed."
"Oh," Scarlett gasped in shock, not realizing she was still sitting on his bed. But she couldn't help but grin as she moved over to the chair. Rhett was here and now she could have fun again.
Chapter 3
Since Rhett had come, Scarlett didn't have anything to need for; comfort, excitement or fear. She once feared the Yankees, feared dying alone in Atlanta but as long as Rhett was here Scarlett didn't fear any of those things.
Many days Scarlett spent all day in the hospital sitting with Rhett. While he comforted her or while he told her amusing stories of the war. The way Rhett talked of the war one would think it was enjoyable.
Many of the "Old Cat's" gossiped of Scarlett's conduct at the hospital, especially Mrs. Merriwether. Two weeks after Rhett had given Scarlett her mother's Rosaries, Mrs. Merriwether came to call at Pittypat Hamilton's small brick home, to just tell what she thought of Scarlett O'Hara:
"Your conduct is uncalled for. I saw with my own two eyes you were sitting on the bed with that Butler. He's a bad lot Scarlett a poor, disgusting man that will ruin your reputation. You must leave to Tara right away; you can't stay any longer with all this battling and with that Butler fellow. You're just as good to disgrace the Robillard name. I shall write your mother about this digression!" Mrs. Merriwether fumed.
Scarlett was sitting next to Melanie as she said all this and suddenly burst into fake tears. Melanie put her arms around Scarlett's shoulder, to "comfort" her.
"There, there, Scarlett darling. Don't cry you won't go home." "Mrs. Merriwether how can you say such things? Poor darling, she is just a child. She didn't mean to sit on the bed with Captain Butler. She is just so tired, poor dear; she takes care of me and must nurse without my help because of… Oh don't cry," Melanie soothingly said as she patted Scarlett's back softly.
Mrs. Merriwether only huffed. "I don't care if she's tired and furthermore I nurse all day also young lady and you don't see me sitting on men's beds. The whole town knows. She would be just as better at Tara where she can't get into mischief."
Scarlett only broke into more fake tears, almost choking and said like a small child: "I did… didn't mean to. Please don't tell mother, she'd be so worried. I can't go home in-in disgrace. I couldn't bare it. I didn't mean to… I was so tired and- and… I couldn't bare leaving Melly."
"Of course you didn't darling. Please don't tell her Mrs. Merriwether, I'm sure it won't happen again."
"It definitely won't. Good day Melanie," Mrs. Merriwether said airily as she left.
As soon as Mrs. Merriwether was gone Melanie lifted Scarlett's face lovingly with her hands and dried all of her tears.
"Don't worry Scarlett, Mrs. Merriwether won't send you home. Are you alright darling?"
Scarlett sniffled a little and said, "Yes, I'm just a little tired and… well I think I'll lay down for a while Melly."
"Of course, poor dear you are so tired. Don't worry darling I'll watch Wade for you." Scarlett nodded her head and descended the stairs to her small room.
I won't go home, I won't! Scarlett thought hastily as she sank into her soft bed. What would she do at home? She couldn't bring Melly all the way there. She had promised Ashley she would stay with Melly after all and she would be so bored without Rhett.
Scarlett walked to her small window over looking the street. "I'll go see Rhett, he'll know how to get out of this." Scarlett was just about to turn, when she saw a large black man open the gate. In a hurry she made her way downstairs to the door. Scarlett immediately recognized who it was, Big Sam…
"Big Sam, how nice to see you. How is everyone at Tara?" When Sam's huge grin faded Scarlett knew something was wrong. "What is it? The Yankee's didn't burn…"
"Good' Lord no Miss Scarlett! It jus your sistas' done have typhoid." Big Sam quickly added, "But not to worry Miss Scarlett they ain't too bad an' Tara's safe."
Scarlett breathed easier. She knew even if Tara were burnt down Sam wouldn't lie to her. "Well, how are you Big Sam? And whatever are you doing you here?"
"Well Miss Scarlett I'm done goin' off to join the armay."
"But why? You're our best overseer. Doesn't father need you?"
Big Sam shook his head. "No, Miss Scarlett. Miss Ellen says that they could manage an' the armay need me more."
He pulled a small letter from his pocket and handed it to Scarlett. "This is from your pa. Miss Ellen said she loves ya and not to worry and to pray for the poor young lil' misses."
"Thank You, Sam. Please keep well."
Sam started to walk down the front steps and called back: "Not to worry Miz Scarlett I will's. We'll beat those damned Yankees." He soon disappeared.
With shaky hands, Scarlett nimbly opened the letter:
July.27, 1884
My dearest daughter,
Your mother and I send our love. Your sisters caught typhoid, but Mrs. O' Hara says under no circumstances are you to come home, daughter. Tara is safe and we all our well. We are very proud of you, Katie Scarlett for taking care of Cousin Melanie in her time of need. Keep well Puss.
Scarlett breathed easier. Tara was safe and so were Mother, father and Mammy. She tucked the letter safely away and made her way down Peachtree Street…
Scarlett told Rhett of Mrs. Merriwether's visit, he just laughed. "Don't worry Scarlett the old wind bag won't send you back."
"You sound so sure of your self." Scarlett replied with a shaky laugh.
Rhett only grinned as he leaned back in bed. "Yes I'm sure. You need to stay to nurse and to…"
Scarlett quickly changed the subject, not wanting to speak of Ashley. "When are you going back to the army, Rhett?"
"When Atlanta is taken by Sherman." Rhett replied with a bitter smirk.
"Rhett, you don't believe Atlanta will be…"
" You are such a child Scarlett. You can't face unpleasant realities, especially when they are staring you right in the face. Yes, Scarlett I believe Sherman will take Atlanta." He replied with a far away look and then he chuckled "No need to worry your self Scarlett. I hardly imagine Sherman can lick you."
"I am flattered you hold me in such high regard." Scarlett replied. Rhett roared with laughter.
Scarlett looked around quickly. "Shh… Rhett." She hissed "One false move on our parts and then we won't have to worry who Sherman captures."
"Lets toast to that Scarlett." He said as he pulled a bottle of wine out from behind his blankets. Rhett poured Scarlett a glass of wine and handed it to her and then poured himself a glass.
"Rhett I… I. Well I can't drink wine…"
"Why not?" Rhett asked with a grin.
"Well, what if I have to nurse more soldiers? I can't be drunk."
Rhett only shrugged his shoulders. "Come Scarlett it will only be a small glass anyways wine will help soothe your soul."
"My soul is soothed enough, thank you."
"Well I suppose only strong woman like Belle can drink wine. She has spirit, and if there is one thing I admire in a girl's virtue is a "spirit."
Belle! That woman. Well she'd show Rhett Butler she was just as good as that Watling creature; she had more charm and was prettier. She could surely drink better too…
"Oh! All right but just a little."
Rhett could hardly contain his triumphant grin as he raised his glass: "To your virtue; may it never be an issue again." He drank all the wine in his glass. Scarlett drank the wine too even though she didn't know what Rhett meant by her "virtue."
Slowly, Scarlett drank one glass and then another. She loved how the wine made her feel. It was so inviting and warm on this cold night. She felt like a little girl again with no worries.
Scarlett stared up at Rhett with bright burning eyes. Rhett looked at her, he hadn't seen Scarlett ever look so stunning. She looked towards Rhett again, he seemed so far away. She giggled; Rhett's eyes seemed so bright and strange. Scarlett leaned back in her chair where she passed out peacefully.
Chapter 4
It was deathly quite. Scarlett tried to open her eyes but they felt so heavy and sore. She heard the soft breeze of the wind and the swift patter of feet. Scarlett finally managed to open her eyes; she was in someone's arms, being carried down a dark road. Finally her vision cleared as she saw the man who was carrying her, Rhett.
"Rhett?" Scarlett whispered, slurring her words slightly.
He looked at Scarlett with a smile. "I was wondering when you would recover from your er- drunken state."
Scarlett's eyes glittered dangerously as she remembered Rhett had made her drunk and in the hospital! "Put me down this instance!" She yelled.
Rhett only laughed and said, "You wouldn't want to break that pretty little nose. Now would you my dear?"
"Put me down this minute Rhett Butler or I'll scream!"
"Alright," Rhett agreed as he placed Scarlett on the ground. She felt dizzy as she threw her arms frantically around his waist for support. Rhett only laughed as he picked Scarlett up again.
"This is a night I'll never forget," He drawled. "The night Scarlett O'Hara became a drunkard."
"Well it's your fault! I told you I didn't want a drink!" Scarlett replied haughtily.
"Yes I know but you needed a drink badly and I gave you the oppur-…"
"Maybe so but now the fat old cats won't let me step foot in the hospital again!"
Rhett only laughed. "Do you really care Scarlett? You told me you despise nursing our poor wounded lads, on more than one occasion."
Scarlett stuttered unconvincingly, "Well I-I owe… it to the- the cause."
Rhett roared with laughter. "Scarlett I know you don't care for the cause anymore than I do. You might as well stop pretending besides if you start saying you believe in our "glorious cause" you tend to believe in it eventually and that my dear is tragedy."
"Put me down," Scarlett said quietly as she saw the red brick house come into view. Rhett looked towards the house and then Scarlett's anxious eyes.
"No, I would rather take you upstairs myself. I always wondered what it would be like to carry Charles Hamilton's widow, over the threshold of his dear Aunt Pitty's. Any ways I wouldn't want you falling down the stairs," Rhett replied taking long strides towards the house.
"Rhett I'm serious put me down now. If Aunt Pitty sees you she'll tell Mrs. Merriwether and then she will send me home to…"
"Yes? Scarlett I always thought you were a smart girl but now I see you aren't," Rhett quipped as he walked up to the door setting Scarlett down next to the brick wall for support.
"Mrs. Hamilton I might not be to bright in these er- situations but I think I need a key to open the door." Rhett stared at Scarlett, as if she were the most amusing thing in the world.
"Oh." Scarlett fumbled through her pocket and then suddenly stopped. "Rhett I- I don't have a key," Scarlett admitted, her face flushed in embarrassment. Rhett only shook his head slightly and raised his hand to the door. "Rhett!" Scarlett cried, grabbing his arm, "Are you crazy you can't knock on the door!"
Rhett only smiled and said playfully, "Now I know you aren't a smart girl, Scarlett. Haven't you ever heard the saying, "knock and thee shall enter."
"Rhett hush! Oh, it's all your fault and now I'm…" Before Scarlett could finish, Rhett pulled a pocketknife out of his trouser pockets.
"My dear I am going to pick the lock. Not a very becoming gentleman habit but well I'm not a gentleman and I can't bare your God forsaken Irish temper another minute." He pushed the knife into the lock while swaying clumsily on his feet.
"Why, he's drunker than me!" Scarlett thought. Oh, if mother knew I'd never be able to hold my face up again.
Finally after minutes of Rhett cursing under his breathe, the door didn't budge. Scarlett shook her head as she walked over to the door.
"So much for men's brilliant minds," Scarlett mockingly said at Rhett's effort. "Oh, Rhett you look like a drunken fool. Here let me." She pushed Rhett a side and worked the lock. A few minutes later the key latch clicked.
Scarlett gave Rhett a prideful look. "And that Captain Butler is how you pick a lock."
"And this, my dear is how you sweep a woman off her feet," Rhett replied as he swept Scarlett into his arms. He entered the house and shut the door quietly behind. Scarlett wanted to protest but she dare not say anything. If Pitty or Melanie caught her she would just as soon be at Tara. As swift as an Indian Rhett made his way up the stairs.
"Which room is yours my dear?" He whispered quietly.
"The third one," Scarlett answered against her will. Her eyes roamed around the hall, looking for any sign of Melanie or Pitty.
Rhett opened the door quietly, entered and then shut the door firmly behind him. He placed Scarlett on the bed gently and tucked her in as if she were a small child.
"I hope you don't mind if I stay a while?" Rhett asked as he sat in a chair, facing the bed.
She was far too hazy to care and wanted company. "Why should Rhett leave? He'll probably pass out on the way to the hospital and I'm not tired." Scarlett reasoned and then she said out loud: "It's immaterial to me. But if Pitty catches you it will be your neck she has not mine."
"I'll take the chance," Rhett replied with a mocking grin. He pulled a bottle of Whiskey out of his coat pocket.
"Is there a thing that man doesn't have in his pocket?" Scarlett mused.
"My dear would you like a drink?" Rhett asked as he drank a little amount of whiskey from the bottle.
Scarlett's first thought was to refuse but she wanted something to soothe her. She grabbed the bottle greedily not caring if Rhett would mock her. She drank the contents slowly wanting to devour every drop. Finally Scarlett set the bottle down on her nightstand.
She felt so numb and yet so alive. Scarlett looked at Rhett; her eyes were burning so bright. Scarlett saw Rhett but she looked past him. In an unthinking move Scarlett threw her arms around Rhett's neck.
She giggled happily. "Rhett you are the… most handsome, ignorant man I've ever known. I can never tell what you're thinking but I- I don't care you see I'm just a little spoiled brat and- but I could care less." Scarlett tilted her head back for a kiss.
Rhett stared at Scarlett with a frustrated stare. But Scarlett didn't notice it as he clenched his fists before rising out of the chair and striding towards the bed. He lowered his mouth to hers but before their lips could meet, Scarlett's arms loosened as she passed out again. "So much for a kiss," Rhett mumbled, tucking Scarlett's small frame in the silky white coverlets.
He smiled at the picture Scarlett made. Her hair was spread about her beautiful milky face as the moonlight shone across her.
"Good night, my love," Rhett whispered as he kissed her softly, barley grazing her lips. Rhett left as quietly as he had entered.
Chapter 5
True to Rhett's word the Union and Confederate soldiers were fighting tiredly at Kennesaw Mountains, five miles from Tara! Scarlett was beside herself with worry. She was plagued with fear. What if the Yankees burnt down Tara or killed Mother or Father? Not even Rhett could console her. And only a few days ago had she gotten word that her mother, Ellen was ill. Ellen who was so soft and gentle, which stayed up all night nursing others was ill with typhoid and might die!
She couldn't go home. Melanie had to stay in Atlanta and now she had to nurse the thousands of wounded men that came in by day. Oh if only she were pregnant then she could stay home and not have to worry.
But little did Scarlett know, that late at night Melly paced her room with worry. She was just as frightened. What would happen to her baby if she were to die? What would happen to her dearest sister? Melanie knew Scarlett's mother was ill and how worried Scarlett was…
It was a warm early September morning. Scarlett could still hear canons in the distance but nevertheless she had decided she would see Rhett today at the hospital. There was no use staying home like a wallflower, even though there were thousands of wounded men, she would think of some excuse not to nurse and then Rhett and her could spend the day together… Thank God for Rhett! During these terrible thirty days of siege he was so comforting and the only man that laughed and didn't have that tormented look the other soldiers wore. Yes, Rhett was a comfort and he would know how to make her feel better, at least he would make her feel better for a while.
Once Scarlett entered the hospital she looked around for Rhett but instead of laying in the bed she saw him nursing men with Dr. Meade.
"Rhett!" Scarlett called out over all the groaning soldiers. Rhett turned around, immediately walking towards Scarlett with a devilish grin.
"What are you doing here Scarlett?" Rhett asked as he scanned Scarlett's body with his eyes.
"I came to visit you. Why are you nursing, Rhett? I thought you were "sick."
"Well I was but unfortunately they needed my help. The pompous old goat said they need every pair of hands even that of a Scalawag."
"Oh, Rhett," Scarlett replied indignantly. "You're not a Scalawag and I came all the way here to see you and now while you're nursing what will I do?"
Before Rhett could speak the Doctor called him and Rhett left. For the rest of the day Scarlett had to nurse. Mrs. Merriwether forced her and Scarlett could think of no excuses. It was already past noon when Rhett came over to Scarlett.
"We better leave now Scarlett," Rhett quietly said.
"But Rhett…"
"Don't argue Scarlett. I'll tell you later." Without further protest, Rhett took Scarlett's arm as he led her outside the hospital. Finally Rhett broke the silence. "Scarlett, I didn't want to tell you in the hospital but a dispatch came into headquarters just before you came. Before the end of the day Atlanta will be evacuated."
"But Rhett!" Scarlett protested. "We can't be! What about all the men that are there? Why, even Uncle Henry and Grandpa Merr…"
"You're such a child, Scarlett. We're out numbered. Our dear men are leaving us to burn. But don't worry your pretty little head, we are leaving tonight," Rhett stated calmly as he quickened his pace.
"How?" Scarlett questioned looking up to Rhett with that of a frightened child's eyes. The hardness disappeared from Rhett's face as he smiled reassuringly at Scarlett.
"I managed to save my horse and wagon. They are under a bridge about ten miles away. Hopefully the Yankees didn't capture them or worse the horse died, we'll find out soon enough. Go home and pack only the stuff you need. Don't tell Mrs. Wilkes we are leaving, it will only worry her. I'll come back for you." Rhett softly assured her. With one last kiss to her small hand, Rhett ran down the street, disappearing into the horizon. She hadn't even noticed Rhett and her were alone. Not one person was on the street as a few days ago there were thousands. The silence was defeating as Scarlett made her way home…
As soon as Scarlett entered the house Prissy ran up to her screaming in a high-pitched voice: "Miss Scarlett, Miss Scarlett! Miss Melly is in labor'!"
Scarlett could only stare at Prissy in shock. Melanie in labor! It couldn't be true! Scarlett roughly pushed past the squawking Prissy and ran up the stairs. Melanie was laying on the bed, drenched in sweat and her small white face twisted in pain. "Melly, how long have-" Scarlett stuttered awkwardly in disbelief.
"Since day break." Melanie answered in a hoarse whisper.
"But the… the Yankees are coming!"
"Poor dear," Melanie said as she reached her small hand out to Scarlett's. "You would be in Tara now, if it weren't for me. Oh dear I'm so sorry to be so much trouble. Don't worry about me darling go home now before…"
"Fiddle-dee-dee, Melly! Don't be a goose. I won't leave you. I'll go send for Dr. Meade…"
"No! He can't come," Melanie protested. "Not while all our men are dying…" Melanie didn't finish her sentence. Her face became paler as her head lolled back; she had fainted. Scarlett left in a hurry, not bothering to check on her.
"Prissy! Where is Wade?"
"He is out in the backyar'…"
"Well bring him in here!" Scarlett ordered. "And make sure he is quite. Go upstairs and watch over Miss Melly and don't be upsetting her or I'll whip the hide off you! Now hurry!"
Prissy let out a startled yelp as she ran out of the house to retrieve Wade. Scarlett quickly grabbed her bonnet and went outside into Georgia's stifling heat.
Finally she made it to the hospital. She hadn't even noticed the thousands of wounded soldiers in rows lying on the red earth. Oh, how was she going to find Dr. Meade? Of all days these fools decided to die, why now? Scarlett lifted her skirts as she made her way past all the men in a hurry, not bearing to look at them. Scarlett saw Dr. Meade standing next to a wounded man. She ran up to him quickly, almost stepping on a man.
Before Scarlett could speak Dr. Meade said warily: "Young lady, where have you been? Running off with that Butler man when we need every pair of hands! But it doesn't matter now; you're here." Scarlett stared at Dr. Meade in shock as she grabbed his arm.
"Dr. Meade! You must come with me! Melly is having her baby!"
"I can't leave these men for a baby! Get some woman to help you! I'm busy. There's nothing to bringing a baby into the world, child. You'll remember. Just do the same things that Mammy and Ellen did to you when Wade was born."
She knew it was no use; the doctor wasn't coming. Scarlett stared at the thousands of wounded men. It was their entire fault! Oh, why did this have to happen, of all days? She stared at the men again before she picked up her skirts and made her way home…
Once Scarlett hung up her bonnet she found Prissy sitting on the stairs. "What are you doing down here! How is Miss Melly?" She asked apprehensively.
"Oh, Miss Scarlett!" Prissy whined. "Miss Melly done fainted again. She was callin' for Mistah' Ashley and I'd tell her he was gone in to the war and she…"
Scarlett's jaw tightened in rage as she drew her hand back and slapped Prissy with all her strength. Prissy screamed and tried to escape but Scarlett caught her with a firm hand. "Hush! Hush, I tell you! You dim-witted, stupid girl! Don't be telling her Ashley is in the war! Do you want to worry Miss Melly and have her miscarry?"
"No Miss Scarlett!" Prissy whimpered.
"The doctor can't come. We need to deliver the baby ourselves, Prissy. You go into the…"
"Oh! Miss Scarlett I can't! I know nuthin' 'bout birth in babies!"
"I don't care! I know some things and you're going to help me unless you want to be sold! Now hurry and go get a ball of twine, all the clean towels you can find and boiling water in the kettle and the scissors! Go quickly! Hurry you ninny!" Scarlett cried as she pushed Prissy forward to the kitchen.
Hours had passed. Scarlett didn't know what time it was moreover didn't care. Tirelessly she worked for what seemed forever. Where was Rhett? Why wasn't he here yet? Surely it did not take hours to walk ten miles. Scarlett stared out the window again. It was almost nightfall; surely Rhett would come soon. With a sigh she made her way back to Melanie's room.
Soon after twilight, Scarlett heard a carriage pull up to the side of the house. She swiftly ran down stairs and threw open the door. It was Rhett. Looking more in control and confidant as ever.
He walked up to the porch with a broad grin and flowers. His hair was disheveled and his shirtsleeves were pulled up to his elbows but he still looked handsome and not the least bit worried.
"I told you I would come back my dear. And I brought these." Rhett handed Scarlett the flowers. She only scoffed and through them on the ground.
"Oh! Rhett if you joke with me now, I'll kill you! What took you so long? I have been, worried sick!"
Rhett grinned. "Well my pet that's fine thanks I get? After risking my life and…"
"Oh never mind about that! Rhett, the Yankees aren't coming yet, are they?"
"No not yet. I wouldn't be worried if I were you, Scarlett. They wont come at least for another… Oh two hours."
"Two hours!" Scarlett cried, "Oh Rhett, Melanie's having her baby. I-I…"
Rhett put a comforting hand on Scarlett's shoulder and asked smoothly, "How long has she been in labor?"
"Oh, I don't know. About- since… since daybreak."
"Do you think she will have the baby soon?"
Scarlett shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. But I think… hopefully soon. Her pains are closer and well I think it might be soon." And then she said in an after thought, "Rhett, I understand if you want to leave… It might be along time until the baby's born and the Yankees might… come… come be- before…"
Rhett grabbed Scarlett's hand softly and said, "I won't leave you. You should know me better than that my pet. So what if the Yankees come in five minutes or ten, it's irrelevant to me."
Scarlett smiled at Rhett. He always did know how to make her feel better. Just then Scarlett heard Melanie's anguished moans. She let go of Rhett's hand reluctantly. "What will you do all alone, Rhett? You'll be bored to death. Maybe you should leave and then come back…"
"I'll be fine here thank you. I'll visit with Wade." He replied.
Scarlett smiled as she headed up stairs. "Who would have thought that Rhett Butler would be fond of children?" She mused as she entered Melanie's room…
Rhett was sitting on the settee with small Wade asleep in his lap when he heard the first sound of a newborn baby cry. A moment later Scarlett came out of the room as she walked wearily down the stairs. Rhett carefully laid Wade on the settee as he rose.
"How is Mrs. Wilkes?"
"She is really weak Rhett. She's resting now. She… Oh Rhett, what if she dies? It will be my entire fault. I promised to take care of Melly and she's so weak, she isn't suppose to have children."
Rhett gently walked over to Scarlett and held her close. "Shh… darling. You did the best you could. Did she have a boy?"
"Why… Rhett how did you know?"
"Well my dear you soon forget men have brilliant minds," Rhett quipped, referring to the night two months ago. Just then they heard an explosion in the distance.
"Rhett…"
"We need to leave now. I think the Yankees will be paying us a visit soon." Rhett drawled as he started towards the stairs.
He quietly walked over to the bed and spoke to Melanie. "Mrs. Wilkes, I'm taking you all to Tara. Can you put your arms around me? I'll try not to hurt you." Melanie tried to put her arms around his neck but couldn't. Finally Rhett grabbed her arms gently and draped them over his neck.
"Charles… Charles… sword, please," Melanie whispered.
"Oh, all right," Scarlett, replied irately. She grabbed the sword and then followed Rhett down the stairs. "Prissy! Grab Wade, hurry now!"
"But Miss Scarlett, I have de babe! And I can't fine' Little Mister anywhere. I have been calling him and he is gone! He ran off again!" Prissy whined.
"Oh, do I have to do everything! I'll let the Yankees catch you then at least you will be worth something," Scarlett mumbled as she looked under the small rocking chair, where Wade usually hid. "Prissy! Come over here and get him! I have enough on my hands with Miss Melly and you… let alone Wade."
Scarlett quickly made her way down the porch stairs. At once she saw fire lighting up the entire sky. "Rhett! Why… what's that!"
"Our gallant lads must have set fire to the warehouse," Rhett answered as he lifted Scarlett into the carriage. "Don't worry my dear, we still have time," He added, noticing Scarlett's worried face.
In the back of the carriage, Wade and Prissy lay with Melanie. Wade's hiccupping sounds making their way to Scarlett's ears. But she was too scared to scold Wade, as she watched the flames rise higher and higher. Scarlett's thoughts were interrupted as Rhett whipped the horse causing the horse to gallop in fright.
The carriage made it's way down the street, barely touching the ground as the horse made a mad dash towards Marietta Street. Suddenly the flames became more visible.
"Rhett… must we- we go through the fire?" Scarlett asked her voice trembling.
"We have too," Rhett stated calmly as he whipped the horse again but the horse wouldn't budge. The animal reared as it saw flames creeping up over the warehouse. He jumped quickly out of the carriage, pulling the horses reins. "Throw me your shawl!" He yelled hoarsely.
Without a second thought she threw her shawl to Rhett. He wrapped the shawl around the horses face as he guided the horse through the fire. It seemed to be eternity before they entered safety. Just then they heard the thousands of supplies explode as they all collapsed, the fire engulfing everything. But it didn't matter they were safe.
Rhett silently took his place next to Scarlett as he grabbed the reins, whipping the horse causing it to trot forward. Scarlett wanted Rhett to speak, to ease her own worry but he didn't utter a word as they passed all the soldiers. She silently watched as the men hung on each other for support and as each man collapsed in pain.
Finally Scarlett turned away, for all these men reminded her of Ashley. She didn't want to think of him now; she would go crazy if she did. She would think of him tomorrow… She silently stared affectionately at Rhett as she grabbed his arm. He turned as he felt Scarlett touch him; he stared at her with a warm glow in his eyes she had never seen.
"Thank You, Rhett," She said softly.
Rhett only smiled and replied, "I told you Sherman couldn't capture you my love. And now you can brag to all your friends that you faced Sherman and his army."
Strangely, Scarlett felt content and pleased when she should have felt terrified. She knew now no one could harm her if Rhett was by her side. Her heart glowed at the thought Rhett had called her his love even though he might not remember or would deny it. All these thoughts brought a warm glow to Scarlett's face that Rhett had not seen for sometime.