Occurring while Scarlett is exiled at Tara during the war, starting with Ashley's return.
To anyone that took the time to notice, Scarlett had on her the look of a new bride, a look of contentedness and love, and in noticing such a look on anyone's face, one would surely bring themselves to search for recipient of such a look.
Ashley did notice that very same look on Scarlett's face, but did not need to search, for he was undeniably sure that it was directed towards himself. He had been on the receiving end of that look for many years and it near broke his heart every time. It was not that he was ungrateful for it, but more that he could not truthfully return it.
He had been at war for about a year and had only just returned that afternoon. He had walked a very long distance to return home, when he could not get rides from friendly stranger, and as he walked that last bit with Tara in sight, his heart had swelled with love for the County, love for the old days and all else that the war had destroyed. He had thought of his dear sweet Melly and the last time he had seen her, of the possibility of a child and the sort of child that it might be. Scarlett did not enter his head more than a sister might, and in the same capacity that she might. As he drew closer he thought of the last time he had seen her, and the guilt that had filled him so soon after the event of their goodbye took place in his mind once more.
This of course was quickly wiped away as Melanie ran towards him and embraced him with tears streaming down her face. "Oh Ashley, oh Ashley I've missed you so. Finally you're home." He did not even notice Scarlett being restrained by Mammy behind Melanie's back, nor did he hear Mammy's words "he's not yo' husban'. He only thought of his kind, lovely Mellie and how good it felt to hold her in his arms again.
It had soon started to rain and the couple had remembered themselves and adjourned to the inside of the house, Scarlett and Mammy having previously gone in. As they entered the house, Melly looked up with a huge smile on her face. "Ashley I have a wonderful surprise for you, go into the sitting room and I'll be right back." He watched her climb the stairs and then went into the sitting room with easy countenance. He did not notice Scarlett there until it was too late.
"Oh Ashley I've missed you" She spoke the same words as Melanie and yet they did not elicit the same response. Instead of being heartened by them, he was saddened. "Scarlett it is wonderful to see you dear, how are things?"
"Ashley, things are terrible, Mother is gone, Pa has lost his mind, and the Yankees took everything that was worth anything. I need you" She took several steps towards him in an attempt to embrace him, but he took hold of her arms and lowered them to her sides.
"Scarlett please..."
They were interrupted by Melanie's entrance into the room, and Ashley was completely occupied by what she was holding.
"Ashley this is your son"
Scarlett withdrew from the room with a disappointed look on her face as Ashley picked up his son. Why, He looks as though he actually loves his wife, the cad, she had thought to herself as she made her way up to her room to think.
Apparently his vices were forgiven, for now she had that look upon her face, and Ashley was the one who had to deal with it.
I still haven't decided whether or not I like this story enough to continue with it, if I do Rhett will of course be making an appearance. It may not sound that way, but I am very Scarlett/Rhett friendly. I don't know, you guys tell me. Thank you.