I originally started with the beginning but got frustrated with my writer's block for further interaction with the characters, so I skipped straight to the end.
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Mammie rushed up the stairs as fast as her skirts let her. It was almost time for the Master to come home and her little girl was still upstairs. That child was going to be the death of her she just new it. "Scarlett you best get down here. The children are waiting for you." Mammie had made it to her Mistresses door just in time to see her open it. "Ooh Mammie I overslept and I can't get this dress on proper. Help me I don't want to miss his arrival." Mammie inhaled deeply and exhaled as she walked in to her Mistresses bedchamber. "Now child we'll get you dressed and you will be downstairs in no time" Mammie laced Scarlett and helped her with her shoes at eight months pregnant Scarlett couldn't reach her shoes and she refused to greet her husband in her bed clothes, it just wasn't proper. Mammie smiled a wide grin as she laced Scarlett's shoes. It had been five years since her Master's arrival and four years since their marriage. It had not been love at first sight and much less her father's first choice for a husband but Scarlett grew to love the new arrival in her life and when she was about to loose him she stood up to him and stopped him. She approached her father and spoke to him with her heart in her hand. Like a woman in love and not just the spoiled child, he thought her to always have been. She had grown up a lot during that first year of their relationship and now four years later she was once again with child, or if rumors were true twins. The doctor refused to acknowledge that but Scarlett felt twice as big as she had felt with her first or second child so she knew, in her heart of hearts that she was with twins.
Scarlett had made it to the bottom of the stairs with the help of the butler and Mammie to make sure she did not fall. She was going to have to talk to her husband about temporarily moving to the guest room downstairs because these stairs were killing her in her state. As she was making her way to the back of the house, there was a caller at the front door. The butler James and Mammie looked towards their Mistress, "I don't recall inviting anyone today or for that matter anyone notifying me that they would be calling. James please tell them to come back tomorrow around ten o'clock, now it is family time and the master will be arriving shortly." James let go of his Mistresses hand and walked to the front door to let the caller know that he or she should return tomorrow. At that instant as fate, as cruel as it always tends to be, would have it the children opened the kitchen door at exactly the same time that the back door allowing the master in and the front door opened. Two sets of brown eyes witnessed an endearing scene. Master walking into his home and welcomed with open arms by his two sons, a houseful of servants and his very pregnant wife. Elizabeth looked upon the scene and she could not hold back the heartbreak from her eyes. The scene too soon was taken away from her when the butler stood in front of her. "Excuse me Madam but I have been informed by the Mistress that she and her family are unable to take visitors at this time." Elizabeth turned to look at the butler and before she could respond, her husband was by her side. "Please give this to the Master of the home and let him make that decision. Now if you please do show us your hospitality." James was dumbfounded at the rudeness of the arrivals; no matter he thought the Master and Mistress would set them straight. He stepped away from the door to allow them entry and sweeped his hand to show them the direction of the parlor. As James closed the front door the Master came tumbling out of the kitchen laughing and playing with the children, "Now Gerald and Peter how many times have I told you to not…." James stepped forward to his Master to announce the rude guests, "Master Turner the guests have just arrived and they asked that I present this to you. Would you like to receive them or should I ask them to leave." Will did not have a chance to answer when Scarlett came from the kitchen and bumped into him, "William darling" she said as she took his hand and laid her head on his shoulder, "please do come upstairs so you can get cleaned up." William bent down to his children's level, "Gerald, Peter go back into the kitchen and tell Mammie that I said it was ok for you to have dessert right now." Gerald and Peter did not have to be told twice the ran into the kitchen yelling for Mammie about the wonderful news dessert before dinner this was truly heaven for the boys. Will then turned to Scarlett and smiled at her, "Scarlett I would like for you to meet some people I knew, Commodore Norrington and his wife Elizabeth."
Scarlett turned to her guests and offered her warmest and most charming smile, that is of course until her memory caught up with the names of the individuals before her and she withdrew her charm. She turned to James and became the woman that all of Charleston feared, "James I do believe I told you to notify the callers to return tomorrow." She turned to the new arrivals and stepped in front of William, "Now is not the time for guests, this is family time and since you are not welcomed now or ever I would like for you to leave. Now." She did not have to yell it but the room felt like it had dropped twenty degrees the iciness in her eyes, her cold demeanor and the calm dignity that radiated from her left little room for argument. Elizabeth liked a challenge and she wasn't going to let some upstart who thought she owned Williams heart think that she had won, but before she could speak William broke from his revere. "Scarlett." It almost broke Elizabeth's heart to hear him speak his wife's name. She had always fancied herself to be the only woman in Williams heart but seeing him look at his wife, the reverence in his voice for her name and the softness of his character towards her made her think twice about her thoughts. She looked away she could not stand to see him touch her as he spoke to her. "James please show the guests to the parlor and bring them some of my tea." William turned to look at the uninvited guests, "We will be with you shortly." William took his wife's arm and began to assist her up the stairs.
Scarlett waited until they were behind closed doors to speak her mind, "Tell me again why we are interrupting our family time to entertain guests both you and I don't care to see." Scarlett took Williams dirty clothes from him and placed them with his other work clothes. He was dirty from head to toe from working at the blacksmith shop, a trade he refused to give up no matter how many assistants he had. Will stepped into the bath tub and began washing the soot and dirt from his body while Scarlett placed his clean clothes on their bed, "William are you going to answer me." Will had to smile at hearing his wife's question. She was working herself into a fury and he needed to stop her. "Scarlett, please come here." Scarlett sat down on the chair next to the tub, where she usually sat when he took his baths so she could talk to him about her day while he was away, and waited for his answer. "Scarlett, that part of my life is forgotten but for tonight lets find out what they want and then, they can go back to being the past and us and our children being the present. Okay?" Scarlett nodded and she walked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. There were two bathrooms attached to this room and she went into the next one to change her clothes to greet her guests. She had originally decided to wear a simple dress for the family dinner but with guests and in particular one Miss Elizabeth Swann, she needed to be radiant. She may not be the child of a governor but she was a Scarlett O'Hara and a woman had yet to be born that was more beautiful than her.
Will had finished putting on his shoes when he heard his wife's bathroom door open, "Scarlett are you…" The words died in Williams's lips and formed a small smile, he loved his wife and he would always be grateful that her strength forced him to admit his love for her. Today, Scarlett was not just Scarlett Turner she was Scarlett O'Hara-Turner beauty, strength and the love of his life. "My I have the pleasure of escorting you this evening Mrs. O'Hara-Turner." Scarlett smiled her most radiant smile to her husband as she took his arm. They walked down the stairs together and they seemed to glide. Mammie and James were waiting for them at the bottom and looked up proud at their Masters. If there ever were to people who loved each other these were the two. From the parlor Norrington and Elizabeth had seem them descend and neither could help the jealousy that swelled in their hearts. Turner would never be more than a blacksmith in Norrrington's eyes but here he was holding the arm of perhaps the most ravishing creature he had ever set eyes upon, with a home bigger than he could have ever imagined, a multitude of servants and from what he had heard from the local business men he had married into one of the richest family's in all of Charleston. True he had his military commission; the hand of the governor's daughter but that would never equal the fortune that Turner now commanded. If there ever was a man born under a lucky, star that was Turner. Elizabeth for her part felt ill. She knew she was beautiful she had never felt he beauty pale until now. Scarlett had moon white skin, sparkling jade eyes and hair as black as night. Her poise, posture and demeanor screamed polished and she felt her skills lacking in her presence. No, Will was and would always be hers not this woman's. Mammie and James followed their masters to the parlor to await their dinner instructions since it would be time to serve the family in no more than an hour's time.
James and Mammie moved to help Scarlett sit but she stopped them with a look. They knew tonight was going to be special if the Mistress had dressed in her finest and was acting like the lady her mother had brought her up to be. Scarlett settled onto the sofa with William at her side. She turned to him to address the staff's concerns, "William darling, would the guests be joining us for dinner?" "It would be best my dear it is getting late. James, Mammie have the guest's quarters on this level prepared for our guests. Have Gerald and Peter dine in their rooms and please do serve dinner at the appointed time." James bowed at the instructions and Mammie curtsied at hers both walked out of the parlor and closed the doors behind them. Scarlett was still sitting erect upon her seat and William was relaxed next to her. Scarlett then moved to begin serving his tea as she directed her first questions, "Commodore, Mrs. Norrington what brings you to Charleston, business?" Norrington sat back, watched the exchange between Turner and his wife, and could not help but be envious once more. This show of propriety did not mask their true affections for one another. The way Turner's eyes followed his wife's every move with adoration and how much tenderness he expressed when holding her hand. Elizabeth spoke first, "We are actually in town on business. We are here escorting some of our fine island products for sale to your local businesses and decided it was a good time as any to find out what had happened to our dear Will. So how have you been Will?"
It did not escape anyone's attention how much familiarity Elizabeth said Williams name but it would be for not for she would be soon reminded of her lot in life. The lot she herself had chosen. "Mr. and Mrs. Norrington I have been well. You have met my children Gerald and Peter and my wife Scarlett." Norrington hid a smile behind his tea. He had had apprehension at first coming to the Turner household thinking William may harbor some feeling for Elizabeth but hearing his simple, direct answer and the non-chalance with which it was delivered was better than any cold bath of reality he had expected. He knew Elizabeth still had feelings for the blacksmith and had perchance dreamed to escape with him but there was no more love in Turner for her of that he could clearly see, "Yes, Mr. Turner we did see the two boys, what are their ages?" William turned to address Norrington and he could not stop the pride the came out of him, "Gerald is four and his brother Peter is three." "Will you've been gone a scarcely over five years, how long have you been married!?" Scarlett directed her gaze to Elizabeth, "Actually he has been gone sixty-seven months and we have been married for the last fifty-eight. We will be celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary in two months."
At that, moment the children burst into the parlor and tumbled straight into their father is waiting arms in a fit of laughter and giggles. Scarlett's demeanor turned warm at the sight of her family and she called to her children, "Gerald Peter come to mommy please." The children loved their mother dearly and rushed to her side mindful of her tummy, they knew baby sister was in there. William came to sit at the edge of the sofa and he helped the children climb up as well. "Gerald Peter I would like for you to meet guests, Commodore Norrington and his wife Elizabeth." The children stood and bowed liked the proper little gentlemen that they were to the guests and began to climb the sofa once more to climb onto their fathers lap. "What of you Mrs. Norrington, where are your children." Norrington turned to look at Elizabeth as she looked down upon her hands and thought to himself, yes Elizabeth tell them of your children. Of how you are still pure since no, man had you before or during our marriage. How you will never know what it means to be a mother as punishment for your misdeeds, "Unfortunately the lord has not blessed us with child yet, but I'm sure in due time it will come to pass. What of you Mrs. Turner, when are you due?" Scarlett laid her hand on her future child and smiled warmly, "Soon, just a couple more weeks and the twins will be with us." Will had to stifle a laugh, "Are you mocking me my darling. I told you I do not care what the doctor says I am twice as big as I ever was with the boys so I just know there are twins. And it will serve you right if there are two girls." Will moved to his wife side to rub her back, "Yes you are right, you always are. Do forgive me for mocking you?" Scarlett turned to look at her husband's brown eyes and the world melted away and it was only he and the children. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed happily.
At that moment, James entered the parlor to announce dinner. Norrington and Elizabeth stood and waited for the family to exit so they could follow them to the dinning room. Dinner was served in the main dinning room with its crystal chandelier. Silk napkins, gold rimmed plates and glasses. The cutlery made of the finest silver and polished so well it almost looked like you were looking into a mirror. Once again, Norrington was amazed at Turner's fortune and could not help the comment that came out of his mouth, "Mr. Turner how is it that you can afford this on your blacksmith's salary." Scarlett froze on the way to her seat and directed her icy glare at Norrington, how dare he that … scoundrel. Will came to stand by his wife as he sat her to his right and the children by age next to her. He had not wanted them here at first but decided that it would be best that they were present. They would keep Scarlett calm so she did not loose her temper, which she clearly was in danger of at this moment. Norrington sat to his left and Elizabeth followed. James and the two dinner assistants helped everyone get ready for the first course. "Actually Commander this is all my wife's doing. Her family gave us the home as our wedding present along with the staff. My last trip out as you remember left me with my own small fortune and thanks to some wise investments said investments are keeping us comfortable."
"So you married her for her money." Norrington always knew Turner only wanted money and here he had found both beauty and wealth, he did not know how much he was going to stomach. Scarlett shot out of her chair with so much force and anger that it flew from its position. The children had witnessed their mother's anger once before when their previous nanny had thought to spank them, they did not like mommy angry and this man was the cause of it. "I don't care for your insinuations Commander so I suggest that you curve your assumptions about my family or I will have you forcibly removed from my home." Norrington stood from his chair and threw the napkin onto his plate, "I see she wears the pants in the family, you were always weak Turner." At that moment the sneer on his face died as he heard Turner cock his pistol, "I highly suggest Commander that you and your wife leave our home before tragedy befalls you." Norrington could not see the pistol but he had no doubts of its existence. He took Elizabeth's arm and forced her out of her chair. James opened the dining room doors and one of his assistants held the front door open. The last assistant was beside the carriage with the Norrington's effects. Mammie rushed to Scarlett's side and helped her sit. "James fetch the doctor." Scarlett's last outburst had cost her, she had gone into labor. Mammie called for Prissy to come and instructed her to take the children to the nursery and feed them their dinner there as was originally planned. Scarlett was in too much pain to make it up the stairs so she was guided to the guest room on the first level. Will held her hand as she was being dressed down for the upcoming labor, "I am so sorry Scarlett." Scarlett shook her head, "It wasn't your fault. You had warned me of their pig headedness I just did not want to believe it. We will be alright." At that moment, the doctor and the mid-wife walked in and shooed the staff out. He did not ask William to leave since he had bared witness to the other children's birth he knew he would be here for this one as well. "Now Scarlett lets see how you are doing." The doctor did a quick examination of Scarlett and confirmed that she was quite advanced in her labor and that she may start delivering within the hour.
Mammie notified the staff to make the necessary preparations for the upcoming arrivals. She insured that she had two of everything incase Scarlett was right and she was carrying twins. Then of course if she were they would have to send staff at first light to all the necessary shops to purchase additional baby supplies since they had only prepared for the arrival of one. Mammie was so lost in her thoughts and instructing the staff that she dropped the glass, she was holding when she heard Scarlett's first scream. She rushed back to the guest room where Scarlett was giving birth to hold her left hand since Will was holding her right. He was talking to her and reassuring her of her good progress. The doctor had been right not even the hour had struck since labor started and Scarlett was ordered to begin pushing. Scarlett's voice was drowned out by the wail that erupted from her child, it was another boy. She had to laugh, she had been hoping for a girl but another boy would be just find her father would be so happy, another boy to spoil. At that moment, more pain shot thru her and Scarlett arched from the bed due to the pain. The doctor and mid-wife hurried to examine her and discovered Scarlett was right she was in labor once more. She began to push and the mid-wife moved the doctor out of the way. The second baby was coming out wrong and she needed to help it or there would be tragedy. She had seen many women die when the child did not come out headfirst and she was not going to have that happen to Scarlett. "Scarlett I need you to not push so hard in the next pain okay." Scarlett nodded her head and will placed a wet towel on her forward to assist her in her feverish state. "Scarlett in the next pain I want you to push as hard as you can. Will Mammie help her by sitting her up just a bit." As the pain came Scarlett sat up with the assistance of Will and Mammie to help the baby come out and when it did much to everyone's relief it came immediately began to cry. Scarlett fell back exhausted and cold. The exertion she had put her body thru had left her with no warmth and Mammie yelled for the staff to bring pouring the warm bath water in the adjacent bathroom and went to retrieve the warm blankets she had them prepare earlier so no one saw Scarlett's state. The doctor and the mid-wife finished cleaning up Scarlett so she could take a warmth bath and rest. "Scarlett you rest now for a good long while and I will be back in about four hours to check on your progress." The doctor left but the mid-wife stayed with Scarlett to help her with her bath. Will had left the room and walked across the hall where the doctor was inspecting the twins before he left. The doctor turned and saw Will standing by the door, "Congratulations Mr. Turner you have a healthy son and daughter." Will walked to the doctor's side and reached into the crib to pick up his son. The doctor picked up the baby girl and laid her in Will's other arm. If there ever was a proud father Mr. Turner definitely was it.
"Now Mr. Turner I want you to think about what I am about to say. Your wife is strong and healthy but I do not know if her body can withstand another pregnancy at least not anytime soon. Wait at least a couple of years before having anymore. Ok." Will looked up at the doctor and nodded. He would talk to Scarlett about what the doctor had. While he loved his wife and children dearly and would love nothing more to have a dozen children Scarlett was not a woman accustomed to a rough life. She had been born to privilege and as such, her figure was dainty. Yes definitely will have to talk about no more children for a while. The baby's after sucking on air while their father contemplated life and realizing that said air was not producing food began to cry vehemently for food. Will tried to rock them to silence at least for a couple more minutes before having to bring them to Scarlett for their first meal but the twins would have none of that. The more they were rocked and cooed the more they cried. Mammie entered the children's room and waved Will back with her. Scarlett had been bathed, cleaned and felt a bit more refreshed to feed the twins. Yes, today had been a bad day with a good ending.