The next day she awaited for Rhett to return in hope that he had in fact found a solution to her problem. She waited for what seemed like for ever and was actually starting to get worried. What if he doesn't come she thought what will I do then. These thoughts however were quickly driven from her mind when she saw her brother coming up the drive towards the house, she immediately got up and towards him. He noticed her coming and immediately brought her into a hug.
"My you have grown haven't you Ella"she smiled.
"So have you " she replied "I have been waiting and waiting for you to come and now your here"
"Yes and I'm quite upset that it wasn't earlier I mean I didn't get to see her before she died."
"Don't worry brother I know that she understands"
"I hope your" he replied then followed her into the house.
It was after wade had been settled in for at least a few hours when a letter arrived addressed to Ella.
Dear Ella,
This is just a note to tell you that I am extremely sorry I could not come to see you today.
But am very pleased to say I think I have found a solution to your problem.
Sincerely Rhett butler.
She read it over and over a solution to my problem she thought oh thankyou Rhett I knew I could count on you.Then she tucked up th note and put in the draw near the front door and turned back to Wade with a smile on her face. She felt as if all her worries were over.
"What is it?" Wade asked her.
"Oh nothing of any importance" she replied then walked on into the day room.
Wade came in few seconds later fuming. Ella was shocked she had no idea what he could be angry about, then he shoved the letter she had recieved into her face.
"What problem did you have Ella?.. And why on earth did you talk to him about it?" she was momentarilly stunned she did not know that he would react like that.
"What do you mean" she replied trying to stay calm.
"I mean" He yelled "why would you go to him for help after everything he did to our family?"
Ella was stuck for words she didn't know why she had told Rhett everything, She only knew that she had felt that he could help her and that she needed someone to talk to.
"Well who else was I to go to Wade?.. You know it was just the three of us and with mother gone and you god knows where! who was I to turn to." Ella started to cry and Wade automatically went to his sister and hugged her.
"I'm sorry" he said "I didn't mean to yell, I just don't trust him and I don't want you hurt"
"But he cares about us" she quickly put in. Wade held his sister out so he could look her in the eyes.
"The only person Rhett Butler cares about is Rhett Butler" Ella was stunned by what her brother said. It can't be true she told herself it just can't be true.
That afternoon she decided that she didn't care what her brother said and she wrote a secret note back to Rhett. She sat there pondering for what seemed forever unsure of what she should say. Why is this so hard? she kept thinking it's not like he is really going to care what it says. She sat for another few moments then started the letter.
Rhett,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to reply and am very pleased to hear you have come up
with a solution. It is unadvisable for you to see me, as my brother is home for the funeral
and does not wish me to speak to you, but I will when I can. thankyou.
Sincerely Ella Lorena Kennedy.
She read over it again and was pleased enough with what it said, so she sent it off with one of the servants hoping that her brother would in no way find out what she had just done. Her brother entered the room just after she had sent away the note. He sat down next to her and gave her a smile.
"How are you feeling Ella?" she smiled back.
"I am fine, now that your here" He smiled at her again.
"I'm sorry that you had to be alone for so long"
"It's fine, I know that you were busy. So don't you feel bad"
She excused herself not long after this and went to see Whinnie the servant who had taken the note.
"Whinnie did you get the note to Mr Butler?"
"Yes! I did, and he was very grateful. he said that he would find a way to talk to you and then I left"
"Thank you very mich... noone saw you take the note did they?"
"No ma'am" Ella thanked her again then then went back in the house for lunch.
The next day was was Scarlett's funeral, Ella was extremely upset on this day because she finally had to say goodbye to the women who had become her closest friend and not just a mother. She was also excited at the same time because she knew that she would be speaking to Rhett and she could find out about his solution. She dressed very slowly that morning wanting to llok her best fro her mother. But she again was annoyed she had to wear black, although this black dress was exceptionally better then the one she had worn the day before, because this one showed off her figure. She nodded approvingly at the mirror and made her hair stick back in way that showed off her face. Then slowly walked down the stairs to meet her brother. He looked at her and she could some dissapoinment on his face.
"Ella you look lovely but is altogether an unappropriate dress to wear" She looked shocked.
"I don't care Wade you can't tell me what to do, besides mother would like it so I'm wearing it."
She turned her head from him and walked out the door and got into the carriage, she made a point not to talk to him again because he would just upset her more.
The funeral was very beautiful and nobody not even those who did not like her mother said a bad word. She thanked everyone for coming and when the casket was lowered into the ground she cried and cried. She would not be comforted by her brother because she was still mad at him, So was surprised when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Rhett, she smiled at him as his touch comforted her. Although when she looked at him more she saw the beginning of tears in his eyes and she knew that he wanted to cry for Scarlett aswell. Her brother saw Rhett and gave a look that was telling her to stay away, but she simply just turned from him and continued to stand with Rhett. After the funeral was over and everyone began to leave did she finally get to talk to Rhett.
"So you said that you had a solution!" he nodded and offered her a seat.
"Yes I have and I don't know if you will like it but, it is the only thing that I coud think of" she stared at him with a look that told him to go on.
"Well" he continued "I have an Aunt Carolina who is now living alone and I know she would love to have some young blood, and I have no doubt you would be great company to her" Ella smiled.
"Oh Rhett I knew you would be able to help me, but Rhett tell me now that the funeral is over will you still see me"
"Of course I will" he replied "I wont abandon you again" then he hugged her. She then smiled.
"I missed you Uncle Rhett" It was now that he laughed at her, it was nice to have Scarletts daughter being happy.
Now the only problem for Ella was to tell her brother that she was going to be living with Rhett's Aunt Caroline, and she knew that her brother would not be happy. So she decided to wait till after dinner to tell him.
"Wade" She started "I have something to tell you"
"What is it Ella?.. and if it has something to do with Rhett Butler I don't want to hear it!"
"Well it does have something to do with Rhett.. But you have to hear it" she cleared her throat then started again. "Well I don't feel comfortable living here by myself so Rhett has arranged for me to stay with his Aunt Caroline and I have excepted" Wade's face went red with rage.
"What...your what?.. no Ella I cannot allow you to stay anywhere where you have ties with that scoundral" Now Ella's face went red.
"Who are you to tell me what I can and can't do!" She screamed."When was the last time you were here to help me with anything!"
"I've been here alot more than you he has, You may not remember Ella but I do ... I remember when you would cry and I had to tell you that 'Uncle Rhett' wasn't here anymore"
Ella was stunned because she knew that it was true, She did remember those nights but she also remebered when he had been nice to her and Wade. She had to believe that he cared about them so she turned to her brother once more.
"I'm going and I don't care what you say!" And with that she walked out and slammed the door behind her she was going and she didn't care what he said.
