"Wade, Beau is up in his room if you'd like to go play," said Melanie.
He smiled and turned to Scarlett. "Is that all right, mother?"
"Of course. Go ahead," she said shooing him away. "He grew up so fast, Melly. Pretty soon he'll be courting girls and going on his Grand Tour with Beau."
Melly smiled. "It seems like only yesterday when they were just babies."
Scarlett nodded smiling at her two daughters who were whispering and eyeing the pastries. She just smiled and looked at Melanie. They continued to talk idly until Ella's anxious voice interrupted them.
"Mother, can we go for a ride tomorrow?" asked Ella her eyes pleading with her mother.
"But without Wade," demanded Bonnie. "No boys."
"That sounds lovely, darlings," said Scarlett.
"Wade could sleep over and spend tomorrow with Beau. They haven't seen each other in ages," said Melanie smiling. She was delighted that Scarlett finally had made time to spend with her children and wiling to help in any way she could.
Bonnie pulled on Scarlett's sleeve. Scarlett bent down to hear what Bonnie had to say. "Could Aunt Melly come too?" whispered Bonnie to Scarlett.
"What a wonderful idea," said Scarlett. Melanie smiled as she heard the littler girl's words. "Melly, would you like to come with us. We could have a picnic by the water after."
Bonnie's blue eyes glimmered with anticipation at the thought of the excursion they could have.
"I would love to," said Melanie.
"Why don't you girls go play on the porch," said Scarlett. Scarlett needed to confide in someone about Rhett and she didn't want the children to hear. They ran off to the porch giggling. "Don't run," berated Scarlett, the girls only walked for an instance before they ran again. They watched the two girls play. "Melly," began Scarlett.
"Yes, Scarlett," said Melly looking at her still in a slight daze.
"I just want to tell you that you are so important to me. I love you more than I do my own sister."
"Scarlett you mustn't say such things," said Melanie. She took Scarlett's hand. "But I couldn't love my own sister more than I love you. You and Rhett have helped Ashley and me through so much." Scarlett's face darkened at the mention of Rhett. "Scarlett darling what's wrong?"
"Rhett," Scarlett began and erupted into tears. "He left me," she sobbed. Melanie enveloped Scarlett in her arms.
"There, there. He'll be back, Scarlett. He loves you and Bonnie."
"No," said Scarlett shaking her head and drying her eyes. "He believes what India said was true. I swear Melly nothing happened. Ashley was just comforting me. He was reminiscing and I hate to look back, Melly and I started crying so he hugged me. Nothing happened and before we could explain India went off and told those horrible lies."
"Oh Scarlett, you don't have to explain and I'm sure Captain Butler doesn't believe them either. He'll be back, Scarlett. Don't worry," she said taking Scarlett's hand and squeezing it gently.
"Melly, I'm with child," she said.
"Oh darling. How wonderful. Does Captain Butler know?"
Scarlett looked down at her lap and played with the handkerchief in her hands. "I didn't tell him. I wanted to Melly so bad, but he was so terrible to me when he came home and I couldn't." Scarlett looked up at Melly fear in her eyes. "Please Melly don't tell him. I don't want anyone to know. I'm going to try to hide it for as long as I can and then- then I'll go to Tara if I have to. I can't let anyone find out Melly. I want Rhett to take me back because of me not because of our children."
Melanie looked at Scarlett. She hated to see her sister-in-law so distraught. She owed Scarlett so much. She had to do what she asked. She could only try to get Scarlett to tell Rhett on her own, but she knew it wasn't her place to tell Captain Butler. She sighed and pulled away from Scarlett. Scarlett's eyes were swollen from crying. Melanie squeezed Scarlett's hand and smiled. "Of course I won't tell him if you don't want me to Scarlett. You saved Beau and my life. I am forever indebted to you and you are my sister and my obligation to you comes before my obligation to friends."
Scarlett smiled. She had been so wrong about Melly. Melly was loyal and kind and a true friend something Scarlett was short of.
"Mommy," said Bonnie coming in. She yawned. "Excuse me, but can we go home. I'm so tired."
Ella was holding her younger sister up. Scarlett smiled. "Of course, darling," she said putting her youngest daughter on her hip. "I should say good-bye to, Wade."
"I'll get you, ya Yankee!" yelled Wade running down the stairs with a play sword chasing Beau."Never!" exclaimed Beau clashing swords with Beau.
"Truce for a moment," said Scarlett walking over and placing a kiss on Wade's head. "You're sleeping over tonight and then you and Beau will come over tomorrow with Aunt Melly and Mammy will look after you. All right. Give mother a kiss," she said. Wade stood on the tips of his toes and placed a kiss on his Scarlett's cheek. "Have fun. Good bye, Beau."
"Bye Aunt Scarlett," he said as they resumed their swordplay.
"Bye, Melly," said Scarlett getting into the carriage.
It rained the next day and the girls had to put off their excursion for another day. Instead they prepared the house for the incredible makeover it would have to undergo. Scarlett decided her room needed to look a little less glitzy and more elegant. She finally realized Rhett was right just because something cost a lot of money didn't necessarily mean it was beautiful. She started to spread out the gilded items she had in her room through out the house. Days went by and they had yet to find a date that they could go on their horseback riding excursion. The house had become quite the area for afternoon tea and idle gossip. Scarlett wanted so badly to make her mother proud and become a lady like Melanie and her mother. She wanted her children to have someone to look up to. Scarlett yawned as she woke up from her nap. She saw the silver tray by her bed with some toast and orange juice on it. She heard an excited scream and Bonnie running down the stairs.
"Daddy!" screamed Bonnie. Scarlett ran to the door and looked over the balcony as father and daughter reunited.
"Uncle Rhett!" yelled Ella following Bonnie. Wade stood at the stairs with Scarlett. He handed Scarlett her shawl. Scarlett smiled at him. She knew Wade had some idea that Scarlett was pregnant but he didn't want to say anything till Scarlett made the announcement. Wade cupped Scarlett's elbow as they walked down the stairs.
"Rhett," Scarlett said smiling. "How long are you going to be here for?"
"Just for the day, my pet. I thought I'd take Ella and Bonnie out for lunch, and then I thought the children and I could go for a ride, since you don't seem to being feel well."
"I don't have time," said Wade coldly "besides someone should stay here with mother. She hasn't been feeling well as you said."
Rhett looked at Scarlett. "I think she'd be fine. She just needs to rest."
"Mammy, could watch mother," said Ella trying to be helpful.
Wade glared at Ella and Ella looked at him confused.
"Please, Wade," begged Bonnie. "We can show daddy how much better I've gotten on Mr. Butler. Please."
Wade smiled at his youngest sister. "Bonnie-."
"Wade, go ahead. I'm feeling much better. We can go sit out in the garden while they're at lunch, and then I'll take a nap while you all go out for a ride. Captain Butler's only going to be here for a day. I'm here all the time."
Wade finally relented. "All right, mother. As long as you're all right."
Bonnie smiled. "Come on, daddy. I want to show you our favorite restaurant." She took her father's hand and pulled him out the door with Ella following.
Wade looked at his mother. He saw the pain in her eyes. "Come on, mother. I'll have prissy serve us our lunch in the garden." He put his arm around his mother protectively and walked her out. They ate lunch together and talked quietly about politics and the theater. Scarlett knew how he loved the arts and made it a point to take him to the theater once a month. Scarlett noticed the time and realized Rhett would be back soon. She hugged her son.
"Thank you, Wade. Why don't you go get ready for your ride? And be nice to your Uncle Rhett. He loves you."
Wade sighed and nodded. "Do you want me to help you back to your room?"
"No, no I'm fine. I want to sit here for a little while."
Wade nodded and left his mother alone sitting in the sun in her straw hat with the green silk bow. She had on a simple white dress with small green embroidery. He admired how beautiful she was. He couldn't imagine how Rhett could be so horribly cruel to her. He ran up the stairs to get ready to go riding with his sisters and the cad that was his step father.
Rhett smiled at how much Ella had changed. She was more vivacious and less nervous. Her words weren't as soft and weren't laced with fright anymore. She knew all the old cat's and they bid Ella and Bonnie good morning when they passed.
"Daddy, did you like the house?" asked Bonnie as they were walking back to the house.
"I didn't even notice, princess. I was too awe struck by you and your sister's beauty and how much you've both grown up. What happened to the house?"
"Mommy let us re-dec-or-ate," said Bonnie smiling proud that she could manage the difficult word. "My room is blue and I have my own bed! Daddy, I can sleep in the dark now. Mommy gave me the stuffed horsey you sent me. She said to hug it anytime that I missed you or needed to feel safe."
Rhett smiled. "Well I'm glad he could help. What did you name him?" He hadn't given Bonnie any such stuffed animal, but he was glad Scarlett had eased his daughter's mind.
"Misty short for Mr. Butler," said Bonnie opening the door to her home. She ran up the stairs. "Come on, Ella. We have to get changed."
"I'll be right there," said Ella. She sighed and looked at Rhett. "Mommy gave Bonnie Misty. Please Uncle Rhett, don't be mad at Mommy because she made Bonnie sleep without a light. Bonnie was fine. Mommy turned it off once Bonnie was asleep and Bonnie woke up the next morning and she was so proud of herself. She couldn't wait to tell you." Ella stepped from foot to foot.
Rhett smiled. "I wouldn't be mad at your mother for that. Now go get changed or we won't get back before dark and I have a train to catch at 7 o'clock."
Ella smiled. "I'll be very quick," she said running up the stairs.
Rhett walked out to the garden to tell Wade that they were back and to get ready, but he found Scarlett there instead. She was sitting by one of the small ponds that were close to the house. She looked stunning and at ease.
"Well, my pet, I must say the house looks much better since the last time I saw it. You and the children did a wonderful job."
Scarlett turned around surprised to hear Rhett's familiar voice. She made sure the shawl was covering the slight swell in her stomach. She doubted that Rhett would notice but she wasn't going to take any chances. "Thank you. I couldn't take it anymore. It felt suffocating and too gaudy."
"I see your taste has improved, my dear."
"Yes, I wouldn't say completely though. I still kept you," she said coyly.
Rhett laughed. "Yes, my pet. Your taste in men has never been that good starting with Mr. Wilkes."
Scarlett sighed. "I won't even bother arguing with you, Rhett. I'm too tired."
Rhett looked at his wife concerned. For Scarlet not to have the strength to defend her love was serious. "Perhaps we should send for a doctor. I've never known you to be so sick that you couldn't defend your true love."
"Rhett, please," said Scarlett her voice weak.
"Mother," called Bonnie running towards her parents, but Scarlett was out cold. "Daddy what'd you do to mommy?" she asked shaking Scarlett's hand.
Rhett didn't know what to say. He hadn't realized Scarlett was so weak. Scarlett never fainted. "Mommy's just sleeping, darling," he said in attempt to reassure his horrified daughter.
"I told you to stay away from her," said Wade strolling over. A servant came and picked Scarlett up. "Take her to her bedroom. Bonnie why don't you go see if Mr. Butler's all saddled."
"But – what about mother?" said Bonnie her lower lip quivering.
"Oh mother will be all right," said Ella. "Come on I'll take you to see Mr. Butler and I think I saw a brand new saddle come in earlier for you."
"Really!" exclaimed Bonnie her eyes going wide. She ran off towards the stable.
Ella chased after her.
"You knew she was ill yet you insisted on upsetting her," said Wade shaking his head and storming off.
"Shouldn't we send for a doctor?" asked Rhett.
"I all ready instructed Mammy to send for one if needed. Bonnie and Ella are waiting for us."
Rhett wanted to laugh at how this little boy was bossing him around. He knew he wasn't a little boy of five anymore but he certainly wasn't a man of twenty five. Rhett followed the boy to the stable though. He only had a few hours to spend with his children and he still had to win Wade over again.
Scarlett turned over and saw Wade sitting in a chair with Bonnie a sleep on his shoulder and Ella was sleeping on the floor rolled up in a ball like a cat.
"Wade," she whispered.
Wade opened his eyes and saw that his mother was awake.
"Come," she said.
Wade placed Bonnie on the bed and then Ella. He dragged the chair over next to his mother. He took out a letter from his jacket and handed it to her.
"This is from, Uncle Rhett," he said.
Scarlett took the letter and opened it. She looked at the familiar handwriting.
'Scarlett,
I hope that you are feeling better. Miss Melly is supposed to come by later to check on you. I'm off to Europe on business. I should be home hopefully in a few months. I unfortunately can't take Bonnie with me this time, but next time I promise to take her and Wade and Ella off your hands for a couple of weeks. So you can spend some time at your mills with Ashley. Sweet dreams, my pet.
-RKB-'
"You heartless cad!" she whispered.
"Mother what's wrong?" asked Wade concerned.
"Nothing darling," said Scarlett regaining her composure and folding the letter up again. She placed it in her drawer to later burn. "Come sit up here and give me a hug," she said to her son trying to hide her tears.
Wade wrapped his arms around his mother gently comforting her as she cried.
"Mother," said Ella rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she said wiping the tears away from her eyes. "I have a secret for you all, but you have to promise not to tell anyone. You can't speak of it to anyone even Beau, Wade."
"We won't tell," said Bonnie who was wide a wake now.
"Are you old enough to keep a secret Bonnie?"
Bonnie eyes became as fiery as her mother's could. Her temper flared and her stubbornness had arrived. "I can keep a secret even better than Ella."
"No you can't," Ella shot back.
"Yes I can."
The children fought back and forth until Scarlett said in not an overly loud voice but one that caught the children's attention, "Enough!" She tried to stop herself from smiling but she couldn't their behavior was so ridiculous. "Do you want to know the secret or not?" She knew she was running a risk of Rhett finding out if she told the children she was pregnant, but she couldn't hide it from them forever. She would be having it in a couple of months and they'd have to go to Tara. She hadn't even made an appointment with Dr. Meade. She knew if she went to Tara Dr. Fontaine (from Jonesboro). She knew he wouldn't tell if he knew the situation. No one like their belle being made a fool and every man would probably want Rhett's head if they found out, but she wouldn't let anyone know except Dr. Fontaine and her family.
Bonnie couldn't wait to hear the secret any longer. "Tell, please mother," she pleaded.
Scarlett smiled and picked Bonnie up into her arms. "All right, darling, but you have to promise on Mr. Butler that you won't tell daddy or anyone. I want it to be a surprise. All right?"
"I promise," said Bonnie.
"All right," said Scarlett. She went to tell them when Mammy knocked on the door.
"Miz Scarlett, Miz Melly is here to see ya," said Mammy opening the door. "What'z you chillun' doing on your motha's bed. Git," said Mammy shooing them away. "Miz Scarlett's got company."
"Go get ready for bed," said Scarlett to the children as the scrambled off her bed before Mammy could whack them. "I'll come by later to check on you."
"No you's ain't. Yous staying in bed," said Mammy.
"No I'm not!" exclaimed Scarlett letting her temper flare.
"Scarlett, darling," said Melanie figuring it was a good time to enter before Scarlett got too upset. "Are you feeling better?"
"Rhett came home for the day then he left again."
"I'm so sorry."
Scarlett shrugged. "It just hurts to keep losing him, Melly. He's not just my husband Melly, he's my best friend. He's always been there for me. I can't sleep well without him."
Ella listened to her mother's words. She knew if mammy found her she'd box her ears but Ella didn't care. She had to find out why her mother was so upset even if it meant a good beating for it. She ran to Wade's new room to tell him while their mother was so sad. He had gone with a nautical theme for his room. He had decided on it before he realized why his mother was so upset. He now knew that she was crying herself to sleep because of his once idol, his uncle Rhett. His eyes shot up when Ella pounced on his bed making him drop the book he had been reading.
"Ella!" he exclaimed. "You're not supposed to run and you're supposed to knock before you enter someone's room." Wade grabbed his book and began to read again not waiting for his sister's response.
"But- but I know why mother's so upset."
Wade closed his book. She had caught his attention. He had to make sure that she wouldn't tell Bonnie or anyone what she knew if she indeed knew why their mother was so distraught. "Why?" he asked.
"Because Uncle Rhett went away," said Ella triumphantly.
"Yes, that's part of it, Ella."
"So why don't you write Uncle Rhett and ask him to come home?"
Wade sighed slightly aggravated with his sister. Why did she have to ask so many questions? "Because, Ella, he can't. OK? Now go get ready for bed and this time go to your own bedroom or I'll tell mammy and-."
"I'm going," said Ella scurrying out of her big brother's room.
Wade smiled at how fast he could get his sister to do w hat he wanted.
Bonnie grabbed Misty and climbed up into her bed. It was huge and sometimes it felt lonely so she brought her kitten with her too and all three slept comfortably in her father's old bedroom. She sighed as Mammy came in to tuck her in.
"Mammy," said Bonnie clutching Misty in her tiny arms.
"Yes 'um," she said folding the little girl's clothes.
"Why's mommy so sad. Daddy came home. Shouldn't she be happy?"
"Well, child your mother is jus' upset that he left that'z all. Nothing for you to worry ya pretty little head ova. Now go to sleep," said Mammy turning off the light and leaving the room.
"Night, mammy," said Bonnie turning over to her side and attempted to fall asleep. Bonnie flung her covers off. She couldn't go to sleep. Tears ran down her pretty face and she opened the door that led to her mother's room and walked in. She went over to her father's armoire and pulled out his shirt and sniffed it. "Daddy," she whispered.
Scarlett watched her youngest daughter hold Rhett's shirt. How many times had she done the same thing? Scarlett walked over to Bonnie and picked her up into her arms.
"Bonnie, darling, why don't you sleep with mommy tonight?"
Bonnie nodded and Scarlett watched her daughter fall asleep in her arms.
Melly smiled as she watched her two nieces played in the water.
"I'm glad some things don't change with war," said Melanie sipping her tea. They were finally having the picnic they planned.
Scarlett smiled thoughtfully. "Yes, it seems like almost everything changed because of that horrible war."
"Have you told them yet?" asked Melanie changing the subject. She knew one about War wouldn't go anywhere and there was nothing they could do about it.
Scarlett laughed. She had a shawl wrapped around her closely. It concealed her growing figure she was due in a month. "No, I just haven't had a moment of privacy with them. Wade knows I'm sure of it, but the girls are still in the dark on the matter." Scarlett sighed. "Thank God I didn't blow up like I did last time or the whole town would have been talking and I'm sure that Belle woman would have told Rhett." Scarlett starred off at her children.
Melanie nodded. "Are you sure you don't want him to know?"
Scarlett turned her head back towards Melanie. "What? Oh no. I don't want him to know. Please Melly don't tell him."
"I promised I wouldn't and I won't." They starred off at the girls again. "Why don't you tell the girls now? I mean there isn't any place more private. We're far away from the house. No one's here to listen," said Melly with the eagerness of a young child.
"I suppose your right," said Scarlett contemplating the idea. "Children," she called. "Come here. I have something I want to tell you."
Ella and Bonnie ran over to their mother and aunt. They sat down on the blanket.
"Remember I told you before about a secret that you couldn't tell anyone about?"
They both nodded.
"Well, if you still want to know. I think I could tell it."
"Please," begged Bonnie and Ella. "We won't tell we promise."
"Well first off we'll be heading back to Tara soon, Miss Melly and Beau might be coming for a visit too. Would you like that?"
"I get to see Tara," said Bonnie her blue eyes sparkling.
Scarlett laughed. "Yes and we can go horseback riding all through the county if you'd like."
"Can I bring Mr. Butler?"
"We'll see."
"Be quiet, Bonnie. I want to hear the secret," said Ella.
Bonnie folded her arms against her chest. "Fine!"
"Well, the secret is that you two are going to have another sibling in a month or so," said Scarlett waiting for her children's reaction.
Bonnie smiled. "I get to boss it around like Ella and Wade do me right mommy," said Bonnie.
Scarlett and Melanie laughed. "That's right. You'll have to look out for them to though." Bonnie was almost bouncing up and down with excitement.
"So we'll go shopping tomorrow and buy some things for the baby and then we'll head off to Tara. Right Scarlett?" asked Melly.
"Yes. We should pick out some gifts for your cousins and your aunt and uncle. Your aunt's expecting again."
"Oh mommy can I get a new coat?" asked Bonnie.
"Of course you can darling," said Scarlett. "And you too Ella. It's getting towards winter and I bet you've outgrown your old one."
"Thank you, mother," said Ella wrapping her arms around her mother.
"Your welcome, darling."
Melanie and Scarlett walked out of the store with the two girls in tow. Melly smiled as she watched Bonnie and Ella skip along the road towards the carriage that would take them to Tara. Nothing made her happier than seeing those she loved happy. If only she could have a daughter of her own. Oh how Ashley would love to have a daughter.
"Penny for your thoughts," said Scarlett to Melanie.
"I was just thinking of how happy Ashley would be if I could give him a daughter."
Scarlett eyes went wide. "Melly promise me you won't try. I can't lose you too Melly. Promise me. You can spend as much time with my daughters as much as you want and you gave Ashley a son he can't ask for anything more. He wouldn't want another child if it meant losing you and you would die Melly. Please too many people need you."
Melanie sighed. She knew Scarlett was right. "Of course, Scarlett. It was just a fantasy. Don't worry about me. I promise I won't have anymore babies."
"Melly, you'll help me with my baby won't you? I was never really good at it before and I'm so nervous. I wish my mother could be here to help me," said Scarlett crying.
"Oh, darling," said Melanie hugging her sister. "Of course I will."
"Miss we'd best be going or we won't outrun the storm," said the driver.
"Did our boys get off all right?" Scarlett asked the driver.
"Yes ma'am, their mammy went with them. They should be arriving in Jonesboro right about now."
Melanie smiled. She longed to get out of this city and into the country again even if it wasn't to her home. It would be nice to be back on a plantation again.
