Chapter 11

Thank you for all the reviews. It was really nice to know that people are enjoying this fic. It gives me motivation to continue.

I changed a couple things from the book. Careen married Will, instead of joining a convent. Suellen married Frank Kennedy.

Later that evening Ashley sat in the study enjoying a drink with Will. He was glad for the company as it helped to keep his mind off other matters. He didn't know the man well even though they lived together after the war. There didn't seem to be much time to become friends back then, everyone was busy trying to survive.

"You take good care of Tara, Will. I think Mr. O'Hara would be proud of what you have done." Ashley said as he took a sip of his brandy. "Why thank you that means a lot to me. Careen has told me a lot about what it was like before the war. Perhaps one day I can make it half as nice as it was back then" "At the rate you're going that should be next year." Ashley chuckled as Will smiled "I don't know about that, there is always something to be done around here. Not just outside, but inside too." "It will come together in time. You just need a few more hands around here, have you put any thought into getting some more help?" "I thought about that last summer. It would be nice to have a few extra hands when picking cotton. Careen helps where she can but I think working in the field brings back too many memories for her. Labour is so expensive these days we can't afford to have more than a handful of people here."

"Excuse me, I just wanted to say goodnight to my husband" Careen said as she entered the study and walked over to Will. "I'm hoping it doesn't rain tonight like it did last night" Careen said. "I hope so too, last night Ellen got scared. She came into our room and jumped right up onto our bed. She scared us half to death" Will said, Ashley laughed and took a sip of his drink. "I suppose I'll have that to look forward to" Ashley thought. Careen bent down and kissed Will on the cheek "Don't stay up too late, good night my darling." "Goodnight my love" Careen kissed Will on the cheek once more. She looked at Ashley and said "Goodnight Ashley, I hope you enjoy your stay with us" "Thank you, good night Careen" Careen exited the room and closed the door.

"How long have you two been married?" Ashley asked as he poured himself another drink, he motioned to Will to see if he wanted more. Will just shook his head "no". "3 years this June" "3 years already? It doesn't seem like that long ago. You two seem very happy." "We have our fights like everyone else, but we have a good marriage." "Must be nice" Ashley said, more to himself than to Will. Will waited a moment unsure if Ashley was going to continue. "I must say those O'Hara women sure do have a temper." Ashley laughed "I'm well versed in the O'Hara tempter."

Ashley finished his drink and filled his glass once more. "Are you drinking to forget something Ashley?" Will asked. "There are somethings you can't forget Will, no matter how much you drink…You know Scarlett and I have been married for 8 years." "You two married before the war I believe" "yes, 8 years ago. We were a lot younger, happier… It must be nice to have a wife that actually likes having you around." Will didn't say anything, he wasn't sure what to say. He knew Ashley and Scarlett had their problems, but he never got involved in it. Finally he said "Whatever is going on between you and my sister in law is none of my business. All I can say is that husbands and wives go through rough patches, it happens to everyone." Will stood up and put his hand on Ashley's shoulder. "The important thing is you two get through it together. I'll see you in the morning." With that Will left the room leaving Ashley alone.

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