Disclaimer: Not mine
Mammy and Wade greeted Scarlett at the door when she arrived at home later that night. Scarlett was feeling unsettled by her conversation with Rhett and she was glad they were together. It would be easier to get Mammy to agree to dinner at the National in front of Wade.
"Mama!" Wade shouted launching himself into her skirts and feeling for her leg to squeeze as she came in. Scarlett handed the dinner basket to Mammy as she bent down to kiss his head. "Hello, Darling! Were you good for Mammy and Prissy today?"
"Very, very good!"
"Good boy," she smiled not meeting Mammy's eyes. "Because you were so good, I have a surprise for you, Uncle Rhett is going to take you to have dinner with him at the restaurant at the National Hotel tomorrow."
"Really!" Wade exclaimed as his little body wriggled with happiness.
"Miss Scarlett!" Mammy chastised, "He too little."
"No, Mammy," Scarlett said soothingly, "It has been a hard week and he has been very good and he deserves a special reward."
Mammy's face darkened. She knew Scarlett was right that Wade deserved something special, but she did not think time with Captain Butler in a hotel was a suitable reward.
"It ain't fittin," Mammy grumbled as she turned and headed to the kitchen.
Scarlett smiled triumphantly. "Are you looking forward to having fun with Uncle Rhett tomorrow, baby?"
"Yes, Mama!"
"Good, and you will be good at the restaurant, won't you? And you'll do everything Uncle Rhett asks?"
"Oh, yes!"
"Good, it's almost time for your supper, let's find Prissy to clean you up."
§§§
As their Saturday morning decorating dragged on into the afternoon, Scarlett grew increasingly frustrated, she wanted to talk to Melly about Rhett and their conversations and her tangled feelings, but India was hanging around them like a shadow. Melly could sense Scarlett's growing frustration and tried to keep peace between her sisters-in-law.
Melly had heard from India that Hugh had seen Captain Butler driving with Scarlett in the woods the other day. Melly thought it was sweet how Captain Butler was so protective of Scarlett, but she also worried about Scarlett's reputation. Melly knew what India said was true when she and India and Beau had arrived at Aunt Pitty's at a quarter to nine that morning. Scarlett smiled brightly while she told Melly that Captain Butler was going to take the boys to the park in the afternoon and asked Melly if she'd like for Dilcey to go along. India snorted derisively while Melly replied, "Oh how nice, I'm sure the boys will have a lovely time at the park. Did Captain Butler request that Dilcey come, I'm sure Cookie can manage the baking alone if he did." Cookie had been over at the Wilkes's with Dilcey baking cakes to sell slices of at the musical since early this morning.
"Oh, no, but he said she was welcome."
"Then I'm sure the boys will be all right with Captain Butler. Dilcey and Cookie can finish all the baking as they planned."
"Melanie! Are you sure it's wise to leave the boys alone with …" India trailed off at the looks from Scarlett and Melly.
"Yes, I'm sure." Melly said sternly. After saying their goodbyes to the children and Aunt Pitty, the three ladies climbed into Scarlett's carriage to ride to the theater in stony silence.
Scarlett glanced at the clock by the entrance way, it was now 12:30 and the ladies were hanging the last of the bunting. All that would be left was to arrange the flowers and they'd be finished.
When they'd finally hung the last piece, India said, "excuse me," and stepped out. Thinking India had gone to the necessary and would be a few minutes, Melly turned to Scarlett and said, "It's so nice of Captain Butler to take the boys to the park. They do love the park."
"Yes," Scarlett agreed, "it is."
Melly took a deep breath and bravely asked, "How is Captain Butler, Scarlett?"
Scarlett couldn't see the dreamy smile that came over her face as she said, "Oh, Melly, he…" and then her face fell, "I ... I don't know."
"Of course you know," India's voice rang coldly from the doorway where she appeared with a bundle of tied flowers in her arms, "You've been seen riding all over the woods with him."
Scarlett said nothing as she could feel the rage welling up within her. She wanted to claw India's face until blood ran down it.
"Don't you think of anyone but yourself, ever?" India continued as she stormed down the aisle to where Melly and Scarlett stood, "No, you don't think of your reputation or of Frank's or of Charles's. You just act like a common hussy and don't care whose reputation you smear!"
"INDIA!" Melly bellowed in the loudest voice Scarlett had ever heard her use. "You have forgotten yourself. Apologize this instant!"
"No! Melly! She's barely a week into mourning her second husband and she's out trying to catch a third! It's disgraceful!"
Scarlett's heart was pounding and she felt like she might be sick. She opened her mouth to defend herself when Melly shouted, "India Wilkes! I cannot believe you. How could you be so cruel? Apologize to my sister this instant or you will never, never set foot in my house again."
"But, Melly!" India exclaimed, "She…she…"
Melly stood erect and stern. "India, I have made myself clear, there is no excuse for your behavior and you will apologize or leave. Ashley will send your things to you in Macon."
India turned and stormed out without saying a word.
Scarlett stood frozen with her mouth gaping.
"I'm sorry dear, she just doesn't know what it is to love a man as deeply as you love Captain Butler," Melly put her arm around Scarlett, "Stuart was killed before she ever really knew the kind of love that exists when two people truly love each other and know each other, the way a man and wife do."
"Melly!" Said Scarlett startled.
"Oh," Melly said, "I didn't mean … that." And the two dissolved into giggles.
India silently raged outside the doorway where she'd stopped to listen. She'd been hoping to hear Melly chastise Scarlett for her indiscretions so she could tell all of Atlanta Melly disapproved of the sister she claimed to love so much. But instead the two were giggling like fools.
A few minutes later when they'd stopped giggling, Melly and Scarlett went into the hall to gather the rest of the flowers. India was gone. As they started creating arrangements in the large vases they would place on the corners of the stage and the heads of the aisles Scarlett gathered her courage and said, "Melly. Thank you."
"For what, dear?"
"For what you said to India."
Melly put her hand on Scarlett's arm, "India was wrong. Scarlett, after all you have done for me and for Beau and Ashley, and your sisters and your Pa, no one knows your good heart as well as I do. I know how you love Captain Butler and I know you didn't think you'd ever love him again after he left us. But, he won back your heart when he kept meeting you to protect you in the woods. I'm not even sure you realized it at the time, because you also loved Frank, and, I think, perhaps, you were still angry with Captain Butler. But now… now, Scarlett, you deserve to have happiness. Captain Butler makes you happy, and I'm so glad he's courting you again. He loves you so much, dear. And, darling, I know you loved Charlie, and Frank, but, I…I know you love Captain Butler most of all. And that's good, really darling. I know Charlie would want you to be happy and for Wade to have a father he loves and who loves him and I'm sure Frank would want the same for Ella."
Scarlett's mind was racing. Was Melly right? Did she love Rhett? Did Rhett love her? How could Melly know these things? What about Ashely? Did Scarlett still love Ashley? Does Ashley love her? Had he ever? Scarlett backed away and sat down hard in one of the front row chairs.
"Oh, my dear," Melly said rushing over and sitting next to Scarlett, "I'm sorry, I've been so bold talking about such things. It's just, Scarlett, you are my dearest sister and I know we can tell each other anything. You aren't upset with me are you?"
"What? Melly, oh, no I'm not upset with you. I'm so thankful, actually. It's just… It's just … I don't know." Scarlett wrinkled her eyebrows together and shrugged.
Melly's smile lit up her whole face as she drew Scarlett into her small arms. "It's Captain Butler, isn't it? So, how is he?"
Scarlett smiled against Melly's shoulder. It felt so good to have a friend, a real friend. "He's good, Melly. He's bringing down one of his family darkies to drive for me while he travels."
"Oh, that's so sweet, I don't know how India can't see how much he loves you and how honorable his intentions are."
Oh! Thought Scarlett. That's how Melly knows he loves me? She'd have to think about this later. Now she had more to talk about with Melly.
"Melly, I never really thanked you for sending Archie to me. It meant so much."
"Don't be silly, I'm so glad it helped."
"I'm not sure you know how much. I needed …"
Melly interrupted, "I think I might, Scarlett. And that's what sisters are for." As Melly smiled softly, Scarlett thought Melly might actually know how Scarlett had needed to be free to be out of the house and to work.
"Melly? I know, I know it isn't proper … but, Rhett kissed me."
Melly squeezed Scarlett to her, "And?"
"Melly!" Scarlett sat up shocked.
"Did you like it?" Melly whispered slyly.
Scarlett blushed to the roots of her hair as she remembered the way Rhett's kisses felt. Scarlett nodded and smiled shyly. Then they both dissolved into giggles.
§§§
When they arrived back at Aunt Pitty's after finishing the flowers Scarlett asked Melly if she'd like to come in for tea. Scarlett still had several things about Rhett she wanted to discuss with Melly. But Melly declined squeezing Scarlett and explaining she had to get home to tell Ashley India had to move to Macon with Honey.
"Melly, I'm sorry, will he be upset?"
"No. I think he will understand."
"But, will you, will you tell him what India said?"
"Scarlett, don't be worried. Ashley loves you too and he wants you to be happy. He understands how India can be jealous."
"But …"
"Don't worry at all, dear."
They walked inside to find that Beau and Wade were still at the park with Rhett.
"I'll bring him home later, Melly, or he can spend the night here with Wade while you are at the musical."
"That's very kind, Scarlett. Perhaps he could stay here tonight and I'll come and get him tomorrow after Ashley packs India's things."
"Of course."
They hugged and Melly walked home through the hedge leaving Scarlett alone with her bubbling thoughts.
§§§
Scarlett sat on the sofa in the parlor with Aunt Pitty, her mending basket at her feet. It was four o'clock and Rhett had not brought the boys home yet. Pitty hadn't given Scarlett a moment's peace since Scarlett had returned. First she needed to know everything about the decorations. Then Scarlett had to artfully tell Pitty about India. Scarlett knew that Pitty would be furious if she heard it from someone else and Scarlett hadn't told her.
Now it was where are her grand-nephews. Scarlett wasn't worried, she knew Rhett would protect her boy with his life, but Pitty kept blathering on about how she wasn't sure a single man could care for children without a woman and did Captain Butler say what time he'd be back. Scarlett didn't answer. The glove whose hole needed mending sat untouched on her lap. Scarlett wanted to point out Uncle Peter practically raised Melly and Charles without Aunt Pitty's help, but knew that would only make the blathering worse. And she didn't want to upset Aunt Pitty.
"Auntie, hadn't you better go change? Aren't you going to Melly's to go to the musical?"
"Oh, yes, yes. Are you sure you don't want me to stay home with you and the children?"
"You are too sweet, Auntie, I'd like some quiet time with the children. It's been a hard few weeks, you know." Scarlett seethed. She needed Aunt Pitty to go upstairs so she could think before Rhett brought the boys back. She also needed Pitty to leave so she could talk to Rhett.
"If you are sure then," Pitty tried again. Scarlett merely smiled and said, "Go, have fun Auntie."
Scarlett couldn't hold back her sigh when Pitty finally went upstairs. Scarlett went into the kitchen and told Cookie that she and Captain Butler would be eating supper with the children tonight.
§§§
At 4:40 Scarlett rushed Aunt Pitty out the door and across the lawn. Pitty was complaining that Rhett hadn't brought the boys back yet and she didn't want to leave Scarlett alone.
"Auntie, don't be silly dearie, Rhett knows Wade eats at 5, he'll bring Wade home in time for supper. Melly wants to leave for the theater by a quarter to 5 for all of the last-minute things and rehearsals. You don't want to make her late do you?"
When Scarlett walked back into the house after finally getting rid of her aunt she could hear the chatter of little voices and Rhett's rich voice answering. She smiled to herself. That man could have perfect timing when he wanted to.
She found them in the hall with Mammy flustering about them. Rhett was holding Beau and trying to let go of Wade's hand to remove his hat. When Wade saw Scarlett he exclaimed, "Mama!" and ran to her. Beau echoed, "Auntie!" and reached for Scarlett. Scarlett stepped up to Rhett and took Beau from his arms. Mammy took Rhett's hat and cloak and was hanging them as Scarlett said, "Boys, go and wash up for supper with Mammy. Captain Butler, I'm going to have supper with the children tonight, would you like to join us?"
Mammy glared at Scarlett as Scarlett handed over Beau. Scarlett ignored Mammy and bent to hug Wade and kiss his head.
"I would love to join you," Rhett smirked at Scarlett.
Once Mammy had ushered the boys out, Scarlett said, "Let's wait in the library until supper is served."
Scarlett seated herself on the sofa and Rhett joined her. "Do you need to tell Cookie to set a place for me?"
"No."
"No, were you planning on asking me to stay?"
Scarlett's eyes narrowed. "Isn't that why you brought the children back just a few minutes before their supper, Captain Butler?" she retorted.
"Maybe it is," Rhett smiled. Rhett wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless, but there would be time for that later, Wade or any of the servants might walk in at any moment and she would be furious if they were caught.
"How was dinner with Wade?"
"I'll let him tell you about it at supper, he is a wonderful boy, Scarlett, you should be very proud."
"Thank you," Scarlett smiled. "He is very sweet."
They sat in silence for a few moments. Scarlett thought of how Melly said Charles would want Wade to have a father he loved and who loved him and felt slightly guilty she hadn't cared if Frank and Wade got along. She wasn't sure she had expected them too, although really, she hadn't given it a single thought. Wade had never climbed onto Frank's knee the way he always climbed onto Rhett's.
Rhett watched her smile fade and her eyebrows draw together. He wondered what she was thinking and was just about to reach over and take her hand when he heard Mammy approaching. Rhett slid away from Scarlett causing her to turn her head and frown at him. Rhett tilted his head at the hallway and Scarlett smiled, "Mammy's going to be mad you sat on the sofa with me anyway," she whispered with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Rhett laughed.
Mammy heard the laughter and frowned, what could Miss Scarlett be thinking, she was in mourning. Mammy rounded the doorway quickly wanting to catch them at whatever they were doing and found them sitting on opposite ends of the sofa. Mammy frowned, this was not fitting. "Supper's ready," she announced glumly.
"Thank you, Mammy," Scarlett twittered gaily. Rhett rose and offered his hand down to Scarlett. When Scarlett stood, Rhett tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and Scarlett smiled up at him. Mammy gasped, her lamb was in love with Captain Butler! It was plain as day across Miss Scarlett's face.
Mammy's gasp drew Scarlett & Rhett's attention. "Is there something wrong, Mammy?" Rhett asked. While Scarlett blinked confusedly.
"No, sir, come to the table," Mammy answered and turned to walk away. Rhett followed, leading Scarlett into the dining room. Scarlett tilted her head. Rhett had clearly talked to Mammy about Elijah. She'd have to ask Rhett about it after supper.
Neither leaf was in the table so the table only seated six. Rhett noticed the head and foot had no plates as he seated Scarlett next to Beau before walking around the table and seating himself across from her next to Wade. The boys were chattering animatedly about two squirrels chasing each other they'd watched at the park and Scarlett watched them talk while Cookie served ham and biscuits and beans onto everyone's plate. Scarlett leaned over and cut Beau's ham into small pieces and Rhett watched Scarlett. Her face looked softer and happier than he'd seen it look since before the siege, but there was a tension in her shoulders. Rhett wondered what was going on in her mind when Cookie finally left the room and Scarlett asked Wade, "How was your dinner with Uncle Rhett, darling?"
"Oh! Fun Mama! Uncle Rhett let me pick anything and I picked drumsticks and dumplings and peas but it had yams and I didn't eat them and Uncle Rhett didn't even get mad when I told him I won't eat yams!"
"I see," Scarlett looked at Rhett to see if he was upset her child wasted food. Rhett was smiling down at Wade. "Did you tell Uncle Rhett why you don't like to eat yams anymore?"
"Oh, yes!"
Scarlett smiled and wondered exactly what Wade had told Rhett about that terrible time at Tara, "I'm glad you had such a nice time." She'd have to ask Wade about it later.
"We had man talk too!" Wade exclaimed proudly.
"Man talk?"
"We talked man to man," Rhett supplied.
"And what did you discuss during your man to man talk?"
"Lots, Mama, we talked about Tara and helping and when I grow up and daddies."
"Daddies?" Scarlett repeated, "What do you mean daddies, Wade?"
"Well," Wade started looking up at his Uncle Rhett. "I asked Uncle Rhett if he was going to be my daddy since my father is in heaven and so is Ella's." Scarlett turned bright pink cheeks and wide eyes onto Rhett.
She put down her fork so it wouldn't clatter into her plate and reveal her pounding heart and asked, "and what did your Uncle Rhett tell you?"
"He would like to be my daddy, but even he if wasn't he would always be my Uncle Rhett." Wade smiled at Rhett, who reached over and ruffled the boy's hair. "That's right, son. I will. Now eat your ham."
Scarlett felt the heat in her face and her pounding heart. She couldn't look at Rhett, she turned to Beau and asked, "And how was the park, Beau?"
Rhett watched Scarlett change the subject. He'd been hoping to tell her about his conversation with Wade himself after supper. He knew she would not like it at all, but the boy had asked and Rhett had been honest.
Author's note: My bad, I just redid the math and realized Wade should be five, not six. I've gone back and fixed it. Thank you so much to all of you who have reviewed. I love your thoughtful feedback!
Coming up next ... Rhett's talk with Mammy!
