Disclaimer:

I don't own Gone With the Wind, nor do I own anything affiliated with it. I only borrow from the general splendor that is Margaret Mitchell's creation. I certainly make no monetary gain from this work of fiction. So, lawyers, you may now back off.

Author's Notes:

Hello again! This certainly makes for a nice change of the monthly update, doesn't it? The reason for the quick update is that I'm going to wrap this story up in a few chapters. There will be a more dramatic jump in time towards the later chapters, instead of the day to day jumps that the previous chapters have been like.

Last chapter I forget to mention that I did not own the little tune that Scarlett sings, I borrowed that from the movie.

So lastly, I beg of you to review. I know you're reading, but I'd like some reviews as consolation for my hard work and sore fingers. (Typing takes a toll, you know!)

Thanks and enjoy!

---

Scarlett stared down at the letters, horrified. Nausea tossed her in her stomach, her eyes watered with unshed tears, the terror the filled her was enormous. She barely made it to the bathroom before retching piteously.

"Miss Scarlett, are you alright?" Pansy bent over her mistress in concern.

"Get out," Scarlett's voice was strangled, cut with emotion, "get out before I slap you!"

Scarlett waited only long enough for the frightened girl's footsteps to fade and the door to shut before bursting into tears. Heaving sobs were cluttered in her throat as tears dotted and splotched the graceful handwriting of Ashley Wilkes.

"Damn you, Ashley," she choked, "damn you!"

She didn't know how long she had cried, but when her tears were spent and her sorrow stayed, she rose gracefully. Gathering the letters back in her hands, she methodically tied the ribbon back around them. In her head, she could see the letters; recall their words as if they were in front of her eyes.

My darling son,

I miss you terribly. I only wish that you could travel with me, however selfish that wish is. You are still young, experiencing the throes and delights of childhood; it would be cruel to remove you from the loving house of which you reside in.

You would love Paris, Beau. There are spectacular sights there, beautiful artwork to be gazed upon, wonderful operas to be heard, walks in the bois to be taken, people to meet. I wish you were here, my son.

Mind your aunt, Beau. Scarlett will take wonderful care of you, like you were her own son. She brought you into this world, did you know? She has done much for us and our family; please behave yourself as you would for your mother or me.

Be a good boy, I will return to you.

All the love in the world,

Your Father

"Oh, Rhett," she whispered sadly, "why couldn't you have trusted me?"

---

At the dinner table that night, Eleanor Butler took in the mood of her daughter-in-law. She sat stiffly, her posture proper but unyielding. Her voice was quiet, patient, ladylike, but tinged with repressed sorrow. She kept a bright smile on her face for show, but her eyes were tangibly sad. She looked to the empty chair often, as if hoping Rhett would be there. Eleanor knew that this was more than a wife missing her husband, as Scarlett had claimed, waving off her concerns.

"Terrence," Eleanor called, waiting for the man to enter the room to continue her request, "would you mind terribly taking the children for some dessert at the confectionary? I'm sure they shall be delighted to have some customers at this time of night. You may take some money from my purse."

Beau and Ella were all smiles and laughter as they left, but Wade looked back at his mother with hesitation. He darted back to the table then leaning up, kissed her cheek softly.

"Thank you darling," Scarlett said her voice full of emotion, "now run along," she smoothed his hair from his face tenderly, "and bring something back for Miss Eleanor, since she was so kind as to treat you."

He nodded and then ran to catch up with the other children and Terrence.

"Now," Eleanor broke the silence, "would you mind telling me why you're really so distraught?" She held up a hand to stall Scarlett's protests. "And don't say it's because you miss Rhett, he's only been gone for a few hours."

Scarlett was silent a moment, her pride eventually failing her.

"We had an argument and he left before I could apologize," she half-lied, "and I hate that I can't control my own emotions. One moment I'm as happy as a clam, the next, I feel like crying my eyes out." She slumped in frustration, "Miss Eleanor, what's the matter with me?"

"Nothing, my dear," Eleanor crooned comfortingly, "just head up to bed, all you need is some rest. I'll see to the children for tonight and the morning, you just catch up on your beauty sleep!"

Scarlett rose from the table, excusing herself gratefully.

"Oh, and Scarlett?"

"Yes?"

"Don't worry your pretty head about my son, if he's been ungentlemanly, he'll come to reason soon enough and crawl back with an apology."

Scarlett almost laughed at the absurdity of her mother-in-law's statement before catching herself. Smiling in amusement, she left the room, her mind temporarily diverted from her husband's departure.

---

Downstairs, Eleanor glanced again at the letter her son had left her. It was curious that he had addressed it to her, not to Scarlett. But perhaps he was still on edge from their argument, she reasoned, I shan't interfere in their marriage.

Mother,

I've been called away on some very urgent, yet promising, business up North. I cannot say how long I shall be gone, only that it will likely end up being a couple of months.

I'm sorry for such short notice; please give my apologies to the children. I ask that you let my family stay for as long as they wish, I know they would feel comfortable here. Atlanta holds many memories for Scarlett that she is not yet ready to face. Do look after her; she is not as strong as she would like the world to believe.

All my love,

Rhett

She poured herself a glass of water, absentmindedly making down the children's beds and laying out their night things. It was such a joy having children in her home once again! Perhaps when Scarlett and the children left, she would visit her daughter, she didn't think she could bear an empty house after the delight of grandchildren. Speaking of grandchildren, Eleanor smiled. She wondered when she could expect the news of Scarlett becoming pregnant. She knew that she and Rhett had been intimate; heaven's they weren't exactly discrete or quiet! She hoped that Scarlett would have a baby soon; she couldn't wait for another grandson or granddaughter!

---

"Scarlett," Eleanor cried, alarmed. Her daughter-in-law had been mounting the stairs with her children following close behind, before she swayed perilously on her feet. It was only Wade's hand around his mother's wrist that allowed her to keep her balance.

Eleanor picked up her skirts in haste, helping her son's wife settle in a chair. Ever since her son had left Charleston nearly three weeks ago, Scarlett's health had been gradually declining. She rarely ate, citing lack of appetite and nausea as her excuses, avoiding reading and needlepoint with complaints of headaches and dizziness.

"I'm fine," Scarlett waved off the concerns of Eleanor, "really, I just lost my balance for a moment." She smiled charmingly, but Eleanor Butler, mother of three rambunctious and deceitful children, could easily detect her lie.

She snorted in reply.

"If you're as fine as you say you are, then I'm a proud Yankee!" She looked down at her daughter-in-law sternly. "Now I want you to see the doctor tomorrow morning—"

"Fiddle-dee-dee, Miss Eleanor, I'm as healthy as a horse!" Scarlett knew that she was lying through her teeth and she knew that Miss Eleanor could see that. She still felt dizzy, as though the world was spinning too fast and her headache pounded at the back of head. Her stomach was churning weakly and she was fighting back yawns.

Eleanor waved a finger in front of Scarlett's face. She had caught her now.

"None of that, Scarlett. I'm sending for the doctor whether you agree to it or not. You're not well and that's that."

---

"Well, Mrs. Butler, where is the patient?"

The doctor that Eleanor had called was an old friend of her husbands. He had birthed Eleanor's own children and assisted in the delivery of two of her grandchildren.

"She's upstairs sulking; she refuses to believe that anything is wrong. She's in the guest room on the left; she is expecting you, however grudgingly uncooperative she seems about the matter."

Doctor Edward Miller walked up the stairs familiarly, remembering the panic which his old friend, the late Mr. Butler, had ushered him in. He had been an anxious man, usually calm, when it came time for childbirth. He shook off the memories and entered the guest room after knocking and receiving a clipped "enter".

---

Scarlett looked up at the doctor with arched eyebrows and flared nostrils. She had been ordered into a nightgown by her mother-in-law and tucked into bed to wait for Doctor Miller. Her arms crossed over her chest stubbornly as she watched the older man close the door behind him. She observed him for a moment. He looked like a kindly old man with steel colored hair, vaguely white at the temples and small spectacles on his nose.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Butler," the Doctor greeted her pleasantly; "My name is Edward Miller. What seems to be your illness?"

"There's nothing wrong with me, Doctor Miller," Scarlett dimpled, "really, my mother-in-law just worries too much."

He shook his head at her; he was much too old to fall for a smile and batted eyelashes.

"I've heard that you have not been eating much and sleeping less than usual, is that true, Mrs. Butler?"

"Well," Scarlett began uneasily, "my husband has left town recently and the children have been acting up…"

"So it is true," he set his black leather traveling bag at the foot of her bed. "Have you any other symptoms or complaints? You might as well tell me. You know that Eleanor won't be happy unless I leave having diagnosed you with something."

Scarlett sighed and was quiet for a moment before giving in.

"I feel nauseous at mealtimes and I have headaches often. I can barely get up in the morning I'm so tired."

"Well," the doctor gave her a small smile, patting her hand comfortingly, "that's something I can work with."

Scarlett felt herself relax at the manner of the man who was attending to her. He seemed more like a favorite uncle or grandfather than her physician. Doctor Miller smiled as he continued to ask his patient questions, to him it seemed as if the poor woman was simply overwrought and it was manifesting in poor health. But just to be sure, he thought, I'd better test a few things.

---

Rhett listened to the sounds of birds chirping outside his window with disgust. It seemed wrong that nature was so happy when he was so angry. There should have been rain, he brooded. London had never let him down as Atlanta had done. London always rained when his mood was black. Contrary to the letter he had hastily penned weeks ago, he had not gone North for business at all. He had returned to Atlanta and his monstrosity of a home. He knew Scarlett would not return to the Peachtree house if she could help it, not when his mother was so welcoming. He sipped at a glass of wine moodily. Scarlett, his mind hissed, why do I always think of her?

"Because despite it all," he laughed humorlessly, responding to his own question, "you are madly in love with her."

He put his head in his hands, trying desperately not to think of his wife. Unbidden, the image of the bundle of letters rose to his mind. Scowling, he finished his wine and poured another glass. He should have known he could never chase the thought of her precious Ashley from her heart.

"Damnit Scarlett," he muttered to an empty room, "were you born to destroy those who love you?"

---

Over dinner, Eleanor couldn't help but notice the change in Scarlett's manner. She tucked into her food with gusto and conversed attentively with her children. She smiled brightly and laughed merrily at their jokes and questions. When she dismissed them for bed, she kissed all three of them goodnight and tucked them in. She returned to the table with a smile on her face, sipping absentmindedly at her water. Eleanor narrowed her eyes. Since the doctor had left, Scarlett had been in much better spirits. What could have affected her so much? Eleanor looked at her daughter-in-law more closely. Her eyes lingered over the untouched glass of wine.

"Scarlett, what did Doctor Miller say to you this afternoon? You seem to be so happy! What could his diagnosis have been to make you smile so?"

"Really Miss Eleanor," Scarlett smiled secretively, "I have no idea what you are talking about. I have a clean bill of health, I'm simply glad I'm not ill."

"If you say so, Scarlett," her mother-in-law looked unconvinced. "But perhaps you would like to tell me why you have neglected your wine tonight?" Scarlett looked at her mother-in-law, startled that Eleanor had noticed. She sighed.

"I'd like for my husband to be the first to know," she said, her brows rising meaningfully.

Eleanor Butler shrieked in delight and embraced her daughter-in-law tightly. Scarlett was astonished; Eleanor had always been so composed and proper! But she hesitantly returned the gesture of affection, leaning into her mother-in-law gratefully.

"Don't worry, dear, I won't say a word," Eleanor assured her, easing concerns she had been meaning to vocalize.

---

Scarlett paced her room, her expensive heels treading an anxious path in the lush carpets.

"Oh, it's no good," she cried despondently, throwing herself onto her bed, tears leaking rebelliously from tightly shut eyes.

Half-finished letters littered the floor of her room, ink stains at her fingertips, frustrated efforts that had been fruitless. She had battled with herself for sleepless nights. Should she tell Rhett, wait for him to come back and surprise him with a burgeoning belly or a wailing infant? Should she run? Should she seek him out? She had known that she had to tell him the moment she knew that she carried his child. She had not told him last time and the revelation had led to her tumble down the stairs and loss of her baby. She would not let that happen again, she vowed. But she loved Rhett and she didn't want him to come back just for their child. She wanted him to love her and stay with her because of that love. Scarlett O'Hara took no one's charity and despised pity. When she had first come to Tara after the Yankees had defiled it, she could have contacted her father's brothers and family. But she didn't, and she could say with pride that she had made it out of the war by herself. Scarlett O'Hara would be no one's charity case, not even Rhett Butler's.

So she resolved to seek him out, but doubt crippled her confidence and she couldn't even write out what she wanted to say to her husband. Nausea churned unpleasantly in her stomach and she took deep breaths to calm herself. She was making herself sick over this! She mustn't get worked up or overly emotional, Doctor Miller said it wouldn't be good for the baby. Overjoyed at the news of her pregnancy, Doctor Miller did not miss the look of astonishment on her face. He inquired as it to it and she told him.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Butler," Doctor Miller smiled, "you're expecting a child. Perhaps two months along already, you can expect his arrival early next year, perhaps mid-January."

Scarlett was silent for a moment before an incredulous smile spread about her face.

"A baby, really? Are you quite sure it's not just a flu?" Scarlett thought back to her other pregnancies. She had been horribly ill during the first three months, but that had not happened with this baby, it had been worse. Before, she could keep nothing down. She blushed when she realized that she had missed two of monthly fluxes. Of course, she thought, I should have known!

"Well, yes, Mrs. Butler. But if I may," he hesitated, "you seem far more shocked than the reaction girlish modesty would provoke."

She sighed, her fingers tracing patterns in her duvet.

"I have birthed three children, Doctor Miller," she said flatly, "all perfectly healthy, but my fourth pregnancy ended in miscarriage. I fell down a set of stairs and bruised my ribs, as well as losing my baby. The doctor told me in confidence that I would most likely never have another child. My menses have been sporadic at best since then; I never even thought it possible. So you understand my surprise?"

The Doctor nodded, gathering his bag together.

"I am glad you told me of this. As you have become pregnant, it seems he was wrong. However, to be cautious, do not strain yourself; avoid stress and too much emotional devastation. I do not think I have to tell you to keep away from wine and spirits as well as tobacco. Avoid intercourse and raw meats."

"Thank you, Doctor Miller, I will."

"I can't think about this today," she agonized, "but I must! I have to find Rhett and convince him to hear me out, then he'll take me back, I know he will!"

And if he wouldn't, Scarlett didn't dare think what she might do to keep her child a secret.

---

Sorry for the wait! This was a tricky one. Yes, Scarlett finally has a bun in the oven. Get excited.

Oh, and review!