Thank you in advance for reading this chapter. Once again I appreciate all the reviews I've gotten. I'm pretty sure I know how this fic will end. I think there are 3, maybe 4 chapters left. I'm hoping to get them out in the next month or so. I've been writing this fic since 2012 and it would be good to finally finish it. I hope you enjoy my new chapter.
Chapter 14
The next month passed by quickly for Scarlett. She settled into a new routine. She waited until Ashley left for the mills before starting her day. She would leave the house in the late morning and head over to the National Hotel or sometimes directly to Rhett's home. She would spend the day talking with Rhett and picking out furniture and tapestries for the house. She had to be careful when going to the house, although the street was quiet she was worried someone might see her going into the home. Scarlett wasn't sure if many people knew Rhett has bought the home. No one had mentioned it at any of the sewing circles or afternoon teas she had attended. The news of her pregnancy spread quickly, a few days after her first visit with Dr. Mead she got a visit from Maybelle Merriweather. She came over to congratulate Scarlett. She said he overheard the good news the day before when her mother was having tea with Ms. Mead. "How quickly good news travels" Scarlett thought ask me remembered her conversation with Dr. Mead.
One afternoon while she was lying in bed with Rhett he asked her something that had never occurred to her before. "My pet, have you thought about what we'll do once you're house ridden?" Scarlett lifted her head off of his shoulder so she could look at him. "No, I hadn't even thought about that. I don't suppose you'll be able to come to the house." Rhett chuckled and said "Not unless you want me to be called out." "You're a better shot anyway." Scarlett said as she lay back down. "I suppose another month or two and I'll be stuck inside. Most of my clothes don't fit anymore, I almost had to borrow a dress from Melly this morning." "I'm surprised she had something you liked." "She didn't, I finally found one that fit. I'm going to get a big as Aunt Pitty and then what will I wear?" "I'm sure your Aunt Pitty could load you a dress or two." "I'm serious Rhett, don't get me wrong I'm excited for the baby. I just don't like standing in my closet looking at all my beautiful dresses and I'm not able to wear a single one." He held her a little tighter and spoke "Your vanity is going to hurt a lot more in a few months. Has Ashley been giving you any more trouble? Scarlett shook her head "We barely even speak. He doesn't say it but I think he knows where I spend my days. Mammy knows too, she just grumbles and gives me a look when I come home. The only person that doesn't say anything is Melly. I don't even think she knows." "That's because there is too much good in Melly. She doesn't want to see it. It's almost time for you to go." "I don't want to" "I know my love
"Later that evening Ashley and Frank walked into a saloon next to the National Hotel. They sat down at a table and ordered a drink. It wasn't Ashley's first for the night. They had just come from a political meeting at the mills. They held one once a month, some of the men were talking about organizing a raid on a few of the shanty towns that were popping up around town. Frank was against it but Ashley told the crowd it was the only way to keep the town safe. While Frank and Ashley sat their talking Ashley heard a familiar voice. He turned around to see Rhett sitting at a table with 3 other men playing cards and smoking cigars. He turned back around and finished his drink. He pushed his chair back and stood up. Frank stood up at the same time and grabbed Ashley's arm. He knew there was tension between the two men, he heard the rumors around town and sometimes he listened to what Suellen said. "Why don't you sit back down and have another drink." Frank said. "I have some business to discuss with Captain Butler." Ashley said as he freed himself from Franks' grip.
Rhett was up but a few hundred dollars and he was feeling pretty good. He had been playing cards for a few hours and was thinking about calling it a night. "Maybe one more round" he thought as he placed his next bet. Rhett was so busy with the game that he didn't notice Ashley walk up to him. "Captain Butler I would like a word with you." Ashley said as he approached the table. Rhett looked up and smiled at Ashley. "Mr. Wilkes, how good of you to come over to our table. Would you like to join us?" "I would like to have a word with you alone, it's about my wife." Ashley said emphasizing the word "wife" "Gentleman it seems like I'm needed elsewhere, it was a pleasure playing cards with you tonight." Rhett said as he gathered his winnings. He stood up and was about the leave the table when he saw a fist coming towards him. Quickly he stepped aside and avoided the blow. Ashley stumbled as he regained his footing. "Mr. Wilkes if you wanted to fight you should have said so" "Come on Ashley" Frank said as he tried to lead Ashley back to their table. Ashley just brushed him off. "She loves you." Rhett just stood there looking at Ashley. "Scarlett loves you, she always has." Rhett cut him off "Perhaps you should listen to Mr. Hamilton and return to your table before you say something you'll regret." "Or I can go home and see if I'm shut out again tonight." Rhett stiffened at Ashley words but he was intent on keeping his resolve. "Good night Mr. Wilkes" Rhett said as he walked passed Ashley. Ashley tried to go after him but Frank stopped him "let him go" he said as they went back to their table.
_
Quietly Ashley entered the bedroom. The moonlight was bright enough that Ashley could see an outline of Scarlett sleeping. He moved closer to her and he could hear her soft snoring. He slowly got into bed and wrapped his arms around her. It has been months since he had touched his wife. He tried to remember the last time but he couldn't. He could smell the lemon verbena in her hair and he felt her snuggle up against him. Scarlett stirred and moaned "Rhett" "it's just your husband" he replied and Scarlett moved away from him.
It took her a moment to realize what was happening, as soon as she heard Ashley's voice she woke up. "You're drunk' she said as she tried to get out of bed. Ashley stopped her half way and pulled her back down. "I'm not so drunk." "Stop" Scarlett said as she tried to get up once more. This time he let her go. She grabbed her wrapper and put it on. "You can't shut me out forever. I saw him tonight you know. He was drinking, gambling and flirting with a women." Ashley didn't actually see Rhett speak to another women but that didn't matter to him. "What?" Scarlett said. "Seems like your precious Rhett isn't just interested in married women." "That's not true" "Ask Frank Kennedy if you don't believe me. He was there. I told you he would take what he wanted from you and move on. You're of no use to him now." "I don't believe you, Rhett would never do that" Scarlett said trying to hold back her tears.
She started for the door, she needed some air. She started to walk down the hallway, she felt like she couldn't breathe. She has so many thoughts running through her mind. She could heard Ashley behind her so she quickened her pace. "Running to him?" She heard him say but she just ignored him. She reached out for the banister and started down the stairs. She was desperate to get as far away from Ashley as possible. She was moving so fast that she stepped on the bottom of her nightgown and lost her footing. She tried to steady herself by leaning onto the banister but wasn't able to. Before she knew it she was tumbling down the stairs. That's when everything went black.