Here is my next chapter. Let me know what you think! Thank you to everyone who has reviewed.
Chapter 15
Ashley sat at the top of the stairs watching her as Aunt Pitty and Melanie came out of their rooms. "Ashley?" Melanie said as she approached him "...what was that noise?" "We had words and she fell" Melanie looked down the stairs and saw Scarlett lying motionless. "Scarlett!" Melanie said as she rushed down the stairs. Aunt Pitty followed as she called for Uncle Peter and Mammy. Melanie put her hand on Scarlett's forehead, a slight moan escaped Scarlett's lips. Melanie heard Mammy from a distance "What is all this ruckus?" "Mammy, its Scarlett." Melanie called out. "She had an accident, call on Dr. Mead" Scarlett started to stir once more "Don't move" Melanie instructed her. Scarlett tried to open her eyes but she couldn't, she didn't have the strength. She was trying to process what was happening, her head was spinning and she was in pain. She managed to whisper one word "Rhett" before fall back into unconsciousness.
News of Scarlett's accident spread through Atlanta quickly. By late morning the entire town had heard what had happened, many were talking about the events at the bar the night before. Some people were whispering that Ashley threw her down the stairs out of jealousy, other were saying she got what she deserved.
It wasn't long before Rhett heard the news. He wanted to run to her, to be next to her as she recovered but he knew he couldn't. He hoped that Scarlett and the baby were alright, he knew he couldn't go anywhere near that house without making a scene and that's the last thing Scarlett needed right now.
He sat in Belle Watling's room drinking. "What's eating ya Rhett?"
"It's Scarlett" Rhett said finished his drink in one gulp. "When are ya goin get it in that head of yours she's married and there ain't nothing that is going to change that?"
Rhett poured himself another and said "she's pregnant."
Belle froze; a twinge of jealousy ran through her. She had heard the rumors but Rhett never confirmed them and she wasn't going to ask. She didn't want it to be true. "You weren't careful?" Rhett laughed "She's not one of your girls Belle. I didn't want to be careful."
"Is this why you've been drinkin' yourself silly? I reckon Mr. Wilkes knows?" Rhett laughed, "He knows alright, he has known about us for months. That's the least of our problems. She had an accident last night" "an accident?" Rhett nodded his head, stood up and started pacing the room. "Does this have something to do with that argument you had with Mr. Wilkes last night?" "It wasn't an argument and I don't know. I haven't seen her, there is no way for me to get to her or to even get a message to her" Belle could tell that Rhett was getting more and more frustrated.
"What do you intend to do?" Rhett stopped pacing for a moment and looked at Belle. "Whatever I have to" "You love her that much?" "Yes" Belle moved her head to the side, hoping Rhett wouldn't see the tears escaped. "You should go to her. People are gonna talk, it doesn't matter what ya do." "I can't Belle, if I see Ashley Wilkes I know I'll ring his neck with my bare hands. He had something to do with this. I know it."
When Dr. Mead informed Ashley that Scarlett had lost the baby he didn't even blink. He didn't care that the child was gone, he didn't feel anything towards the child and now he felt nothing for the mother. When Dr. Mead left for the day Ashley decided to go to the mills. He didn't want to stay in the house all day dealing with sickness. Before he left Melanie asked him to stay with Scarlett but he said "no" He told her that Scarlett would want him to keep working.
For the next 48 hours Scarlett lay in bed fighting a fever and bouts of delirium. Melanie and Mammy did their best to keep her comfortable. They kept a cool cloth on her head and sat next to her so she wasn't alone. One the evening of the third day Scarlett opened her eyes and looked at Melanie "Rhett?" She whispered. "I want Rhett." Melanie leaned into Scarlett and said "What did you say?" "Rhett, Melly please. Get Rhett." Melanie wasn't sure what to say so she just held onto Scarlett's hand. "I know I'm going to die Melly." "Don't say that, you'll get better." Melanie said cutting her off. "I know it was wrong of me..." Scarlett paused and closed her eyes. Melanie thought she had fallen back asleep. Scarlett opened her eyes and continued "tell Rhett I love him and I'm sorry" Scarlett closed her eyes again and fell back asleep.
Melanie sat there holding her hand for several minutes. Of course she had heard the rumors, she saw the cufflinks at the Christmas ball. She had seen them together enough times to know that they cared for each other. Anyone could see that. She tried to put herself in Scarlett's place, she wanted to do right by her. Scarlett was her sister after all, but Ashley was her blood and it wouldn't be right to bring Rhett into the house. Melanie let go of Scarlett's hand and left the room in search of Mammy.