A/N: What is this? Two updates in fairly quick succession? It's a miracle. I own nothing but the vague semblance of this plot. The rest belongs to the late, great Margaret Mitchell!

I realise Scarlett's a little AU but I couldn't help it. That being said, on with the story…

As evening dawned, Scarlett stirred.

Rhett had cursed himself for not seeing her exhaustion earlier.

He'd been worried at first when she wouldn't waken, but the slight movements of her chest warned him she was only sleeping.

He'd used the time to rearrange their travel plans and to gather a hasty trousseau for her.

One thing was for sure, she' never wear that old red rag again.

War had rendered the selection limited but he'd see to it that she'd soon have plenty of gowns again.

Nothing was too good for Scarlett.

Having ordered a meal, he waited for Scarlett to stir and was by her side when she did.

He was sitting at her side of the bed, calmly smoking a cigar, the paper to his right, giving the illusion that he hadn't been waiting all day for this moment.

Her voice was heavy and hesitant. The warmth of the bedding had been a rare luxury and it wasn't until the realisation that she wasn't alone had sunken in that she recalled the events of the previous few days. "Morning?"

He laughed softly. The poor darling. "Good evening Mrs Butler."

"Evening? But I thought…"

His hand stroked the hair from her face. "You've slept the day away Scarlett. Are you hungry?"

To her dismay and his delight, her stomach growled. He laughed softly and made to collect the robe he'd hastily acquired.

It was only then that Scarlett noticed her dishabille and blushed profusely.

He pretended not to notice. "I took the opportunity to buy you some clothes. It's not much but it'll do for now."

The robe was soft and warm and that was all she cared for.

The supper Rhett had ordered was sufficient enough to stir her appetite and the coffee smelled divine.

Rhett smiled to himself as she enjoyed every morsel, tucking into his own share. Afterwards, they sat by the fire, him smoking his cigar while she sat beside him, not too far, within his reach. He'd let her have her space for the time-being.

They had plenty of time.

XxX

The next morning, they boarded the train that would take them to New Orleans. Rhett had kept her in the dark until that very moment.

Having never been to New Orleans, she had no idea as to what she could expect.

She was apprehensive about being alone with Rhett too.

At least in Atlanta, she'd had others to call on, now she had no-one save her husband.

Husband? Yes, that's what he was to her. A mystical figure that had say over everything she would say or do and what she would wear. All her funds were at Tara, safe but out of her reach.

What a nightmare situation she'd fallen into, or rather had been pushed into.

If Rhett knew any of her mental turmoil, he never mentioned it.

Instead, he secured the best cabin and when the train began to depart, kept a gentle hold on her.

XxX

New Orleans was such a bright and lively place.

Rhett showed her all the best shops, fine restaurants and the hotel suite he'd acquired was full of all comforts any new bride could want.

He was an attentive husband who made sure she was kept occupied throughout the day.

He introduced her to friends and they were all surprised that he'd married.

"Caught him in your trap my dear?"

Scarlett laughed and muttered that she'd been caught in his trap.

They laughed then but later, Rhett couldn't get the words out of his head.

Neither could he ignore the times when Scarlett's mind was elsewhere, despite all his best intentions.

Those moments hurt the most because they revealed that whilst she may be physically close, mentally, they were poles apart.

He knew what she had been through and he'd thought he could make her secure. He didn't understand at first that whilst he was giving her what she had before the War, he'd failed to give her the security she'd once known.

It made for frustrating times as the Honeymoon wore on.

One particular night, he'd left their hotel room to play poker, leaving Scarlett bewildered as to his hasty exit.

When morning called, he was miserable and somewhat drunk after a few too many bad hands.

She'd dressed and gone out for the day but the winding streets confused her as the hour grew late.

It was dark when she stumbled back to the hotel; her feet bruised from the pretty but impractical shoes, her body cold and tired of it all.

Rhett was in the lobby when she returned, his concern fuelled by anger.

"Where he Hell have you been?"

Her anger was roused. Did he really think she'd been on a jaunt all day? Was he that deluded? Her spine stiffened as she battled to tame her temper. "I took a little detour. Now if you don't mind…" Her feet ached and, reaching the elevator, she tore off the shoes, sinking into the carpet.

Rhett waited until they were in the suite before unleashing his temper.

"What the hell were you playing at? Do you know how worried I've been?"

"Sorry for worrying you but you can rest easy now. Your doll has returned."

His entire argument was lost in the wind. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm tired Rhett. I've been walking hours because I got lost. Those shoes you insisted on were not made for a day's wear. My feet are killing me. Now if you excuse me, I need a bath and then I'm going to bed. You can do as you please."

He watched her walk dejectedly into the bedroom. His heart urged him to follow but his head persuaded him not to give into her tantrum. Let her come to him!

XxX

The silence continued over the next couple of days. Scarlett didn't mind the peace. Her feet were aching and after the recent whirlwind, the rest was welcome.

It was their last night in New Orleans and Scarlett was determined to make it count.

She ate everything going and drank more than was strictly necessary. Cynical amusement shone through Rhett's eyes but she didn't care. He had no qualms about what others thought of him. Why should she? After all, she was a married woman now. She didn't have to follow the codes of conduct their society drown the young women in!

XxX

That night, she dreamt of Tara and her arrival after Rhett's abandonment.

The air was cold about her and something was stalking closed, their breath stagnant and the claw like hands growing nearer.

She ran but the ground below was unsteady. Her opponent drew close…

Rhett took one look at her fear-stricken face and pulled her close. Her body was shaking as he carried her from the bed, grabbing the robe to wrap around her waist. He held her until the tremors ceased, his hand stroking her hair, bringing her back to the present.

Her eyes were wild as she took in the dark visage of her husband, burying her face in his chest. She felt his hands roam down her back, his touch gentle. Her arms were tight about his neck as he whispered softly to her. As the tremors ceased, she felt exhaustion seep through her body. She felt him lean back to reach for a cigar and watched the play of his muscles ripple.

They remained in silence for a little while longer.

They needed to talk and now was as good a moment as any.

The hesitation was evident in his voice. "I want you to be happy, Scarlett."

She sighed. "I know you do Rhett."

He shifted her so that they were face to face. "What is it you want Scarlett, out of life?"

She shrugged but he wouldn't let her lower her eyes.

Her voice was low. "It's not something you can give me Rhett."

He frowned, lowering his lips to kiss her hair.

"Well, until you find what you want, what can I give you?"

She was steadily tiring of this conversation. What was the point in discussing plans that had passed their expiration date? "Can't you see? I had planned my life far differently. I was going to be my Grandfather's heir. I would be the one to restore Tara. Grandfather told me he gave you the deeds to Tara. He said it would be your responsibility. Another thing I don't have control of."

"Would it help if I had Tara put in your name?"

"It might but I have no money to support it."

"So you would spend your life restoring Tara? You'd give up the chance of happiness for an old plantation?"

"You may not understand but its home. Just because you've forsaken yours, don't expect it of everyone. It would have been my choice Rhett, my life and now, well I don't know anymore."

XxX

Rhett was silent on the journey back to Atlanta. He'd arranged for them to have the bridal suite at the National whilst their home was built. He'd informed her of his decision en-route.

"Have what you want for the house, Scarlett."

A smile grew in the corner of her mouth but it didn't reach her eyes. "You're not worried that I'll be up to the task?"

"Why wouldn't you be? It'll be your home too."

"Any restrictions or specifications?"

"I'll need a study. Make sure there is a separate bathroom and a few bedrooms. Choose what furnishings you pleas. Take what you want."

XxX

They had been home a day when the first visitor called.

It was Suellen.

She perused the suite, her envy evident. Frank would never be able to afford this luxury and it stung that her sister had it all.

"You seem to have landed on your feet Scarlett. How thrilled you must be."

"What do you want Sue?"

"It's not right that you have all this while Frank works so hard and we're barely getting by!"

"Oh really? Well I can't help it if Frank isn't good at business."

"How dare you! First of all, you ship me off to Grandfather, and then you ruin my wedding! You just couldn't let me have my day, could you?"

"Well I'm sorry you feel that way. I didn't plan to be compromised!"

"You owe me Scarlett. Your husband clearly has wealth. Where does he plan to live?"

"He's bought a lot and we'll be building a house."

"Then you'll need furniture and lumber. Frank has both. You owe us Scarlett. You and your husband."

"Let me make things quite clear. Captain Butler does what he wants and no one can ever sway him. If he wants your furniture, he'll buy it!"

"You could persuade him…"

Scarlett coughed bitterly. "Rhett won't be persuaded by anyone. Not least me. He's his own man."

XxX

Neither sister knew that their conversation had been overheard.

Rhett had intended to take Scarlett out to dinner, only to hear she wasn't alone. Her words stung as he realised the truth of the matter.

Scarlett wasn't happy. He'd been deluding himself.

That night, he informed her that he had to go away on a business trip.

"I've left word with Henry Hamilton. You can have what money you need for the house. I'll leave it to you to arrange a builder and the lumber suppliers."

Scarlett wondered if he had overheard. But that wasn't possible. Was it?

A/N: I realise now that Rhett does smoke a lot in this. Oh well, everyone loves a running gag. I know some of you might wonder at Rhett leaving his wife so recently into the marriage. It just happened that way.