Note: Thank you all once again!

XXxlilnoel09xXx: I'm glad you think there is plenty of drama since GWTW was full of it and I am trying my best to make this story entertaining.

EugeniaVictoria: It makes me so happy that you think this chapter was brilliant or rather the idea. I agree that I love it when Rhett is the helpless one, maybe it's because he always seems so in control. Not this time!

seeleysangel: Scarlett would not take kindly to Rhett dying, I agree. haha.

Tennisplayerx33: I'm so glad you loved it.

PrincessAlica: I'm delighted you thought it was a wonderful chapter 

Djeanne: It's always nice to hear that the reader is curious to read more… I'm on a thin rope and don't want to bore anyone  so thank you for reassuring me.

FancySara: Your reviews are always appreciated and I am glad you want to read more!

Joyce LaKee: I laughed at the "not Rhett" part of your review! I take it you like Rhett Butler as I do… lol. The writing will both be happy and not so happy. (By the way when will you update soon to your amazing story?)

Missysammy: No need to apologize for not reviewing more! I am always glad to get your reviews though and saying that you believed this was one of the best chapters I had written made me incredibly happy. Thank you!

Part 26

As soon as Rhett was brought back to the Butler's home, he settled on the bed, the house was in an uproar, packed with doctors and callers. Scarlett could only sit outside of the room they had inhabited as strangers, bereft and numb. Her eyes stared restlessly ahead as she waited for Eleanor, Rosemary and the doctor to emerge.

She couldn't even feel resentment at the thought of all the people around her, crying on and carrying on so. They didn't understand this numbness and the fear that shrouded her. She desperately wanted to see his face but the doctor had ordered she be put in the guest room for much needed sleep. If there was one thing she could do, it would be to yell that she didn't give a damn what they said.

Wade and Ella were stricken with fear. They had seen Rhett carried in from the carriage, his body almost lifeless. She had sent them to their room. Yet, she could see them watching from their bedroom door which was slightly ajar. Later she would comfort them, but not now when Rhett needed her. When she felt like she was going crazy from the wait.

The bedroom door opened and she nearly jumped in fright. Rising on shaky legs, the doctor saw her, a frown of displeasure crossing his face.

"I thought I ordered that you stay in bed, Mrs. Butler."

Knowing his tone all too well, her chin notched an inch. "How is my husband?" she asked coolly but inside she was trembling. Despite her bravado, tears began to course down her cheeks. Silence.

"Tell me!"

Her voice was almost hysterical when Rosemary and Eleanor emerged from Rhett's darkened room. They had tears on their faces and their eyes were worried as they came to rest on Scarlett and they rushed over to her, seeing her discomfort.

"Your husband's leg needs to be amputated, Mrs. Butler," the doctor was saying, " His condition has only worsened since last night. He is delirious and feverish-"

"Stop it!" she cut in harshly that everyone looked at her in alarm. "Are you telling me my husband might die, is that it?"

"Yes."

She felt her legs nearly buckle but some unseen force or strength made her stay still. Her eyes were suddenly dry, with no hint of tears that all onlookers were amazed at the sudden shift of her mood. It was as if Scarlett were waking from a frightening fog as she stared at the doctor with clear eyes.

"It's his leg or his life," the doctor repeated.

She thought of Rhett. How valuable his life was. But the thought of him without his leg was unbearable. He wouldn't be a whole man. He was a roamer; he couldn't be tied down without his leg. Just as she wouldn't be able to live without such a vital part of her body. Never to be able to dance or walk as she used to would be torture for her and she wouldn't let Rhett suffer. As long as there was breath in her body, she would fight what the doctor said. Surely he wouldn't lose his life or his leg. It couldn't be true!

Her eyes narrowed and her chin set. "You are discharged. My husband's leg will not be amputated. I will take over his care."

"Mrs. Butler, you are not qualified..."

Fire sparked to her eyes. "I nursed men during the war, doctor. I saw them blown up to bits. Bleeding and dying, until I couldn't stand it anymore. Don't you dare tell me I am not qualified!"

The doctor's face was red with outrage. "You'll be the death of your husband-"

"You heard what my daughter-in-law said," Eleanor cut in with firmness that both surprised Scarlett and the doctor. "You may leave."

The doctor muttered something as he marched down the stairs and Lucille scurried to show him out. As soon as the doctor disappeared, Scarlett placed her hand on her head and sank down on the chair. The Butler women flocked about her and their arms about her.

"You are so brave, my dearest," Eleanor said close to her ear. "Rhett will make it. We will call in the best physicians and with us all- he will be up in no time."

"I have to see him," she said. Her eyes met Rosemary and Eleanor's concerned ones. "Will you let me see him?"

"I don't know if that's a good idea," Rosemary began

.

"You need your rest," Eleanor soothed.

"I'll have plenty of rest when Rhett is better," Scarlett stubbornly said.

They nodded.

"Go to him."

Without the slightest hesitation, Scarlett rose to her feet. She felt a deep fear as she placed her shaking hand on the doorknob and slowly opened the door. Shutting it quietly behind her, she saw Rhett's darkened form. The room was almost completely dark, save for the two flickering gaslights. It reminded her of the glimpse she had of Rhett's room after Bonnie had died.

His face was dark. She felt her breath escape her lips and could taste the tears on her lips. Rhett seemed so vulnerable and she was used to the eternally sure and mocking Rhett. She was the one who was always sick and he was the one who saved her. Now he lie before her and a fear she had never known stole in over her.

"Oh, Rhett."

Her hand slowly touched his rugged cheek and smoothed his hair away from his broad forehead. A muttering of some sort sounded under his breath and he thrashed, causing her to withdraw her hand. His mutterings continued; she couldn't make sense of it. Finally, he quieted down.

She sank on the chair beside his bedside with a weary sigh. Taking his hand in hers, she lowered her face on the coverlet and allowed a few shuddering breaths from her lips. His hand hadn't moved in hers.

"I love you," she whispered, looking at his unconscious form. "You can't die for then nothing else matters. Not even Tara, money or life." She brought his hand to her lips and kissed it lingeringly. Rising to her feet, she spared him one last glance before going to the door and opening it.

She emerged from the dark room, spent and her heart feeling as if it weren't beating in her chest. To the left of her, she saw Prissy whining and simpering. Was it only that girl came in moment of crisis to whine?

"Miss Scarlett, oh Miss Scarlett what will we do?" Prissy cried hysterically.

Dimly she remembered someone once asking her the same thing. Looking upon her for all the answers. It had been at Tara… Once again she had to tote the weary load, a load she would gladly take. Anything could be borne as long as Rhett survived and he would, she would see to it.

"Quit crying," she stiffly ordered. "We have enough going on without you carrying on so…"

Her eyes left Prissy and went to Eleanor and Rosemary's anxious ones. The women had been standing there the whole time and she now faced them with a calm look, though Scarlett could have sworn it felt as if her heart was breaking and she was deathly afraid. Never would she admit it though. Thus she met their eyes directly.

"I want the best physicians in Charleston called. At least two of the best. I will nurse Rhett and someone is to be with him at all times."

With their nods and Rosemary running to do her bidding. She saw Wade and Ella hiding in the hall, unnoticed. She was so very tired, she didn't feel like speaking with them but she motioned for them to draw near to her.

"Mother Uncle Rhett is not-" Wade began.

She shook her head. "No Wade. But he is very sick. I need you to be brave and watch Ella for me... Will you do that?"

He nodded. In other times she wouldn't have done so, but she smoothed back Wade's hair almost unconsciously. Letting out a deep sigh, she looked at Ella. Ella's lips were trembling.

"I don't want Uncle Rhett to die like Aunt Melly!"

Rhett's words came back to haunt Scarlett. That she wasn't a good mother, somehow inadequate. She was so damned tired but she woodenly took Ella in her arms and soothed her, while feeling a pang deep in her own chest.

It threatened to burst. She wanted Mammy. She wanted Rhett and Melanie. It seemed as if fate was always working against her to take those away from her that she loved the most. Well, fate wouldn't take Rhett from her. Turning her head, Ella still in her arms, she looked over at Wade.

"Wade, please take Ella to Aunt Eualie's and stay with her. I'll come for you both later." And on a second thought she added, "Prissy will go with you."

At least she would get Prissy out of her hair. She couldn't have the children running around like scared goats and getting in the way. Wade nodded and she patted him on the cheek, making her way towards the French doors like a sleepwalker.

She breathed in the cool air in her lungs. Her heart cried out for Rhett. Feeling as if she would die if he didn't survive. She came to stand beside the lounging chair and held onto the arms so tightly that her wedding band dug into her finger. Exhaustion threatened to conquer her, and shock. But she wouldn't be licked; she released the arm of the chair and made her way back inside, shoulders squared.

TBC