A/N: So, I was planning on writing a filler chapter but I decided to skip that and go with this. Thanks to everyone who favourite, read and reviewed this story. You're all stars!

Ashley's arrival heralded the makings of a long summer. The stragglers were long gone. Gone to their own homes and families, what was left of them. Scarlett slowly returned to work, leaving the domestic duties to Melly and the other servants. Sue rebelled against her own duties and Scarlett found that she simply couldn't care what she did. Mammy was not so lenient.

"Ef yo' think you'se gawna lay about until you're married, yo be a fool. Go and help Miss Scarlett!"

"You can't speak to me like that. I won't have it!"

Sue stormed out of the kitchen and raced upstairs to her room. She sulked for the rest of the day, waiting for someone to come and attend her.

No-one came.

XxX

In the time that Ashley had been back, he discovered that the only way he would get through each and every day was to live in the past. Then, all he'd been responsible for was assisting his father in the running of Twelve Oaks. He had mastered the skills required to be a good horseman. He had a love of the classics and other forms of literature. He also had his health. Nowadays he only had his wife and little son to get him through. Well, there was also Her. The neighbour who had been one of his best friends until the day he had returned from his Grand Tour.

It had been spring and his father had asked that he call on the O'Haras. Ashley had been excited to see them again. Although the eldest daughter had spent a large amount of time in Savannah, he had been informed that her Grandfather had asked her to accompany him on an abridged version of the tour. They would be able to make comparisons on what they saw. Oh yes, he was very excited.

The driveway led him to the front of the house where Scarlett was conveniently sitting on the porch. The sound of hooves brought Scarlett's attention to the coming visitor. Ashley! He swung himself joyfully off his horse and walked over to her. Taking her hands in his, he kissed first one cheek and then the other.

"Scarlett, you lovely thing. Let me take a look at you!"

He observed the deep green eyes, the fair smooth skin. Those lush full ruby looks. His eyes followed the length of her body and noticed the slight curve of her bosom and the tilt of her hips. Little Katie Scarlett was no longer a child. She was all woman. He shook his head and stepped back from her. Therein lay sin and her was foremost a gentleman. A semi-engaged one at that. Melanie Hamilton was a cousin from Atlanta whose parents had arranged with his own that they would be wed. Ah, Melly, sweet Melly. She matched him in his appetite for literature and grand sights. She was taller than Scarlett and did not have the same figure. Her face was honest and kind. The two women were completely different. If only he'd had known then how his life would turn out. That his tender dreams of Melly would turn into tormented thoughts of Scarlett and her shapely body.

"Well my dear, will you take me to see your father?"

That night, Scarlett relived Ashley's caresses. His lips were light on her skin, his hands were tender. His eyes, like silver, the same colour of those swords her Grandfather had made her see on the Tour. Personally, she hadn't understood nor cared about the significance. So what if King Louis the something had ridden into battle with it by his side! However, she had been well schooled in the art of making others believe she was hanging on to their very words. Thank goodness Henri was there to act as a buffer. And Miss Anne. She fought a sigh. Miss Anne had gone off to get married and moved to Saratoga. She was still waiting to hear back from her tutor.

Meanwhile Ashley lay also thinking of Scarlett. She had surprised him by making him aware that he was a man who had needs. The trouble was that his upbringing had ensured that he fight against what any other man would give in to. A Southern gentleman was bred to ride fine horses, shoot guns, dress smart, manage the family plantation and marry a woman who would hopefully give birth to sons. They were taught to woo their women and be gentle in marital relations. If that did not suffice then there were other houses that provided the opportunity for such a thing. Wives would never know the true nature of their husband's desires, as husband would never know the true colours of the women they courted until they had been married for many years.

Though in Gerald O'Hara's case, he would never know what his wife really thought of him.

XxX

Ashley was dragged out of the past by the sound of Melanie's voice, calling him in for dinner. He slumped over to the table where he could see Scarlett already helping her boys with their meal. The baby rested against her mother. Suellen was discussing a letter that she had received from Frank Kennedy that day. It included many sentences with the phrase, "When we are married" and she was crowing over how she had such a man's affections. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see that Melly was the only one really listening.

Suellen carried on regardless.

"You'll have to give me the name of a good dressmaker. Scarlett, are you sure there isn't any money left for a dress?"

Scarlett pulled a face and the boys hid their laughter behind their hands.

"I'm sure I've told you a million times Sue. The answer is still 'Would you rather have us starve so that you can preen in new clothes?'" She arched her eyebrows, glaring at her younger sister.

Suellen pouted, "Oh you're hateful! Here I am trying to cheer everyone up and you're ruining it."

Scarlett rolled her eyes and turned towards the boys. "How are you cheering us up?"

"I want you to see that there is still good news about. Mr Kennedy is clearly doing well for himself. Can't you be happy for him?"

"If he's doing so well, why doesn't he marry you now? Or at the very least help out his future family?"

"It's because he's saving up to buy a home. He's in some dingy rooms at the moment. Once he's settled, he'll send for me and..."

"And you'll be living in Atlanta with all your fancy dresses. Yes, yes Sue. Can we talk about something else?"

The rest of the meal carried on in silence. Ashley went to bed with a heavy heart that night. Thoughts of Scarlett tortured his dreams and he tossed and turned whilst his wife slept on in blissful ignorance.

Time passed in its usual manner.

Scarlett's latest pregnancy and the trauma surrounding it had taken its toll on her body. She suffered regular and paralysing headaches that would render her bed-ridden for a day at least. On these occasions, Mammy took up position as head of the house, assisted by Dilcey. Their own battle was forgotten and replaced by their mutual concern for Scarlett. They made sure that everyone knew their place and their word was law.

When Melly tried to intervene, they gently persuaded her, in their own way, that they were following Miss Scarlett's instructions. Melly soon learned that whilst she was very respected, she was not a relation and therefore, her position was little more than a guest.

A non-paying guest, at that.

XxX

Frank wrote regularly but Suellen was not such a great correspondent. She delighted in receiving, as opposed to actually writing.

Scarlett received regular reports via Mr Thornton as to the business. All she could make of it was that the two men were very pleased with themselves. She wished them well but every time a letter arrived, she wished it was from another source.

It was in 1863 that Pierre Robillard quit America for his native France. He closed up the Savannah home and followed his fortune that now habited in his Paris bank. He also closed up the Chevalier home and had all its valuables transported for its own safety.

Including the inheritance of Madame Chevalier and her two offspring.

Each day, Scarlett hoped for word that her Grand-father would unlock the shackles and help her. The more days passed, the more hope she lost.

Scarlett felt the sensation of rejection rise once more. It haunted her dreams and sent her running through a very thick fog...

XxX

It was late morning when Will went in search of Scarlett. He had the unfortunate task of informing her about an increase in taxes. He found her in her mother's study.

Scarlett's first thought was to lay her head down and cry but Will was looking at her expectantly. She held in her tears, held her head high and rose from her desk.

"I'll go ask Mr Ashley."

"He won't have the money."

"I can ask him if I want to. Can't I?"

She breezed past him and there was barely enough time for Will to mention bringing a shawl, before she was out the door.

Will shook his head.

XxX

Ashley was splitting rails when Scarlett approached. He made some reference to Abe Lincoln and how he started out but she was too tired to notice. All she was concerned about was the money. Ashley looked at her distraught face and felt depresses. If Scarlett's resourcefulness was failing then he would surely lose hope. Her whole can-do attitude spurred everyone else on. It was contagious and somehow fooled everyone into thinking that all was well in the world. Her tears were spilling now as she laid her hand on his arm.

"Ashley, let's run away."

"What?"

"Yes, lets. We can go to Mexico. They're looking for officers in the army. We could be so happy there. Just you and me."

"You'd run away! Desert your children. I can't leave Melly and Beau. Are you mad?"

"I could leave them. I'm sick and tired of them all."

"Yes, you're sick and tired, dear. You've carried the load for both of us and I'm going to be more help now."

"There's only one way you can help me. Please take me away, there's nothing to keep us here."

"Nothing, except honour."

Ashley's words broke the barrier for Scarlett's tears. As furiously as she wiped them away. They kept flowing, always more and more. Ashley reached out and held her close. The gesture sparked life between the couple and she turned her head upwards. His lips were warm and inviting. His eyes so soft and warm. They both moved towards each other. A serenity protected the couple. For once, they could forget the desolation of the South. Their families and financial worries vanished and the world consisted of the couple alone.

Ashley hadn't been with a woman in a while. Incarcerated for months away from human contact, Scarlett was a gift from the heavens above. Her flesh was so soft, her lips tasted like honey. He felt a stirring in his lower regions. He had to have her! His hold on her tightened and his arm went lower down her back to lower her to the ground.

Ashley's kisses were so pleasant but now he was moving her, she was no longer sure. His arms tightened around her and she wanted to escape. Her protest came out like a soft moan, which was one of pleasure to Ashley's ears. He was leaning on top of her and he slipped one hand to undo his trousers. His other hand held her shoulders down. His mouth left hers to move up her skirt. Snapping to attention, Scarlett tried to shake off Ashley.

"Ashley, get off me. Get off me!"

She pulled up one of her legs and shoved it in his lower regions. He fell to his side, wincing and Scarlett moved away from him. She scrambled to her feet whilst Ashley lay, in pain. She was struck by realisation.

"You low down cad. You never loved me, you only wanted me."

He released a pathetic, "Scarlett!"

She stepped away from his hold. "No, don't touch me. Just tell me the truth for once in your life." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "If you hadn't been engaged to Melanie, would you have married me?"

"Scarlett, my dear don't..."

"Just answer the God-damned question."

"We would never suit each other Scarlett. You know this. I do care about you and..."

"But you don't love me. You only wanted me like a man wants a whore! Do you love Melly?"

"She's like me Scarlett."

"Do you love her?"

"Yes. I love her. She's the only dream I ever had and..."

She couldn't hear any more of his talk and ran off. She ran until she reached the swamp.

Her haven.

Tears welled but her barrier was up again. All she had ever known was gone. Tara was in ruins, the Yankees were going to take her home and the man she loved only wanted her like...Oh, just like Rhett Butler had wanted her! She hurled then. All of her insides were turned out at the idea that Ashley thought of her as just an amenity.

Shaking, she pulled herself up. She couldn't just sit here and cry. She had to think of a way to save Tara. She walked over to the porch to find Kit sitting and playing in the dirt. He looked upwards and smiled. She had to smile back.

"Mama, will you play?"

"Yes darling. I will."

She sat down next to him and started piling the dirt when the sound of hooves and wheels drew her attention. She stood on the porch to gain advantage. It was Jonas Wilkerson and ... Emmie Slattery!

"Hello there."

Jonas stepped out and helped Emmie out.

"What the Hell are you doing here?"

"Mrs Wilkerson and I have come to chat with old friends."

"So you're married now. It's a shame you weren't married when my mother was helping Emmie give birth to your brats!"

Emmie screeched in protest and tried to get back in the carriage but Jonas wouldn't let her.

His eyes glinted as he drew in a breath. "You can't speak that way to us anymore. Word is that you can't pay your taxes!"

She huffed. "What business is that of yours?"

The glint grew. "It's simple really. We'll take Tara of your hands and you can find a new home. I'm willing to make a fair deal."

"I'se a hankering to live here!"

"You trash will never step foot in my home. Ever."

Jonas let Emmie escape from him and he stepped forward.

"You hush your mouth about my wife."

"Took you long enough to marry her. What's the matter Wilkerson? Didn't want to associate with white trash whores?"

Scarlett never saw it coming.

Jonas's fist knocked her of balance and she had to hold on to one of Tara's pillars. Kit grabbed the pile of dirt and put it in his mother's hand. Without thinking, she threw it in Wilkerson's face.

"That's all of Tara you'll ever get. Now get off my land."

Back in his carriage, Jonas yelled "We'll be back. Only next time it will be with the Sheriff!"

He had gone and Scarlett rushed into what was left of the parlour. Pacing, she thought over her options. They couldn't lose their home. But who had money now. There was Frank Kennedy but he was saving for his precious home. Why does he need a home when he had family in Jonesborough? Sue didn't need a home in Atlanta. They needed money. How can $300 seem such a lot when Gerald would regularly lose that much on a game of cards? Why Rhett Butler usually spent that on a suit and...Rhett Butler, of course! He had money, more than he needed. The only thing he used it for were suits, good food, those cigars and ... women.

That thought halted her briefly. Rhett was used to women who were pretty and had nice clothes. Scarlett checked herself in the mirror and she was appalled at the sight. Her fine hair was all scraggly. She was too thin and her face was deathly pale. Not to mention her hands. They were ruined. There was no way she could charm Rhett like she had before.

Perhaps she could just ask him straight out for the money? He did always say the he liked her frankness. Huh, that was the only thing she had to offer. It would have to do. She checked the mirror again. Her face was red where Jonas had struck her. The low-down, low bred b...!

Mammy came in to find her mistress looking idly at the mirror. She went to her and turned her around. She gasped at the sight of the redness.

"Miss Scarlett! What happened honey?"

"It's nothing. Don't get het up about it."

"Miss Scarlett, what are we going to do?"

Scarlett sighed and accepted the fact that she wasn't surprised Mammy knew about the taxes.

"I've got it all sorted Mammy. I'm going to Atlanta tomorrow."

Mammy's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Who's going with you?"

"I'm going alone."

"Oh no you're not. I'se going with you."

Scarlett laid a light hand on Mammy's arm. "But Mammy, they need you here and..."

Mammy grunted and cut in. "They can handle things here. I'se going with you and that's final!"

A/N: So, what do you think? Any feedback would be great.