Part 53: A Small Defiance

After Rhett had admitted her loved her and they had their ultimatum, he seemed to withdraw from her as a weary animal does. Scarlett nearly screamed in outrage as he was now gone more often. A few weeks passed, and she had kept her peace but now she was furious, today of all days after she heard from one of the maids where Rhett was.

"He said something miss, about going to a saloon, to a woman named Miss Watkins," the maid said, stuttering with the name.

"Miss Watling," Scarlett spat out in disgust. Her eyes narrowed and she angrily clenched her hands.

The maid seemed frightened and she fled when Scarlett barked for her to get out of her room. After kicking over a chair, Scarlett's eyes roved around the room as she sank on her bed and tried to get her breathing to return to normal. Shuddering, she placed a hand on her stomach and realized it would do no good to storm to the creature's establishment as she had thought doing. She would bear it, she would play the silent martyr and look pained when Mrs. Merriweather and the other fat old cats crooned about how awful Rhett was and how badly she was being treated.

With that plan in mind, Scarlett realized Rhett had written his mother to tell of her pregnancy and she had received an excited letter months ago from Eleanor and Rosemary. But Scarlett had been so busy trying to underhandedly make sure the mills didn't fall trough, that she had not given thought to inviting the Butler's to stay with them. Rhett could not run off to Belle's if Eleanor and Rosemary came and would have to act as the proper husband. Smiling, she walked over to her desk and pulled out stationary, nibbling on the tip, she thought of how to pen it and came up with the perfect words:

Dearest Eleanor,

I simply do not know how to write this to you. I'm afraid that ever since Rhett heard about the baby, he has been more withdrawn and is rarely home. Please, I would hope that you do not tell him this for I trust you and would not want him to know I have been complaining. But I cannot bear it anymore and pray that somehow I can win Rhett's affections once again. To get to the point, I was hoping and praying that you and Rosemary could come to Atlanta and stay with us until the baby is born. I would not want to be any trouble; it is only that those past months when I was in Charleston, I began to feel as if you were my own mother. Please do not write if you do decide to come. I would like Rhett to be surprised.

Yours,

Scarlett Butler

Scarlett felt satisfied with the letter and promptly sent it off with one of the maids. Pleased with herself, she decided she would go pick up the children from school today. No doubt Rhett was busy or drunk, not in the right mind to pick up the children. Despite what Rhett might think, she had liked picking the children up from school during that time she had been in Atlanta after leaving Charleston. It was not as if anyone would see her 'condition' anyway for she would be in the carriage. However, Mr. Williams for some odd reason flittered into her head and she wondered how he was. At first she had disliked him immensely, but now found she had enjoyed the few conversations she had with him, she had felt like his equal.

With other men, they had always tried to make her feel as if she were the weaker sex. Pa had babied her; Rhett had belittled her for her naiveté, but not Mr. Williams. Detaching her mind from where Rhett was and what he did, she decided she would put on an act of contentment; she did not want to look awful, should Mr. Williams happen to see her…

XXXX

As soon as Scarlett arrived, it surprised her to see all the children running around the schoolyard. She supposed she had been too early in picking up the children. Turning her head, as she looked out the window, she spotted Wade and Ella. They seemed to have spotted her for they ecstatically waved and left their friends, running over to the carriage.

They both paused at the door, out of breath.

"Mother, where is Uncle Rhett?" Wade asked, frowning slightly.

"He had some business to take care of," she lied. "Aren't you happy to see me, Wade Hampton?" she chidingly asked.

"Of course, mother!"

Ella was grinning as happy as could be. Smiling, Scarlett watched as Ella turned and cupped her hands, shouting for Mr. Williams. Scarlett furiously shook her head; Mr. Williams could not see her in her condition! Not because it was immodest, but she knew she looked awful.

"Come here, Mr. Williams! Mother is here!" Ella continued to call out.

"Ella-" Scarlett began to protest. But it was too late for she saw Mr. Williams making his way toward she carriage. The spring in his step was distinct, more pronounced. There was also a broad smirk on his lips, becomingly over his stubble. Why, Scarlett hadn't realized how ruggedly handsome the man was. Shaking her head, and feeling briefly guilty for admiring another man, she pulled her mind from thoughts off her children's teacher.

He leaned his arms across her window, his stance relaxed, as he genuinely seemed happy to see her, his blue eyes dancing with warmth.

"Hello, Mrs. Butler, how are you this fine day?" he asked with bright cheerfulness, it seemed as if there was teasing tone to his voice. But he was genuine. His eyes were expressive, as if he were laughing at himself and the world, but not at her.

"Just dandy, Mr. Williams," she lightly said, her eyes dancing as they met his. "And you?"

"Just fine, just fine. I am alive and well, so I do not have any complaints." Then his voice became reflective, thoughtful as his eyes flickered away. "I haven't seen you lately to pick up Wade and Ella…"

Scarlett's face flamed. Certainly she did not want him to think her an unfit mother. "Well, I ah-well, you see, Mr. Williams, I am going to have a child in September and well-" she trailed off, embarrassed.

"I understand, Mrs. Butler," he sort of laughed. "A woman after all must not be seen, heaven forbid that in their weak and fragile condition they are able to enjoy life and do such grueling tasks as picking up their children."

She smiled. "Then you don't agree with women being forced to stay at home during their-time?"

He looked incredulous and shortly laughed. "No. It deprives me of the only company I have save children." He gestured over to the playing children. Ella and Wade had returned to the games. Finally he gave her a sidelong glance. "Think about coming by more often, Mrs. Butler. The children are thrilled whenever you come, and I… I would be pleased to see you."

Never had a man been so blunt with her save Rhett. Perhaps not so blunt, for he was merely telling her he enjoyed her company. She did not think he was flirting with her, but wasn't certain. Was he offering friendship? Realizing she desperately needed a friend and feeling warm that he seemed to enjoy her presence, she smiled, her dimples flashing charmingly.

"I certainly shall, Mr. Williams."

"Good," he murmured, "Good." Then he was gone just as quickly as he had come to the carriage. She watched his retreating figure and heard his commanding voice as he told the children to cease playing and come inside for their books and things. Watching them file one by one into the door, Scarlett laughed.

"Mother, mother," Wade demandingly repeated, capturing her attention from her thoughts.

"Hmm… yes Wade?"

"Does that mean you shall come and pick us up more often, me and Ella?"

"Yes, Wade it certainly does."

The children let out whoops of excitement as they led into the carriage beside her. Scarlett listened to their animated chatter, feeling lighter and happier than she had in weeks. This was short lived however when she arrived home and met Rhett's angry eyes.

XXX

"What the hell do you think you were doing?" Rhett demanded, arms crossed. As soon as the trio had walked into the house, Rhett had been waiting and had whispered for her to join him in their room. She had no choice but to obey, not wanting to cause a scene. Yet she knew by the tenseness of his shoulders and his stony face he was angry with her.

"And it is good to see you as well darling," she said with mock sweetness.

"Some things don't change, do they, Scarlett? You're still as unthinking as ever. Prancing off. God, don't you know in that fool head of yours, the accidents that-"

"Accidents? Oh, Fiddle-dee-dee. I'll have you know Rhett I-the only accident I had when pregnant was because of you, not because I was out 'prancing' around as you called it."

The barb hit him and for a moment she felt guilty pleasure. Knowing she should feel awful, a feeling of guilt assailed her as she saw the flicker of remorse in his eyes before it was wiped clean. Scarlett wished she could be sweet to him, but could not muster the feelings. After all, he was not being kind to her and had barely acknowledged her these past few months. If only the sweetness of her birthday, the passion could be recaptured. But it could not for Rhett was being unreasonable and she was through being a doormat and begging for him to show interest in her or the baby. Always at Belle's, or the bank or heaven knew where. He coolly chuckled, mirthlessly.

"Indeed, how astute of you, Mrs. Butler. You will not pick up the children anymore until after September, are we clear, my pet? I won't have you risk that fool neck of yours or the child."

She glared at him. How dare he try to control her with an iron fist and forbid her from leaving her own home? Depriving her of the only pleasure of picking up her children. It was not fair. Yet, Rhett could not keep her from corresponding with anyone she wanted. She could still enjoy the pleasure of Mr. Williams company. Smiling, satisfied with her plan, she shrugged.

"Very well, Rhett."

He eyed her skeptically. "I don't believe you, Scarlett. It is not like you to give in so easily."

She lightly laughed. "Perhaps I have changed. It may be hard for you to believe, Rhett, but I am not the same woman you married. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am feeling rather tired and shall go up to our room for a nap."

Smothering a giggle at the incredulous look on Rhett's face, Scarlett turned on her heel and made her way to their room. Once inside she threw her shawl on the bed and sat down at the desk. Pulling out a pen, she nibbled gently on the nib and dipped it in ink. Thus began her long correspondence with Mr. Williams for the next months. She did not question why she was writing him, and what purpose it would serve, but this was a small defiance on her part towards Rhett. If he could very well parade around town and visit that Belle, what harm would it be writing Wade and Ella's teacher?

TBC