A/N Quick shortish chappie for your Hurricane Zeta viewing. I had to split one again because the visit with General Hampton is getting kinda weighty. As far as the timeline, it is Thursday morning at the mansion/construction site. Thursday afternoon is the general's visit, Leif comes back from New Orleans on Friday with a *surprise*, first reading lesson with all three students is on Sunday, and then time will shoot forward through the next week with Rhett scheduled to be arriving at the end of the week. At least, that is the outline for now. These characters sometimes have minds of their own, however … .

Chapter 12

Of course, with all the noise and construction Atlanta society quickly became very well aware that something drastic was going on with the Butler mansion; thankfully, the greater majority could read the 'Home of the future Hotel Robillard' sign out front.

Nevertheless, gawkers and gawpers standing outside the Peachtree house soon made their presence known to Scarlett Thursday morning. Local folk lined the sidewalk starting early, and some even went so far as to question the workers; although Scarlett quite irritably thought the sign should speak for itself.

"Them aunties of yours might not like it at all," Dilcey observed, Pork nodding sagely beside her as they all stood at the front parlor window and regarded the people milling about the mansion's front.

It would be only a matter of days before news reached Pauline and Eulalie Robillard in Charleston that Scarlett planned to stamp their surname on her project. She could not have cared less.

"Well, I'm a Robillard as well, and I've supported them for years so as far as I'm concerned it's none of their concern," Scarlett said in a cool tone, drinking her morning coffee before getting to work.

She had a bit of a headache after the previous night's conversation with Ms. Watling. A couple more shots of brandy seemed like a good idea at the time, as had the lessons, a fine, generous, gracious thing to offer, but in the light of day and the more she thought about it, the less likely it appeared that she could keep such a thing a secret, especially with Prissy and Phoebe in the know.

And she didn't know how she was going to stand being around that woman - definitely did not want Ella or Wade around her. Ever. And if Rhett did somehow find out, like he always seemed to find out anything she didn't want him to know - he'd assume it was some kind of a ploy, an ugly manipulation on her part, and she'd have to deal with the savage razor edge of that twisted, silken tongue of his. Well, he wasn't around that much anymore, anyway. And didn't care, she could not forget.

But still - how exactly was she supposed to be in her presence, the woman who had held him and kissed him and loved him - and done all kinds of other things with him - all while he was married to her, and before. For years and years.

'Is this how Melly felt, ever? Even just a little bit?' Scarlett asked herself. 'I mustn't forget that I delivered Ashley's baby. Worked and lived and toiled and socialized next to Melly for years when I wholly believed myself to be in love with him. As she did with me.

'And Rhett, working with Ashley in meetings, late into the night, to get rid of the Klan and bring back the Democrats. Knowing the entire time that this was the man I favored over my marriage. How was that for him?'

She wasn't used to thinking like this, putting herself in other people's shoes. She found it disturbing, and humbling at the same time. For the first time ever, she missed the days of hoeing cotton rows and worrying about surviving another day. Life was much simpler then. Much more miserable, to be sure, but simpler.

She just didn't know quite how to do it altogether successfully, how to deal with her feelings and someone else's in the same moment. She felt it took more of an effort than it should. Never too late to learn, however. Unconsciously she squared her shoulders.

'It's going to hurt. I know it is. But I am no coward. I can do it, and it will help it hurt less. Eventually. If it doesn't kill me first.'

Well, she had another kettle of fish or ten to fry before dealing with all that, anyway.

Looking out the window again she spotted the Elsings, Dolly Merriweather and Maybelle, both Dr. and Mrs. Meade - good lord, was that India Wilkes hanging about?

Not to mention whoever else of polite society could not help but try to stroll casually by and inquire. As she saw Mrs. Merriweather headed for the walkway to the front door with a determined air she directed Pork to block it immediately.

It wasn't five minutes, however, before Aunt Pittypat joined the melee and demanded Pork let her speak to Scarlett. She couldn't very well refuse family, good thing she was dressed. This was actually the first time she had seen these people since deciding they weren't going to govern her life anymore. A devilish intent lit her up from the inside. She knew just how to work out her hangover and poor mood.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen," Scarlett greeted the throng in her most charming voice as she made her way around the sawhorse Pork had just placed on the walkway moments ago. "Whatever would you all talk about if you didn't have my goings-on to entertain you?"

She watched with barely concealed pleasure as various Old Guard faces frowned.

"I'm quite sure you all would have died of boredom years ago," she continued. Dr. Meade's sideburns vibrated as he visibly squared his jaw.

"What on earth are you doing here, Scarlett? Turning your home into a place of business? What will your Charleston aunts think of the name?" Mrs. Meade barged right in. "And Mr. Butler, what does he think of this? When are you expecting him home?"

"And so soon after the tragedies in your family," Dolly supplied with righteous indignation.

Scarlett's eyes hardened as she regarded Mrs. Merriweather, who met her stare for stare.

" And are you going to live in a hotel?" Pitty all but squeaked.

"Auntie, I'm sure you know I have purchased another house. I told Uncle Henry when I picked the children up Sunday evening."

"Oh dear," Pittypat breathed, "and I've heard you hired a Yankee attorney and not your uncle Henry and he is most put out and then the architect is English and there are so many unknown people involved …. ." she stopped to catch her breath and fan herself.

"And I hear General Hampton is calling on you this afternoon?"

"He is calling on Wade Hampton," Scarlett said, "his namesake, and to discuss Charles. I still employ Uncle Henry to manage my various investments and accounts for the children. It's not like I fired him. But this project is different. I wanted a new approach."

And I'm not talking to Henry about my marriage, she added silently.

She looked at Mrs. Meade as she addressed the group. "You all know very well Mr. Butler and I have always conducted our businesses separately, and this," Scarlett gestured behind her at the mansion with a wide, sweeping hand, "is definitely my business.

"As far as where Mr. Butler is and when he is expected to return to Atlanta," she said lightly, softly, "your guess is as good as mine. He doesn't care to account for his whereabouts, and I'm sure I won't presume to do it for him. In the future, I suggest you contact his solicitor if you are in desperate need of such information."

She smiled brightly at the somewhat thunderstruck gathering.

"We'll be sure to pick up Beau on our way home from here around two so he can meet the general as well, Aunt Pitty. Wade has already discussed it with him, you know."

She turned back to the others. "I want this to be a happy place again. With music and laughter, good food and dancing and fellowship. Bonnie and Melly both would want that. It's been nearly two years, after all, and I have my living family to consider as well. It has been dark and quiet here in this house for far too long. "

Scarlett fixed a pleasant expression on her face. "I just can't reveal any more details, where would the fun be in that? As for the unknown people - well, we lost so many men and boys in the war and we could use some new blood around here, however are our girls supposed to marry? Isn't that right, India?" She got a straight out scowl for that comment.

"You know me, can't stay still. Wade and Ella are enjoying it ever so much. Why, I had to promise them both this morning they could come by tomorrow and see the progress."

Scarlett looked up to see Tate approaching, a questioning look on his handsome face.

"There's my architect now," she said gaily, then leaned forward to whisper. "Wait until you meet my investment partner. Also very easy on the eyes," she dimpled and gave the ladies a knowing look.

"It's so good to see you all but I am terribly busy, as you must realize. If you'd like to discuss my life and activities more thoroughly perhaps you should invite me to tea sometime."

Which will never happen, she thought with satisfaction.

"Do stop making that face, Mrs. Merriweather," Scarlett said as she swept past to head back up the walkway toward Tate. "You know it makes your mustache grow faster."

She wasn't absolutely sure but it appeared that Mrs. Meade had to quickly duck her head to hide a smirk.

"I was coming to rescue you," Tate said in a low voice as he threaded her arm through his and walked her toward the house. "That old water buffalo looked like she was going to make a go for your throat any moment."

OOOOooooOOOOoooo

Next chapter is mostly done and should be up this weekend, barring any Halloween mishaps. Your feedback and reviews are most appreciated and vital to the development of this story. I apologize to those of you who have been so very patient but really want to see Rhett; I just have to get Scarlett in the right place and at least somewhat ready for that triflin' joker and all his little tricks and treats. The man's a lot to handle, but I am entirely hopeful that our girl can do it. Just give her a minute :)