IF you're still here, thank you. I hope you enjoy this next Chapter. I know there's not a lot of action in it, but I think it sets the story up for the next few chapters of easy and quick writing. Hope you're all Well. -Phantom

Chapter Eight: Scarlett

The way people were running around, it reminded me of the day that war was declared. Although instead of shouts of jubilation as I'd heard then, I could only hear panic, now. I loosened my grip on Rhett's arm as he looked down on me. He pulled me away from the gathering crowd, and spoke calmly, but firmly. "It's been brewing for a little while, but I don't think people thought it would actually happen. Banks are closing, people are losing money in all directions."

"Us too, Rhett?" I tried not to sound nearly as scared at the idea as I felt.

"Don't worry Scarlett, we'll lose some, but I have my money invested in many areas, some not invested at all, and just stored safely. Yours as well."

"What does that mean Rhett? For everyone else?"

"Some will lose everything Scarlett. I don't think we'll see the other side of this for some time."

Memories of trying to survive at the end of the war, and for the first bit after, flooded to the front of my mind. Seeing everyone hungry, and homes being sold, changed everything. The world I knew stopped existing, and I wondered if that would happen again. "Well, what will we do?"

"There's not much to do, Scarlett, just live through it the best we can. Still, if we're planning on leaving the states, we should probably do it sooner rather than later?"

"Whatever for?"

"We've no idea how things will turn out. In a few months we might not be able to travel…" I gasped, and he glanced at me, but he pressed on. "Not because of funds, my pet, because the railroads and ships might stop for a bit."

I nodded. If Rhett said our money was safe, I believed him. Still, I didn't much like the idea of traveling anywhere, or being anywhere and not being able to leave. "Maybe we should head back to Atlanta." My voice trailed off; I already knew his answer.

"If you'd prefer to go back, I will make the arrangements." My eyes widened a fraction, but he continued on. "I can't go back. You'll go back to Atlanta without me if you do."

He was giving me the choice, and I could see that he was expecting me to have him book my transportation. "No, Rhett. I don't want to return, either. I just...this won't be like the war, will it?"

His eyes softened, and he pulled me closer to his side. It was the first show of any sort of comfort or affection since the trip had begun. He'd been decent-friendly even, but this reminded me of the Rhett from years past. "You will never have to fear a life like that again, Scarlett. Not as long as I'm still living."

I looked up at him, but just as quickly as he'd said the words, he stepped away from me, clearing his throat. Back came the collected Rhett. "I'll arrange for our transportation to Europe in the morning." I nodded, sad that the brief spell was over, but thankful that he seemed content at least to carry on together for the foreseeable future.

True to his word, he found a ship leaving the coast for Ireland. We spent one final week in New York, exploring. The day before we boarded Rhett had all of the items I'd purchased shipped home in trunks. His hand steadied me as we walked the ramp onto the boat and I looked back to the land. I'd never traveled anywhere like this before, aside from our honeymoon, I'd never even been on a boat. This ship was large, and grander than I expected. It seemed that we weren't the only ones ready to leave the states, as I saw several other couples who we'd seen or met briefly at the hotel, also boarding.

Rhett had booked a large cabin on the ship's upper deck. We each had our own room, but we shared a main area and washroom. It was a small step in the right direction that he didn't request completely separate rooms. I knew that had been an option as I had overheard a couple with their small children talking about their rooms being too far apart. I couldn't help but wonder if Rhett had requested the cabin simply because it was the nicest, or because he didn't want to be far separate from me, either. I hoped it was the latter, but rather figured it was the former. Either way, I'd take this chance and try to enjoy it.

It took over a day for us to get "underway" as the Captain called it. He'd joined Rhett and I at our table on the first night. Rhett told me later that it was considered quite the honor, and meant that we were considered important passengers on the shp. I had to admit that that pleased me even more. Captain Johansen was handsome, though I guessed several years older than Rhett. He was married, and had grown children. He was a surreal mixture of southern gentleman from my childhood and no-nonsense man, not dissimilar from Rhett in his views and opinions. I found I enjoyed him quite a lot.

As we walked back to our cabin the next afternoon, after walking around the deck, I faltered as the boat rocked. "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it by the time the trip is done, Scarlett." Rhett teased, but there was no malice or hardness in his voice when he spoke.

I smiled up at him as best as I could. In truth I was feeling slightly ill with the motion of the ship. I'd been warned about sea-sickness, but I hoped that sheer willpower alone would make me immune. It certainly didn't seem that that would be the case. Regardless, I'd make sure there was a chamber pot near the bed when I slept, just in case.

Sleeping, it seemed, was also a challenge once we were truly at sea. The sounds of the waves crashing against the sides of the ship, and the creaking of the walls around me, was terrifying. I laid in the bed, with the covers up to my chin and my eyes wide open. I tossed and turned for hours before finally getting up, sighing in frustration. I walked into the main living area, and I could see Rhett's door. It was slightly ajar. I walked over, trying to move with as much grace as the ship's movement permitted. I peeked around the oak door, wondering if I would be brave enough to enter, to ask him to let me stay with him. Only an empty bed greeted my eyes. Rhett had clearly left the cabin after we returned. I imagined he was sitting down in the Gentleman's room, smoking cigars and laughing with the other men while all the wives and children were asleep.

I sighed, and walked over to the large settee that was situated against one wall of the room. I grabbed one of the magazines I'd purchased in New York and set myself to browsing through the pages. At least this would help pass the time, I thought that perhaps if I exhausted myself staying up, I'd be able to finally sleep. I let myself relax against the overstuffed cushions, and opened the magazine to the first page. The haul creaked again and I shuddered, taking a deep breath in and out. This was going to be a long trip.