Chapter 101

As she sat there in the carriage, she kept looking at Rhett for some indication of kindness or compassion towards herself. His face looked absolutely blank but there was bitterness in his eyes. She knew they had a long ride to the house and wondered what Rhett meant about making scenes. Suddenly in her mind's eye, she saw him advancing to his family gathered somewhere cosy and elegant like in the main library or even some occasion such as a ball. He was telling them about her. Awful things. And they were all watching to see what she would say in her defence. And as she felt all eyes on her, she quivered in her seat. Meekly she grabbed Rhett's sleeve and said, "Rhett, please don't make any scenes. I didn't mean what I said. I..I was only saying that that moment was an unpleasant memory and I hadn't fully recovered from it yet-"

"Then why did you tell me to listen to my own heart, my pet?"

"Oh, I- all right, just give me some time. Let me think about it. You can't just force someone to reveal everything just like that. What if I said the wrong thing?" Scarlett saw that Rhett was relenting a little and maintained the same tack. "I need time to remember exactly what happened between me and Ashley, don't I? I can't remember all the details just like that-"

Rhett didn't reply.

Scarlett pulled at the sleeve and then wiped the tears falling out of her eyes.

Rhett sighed a little and gave in with a nod. He put an arm around her. "You have two days. I think that should be enough time. And you have to be truthful, remember that. What a child, you are. You want a marriage and yet you don't want to mend the things that went wrong between us. Sure, it will be painful. But at least we can try now. Now that you've grown so much and you are finally showing some sincerity."

"I thought that when you see the things I do for you, you might love me and we could start a new life together-"

"It doesn't work like that, Scarlett. People never fall in love or stay together because of the things they do for each other. It takes more than that. And yet it is extraordinarily simple."

"What is that?"

"Just be who you are. And let me be who I am."

"But I am letting you be who you are."

"No, you aren't. You told me that you love me and you want me to change and yet it is all for having another baby like Bonnie, isn't it?"

Scarlett gulped and looked up at Rhett. He didn't show any change in expression. "I was only trying to make you happy." replied Scarlett and then fell silent. Suddenly she realized that Rhett was wiser than he appeared. She had never given much thought to this side of him before. He seemed to give sagely wisdom. Of course they had to re tread every path they had walked together and sort out every mistake. She admired his courage for waiting for her. She gripped his hand warmly and leaned into him.