Pre Note: I had a few negative reviews for the first time, and thought I'd address them. First, I understand that this fanficisn't going to be everyone's "cup of tea"- I know the timeline is altered, but I rather thought that was the point of fanfiction. Second, I am fully aware that an open marriage isn't something that was "done" in those times. I do think Rhett has always been a bit ahead of his time (e.g Scarlett ran a business when the other ladies were sewing quilts). That said, Rhett suggested it, but if you notice, they haven't actually really partaken in the open-ness yet. ;-) For everyone else, thank you so much for your reviews (yes even the negative because I like to see what people are thinking). I hope I continue to keep this an entertaining read for you all.

Chapter Eleven

It was a warm, early July morning when a crisp knock came at the front door. Scarlett was sitting with Ashley in the downstairs parlor. She looked across the room at the man she'd once loved so desperately, and felt nothing- well, nothing except pity. If Ashley had been a shell of himself after the war, than she had no idea what to call him now. After Mellie died, he'd died as well. Or he might as well have, she thought. He hadn't been seen at any public gathering since her death. Still mourning, he allowed only close friends and family to see him and Beau. The following month would mark the two year Anniversary of a lot of things, but most painfully the passing of Bonnie and Mellie. Briefly, Scarlett wondered if Ashley would be better once that anniversary had passed.

Today had been the first time they'd sat down together since she returned. They'd spoken only in passing since she'd returned in April. Dr. Meade had given her permission to move about the house, with the help of a servant or Rhett, or a small cane that he'd provided, but she was still supposed to rest her foot often, and for long stretches of time. Scarlett had been enjoying her time sitting in a particularly sunny room, where she'd used to entertain visitors, and now she retreated for some quietness.

Rhett had taken Baby B out to the park, and an eager Ella had accompanied them, as well as Beau and Wade, who quietly did as Scarlett instructed. It was the first time the baby had been away from her for any sustained length of time and distance, and Scarlett tried to tell herself that all would be okay, and that Rhett would return. If she was right, Rhett had somewhat enjoyed the anxious look plastered across her face as he told her his plans. She'd wanted to argue, but Rhett had made a valid point. Sometime, Scarlett would have to let everyone know that the child was truly hers- not just adopted. Rhett wanted to make sure that there were no questions about his parentage when that information came out. If she were truthful, she hadn't really considered the truth-telling aspect of returning to Atlanta. How would she tell everyone?

"Excuse me, Ashley. I need to answer the door." She wasn't expecting anyone today, and she wondered briefly if it was someone stopping by to see Rhett. She'd seen him meeting with a couple of men downstairs several times, but he made no attempt to tell her what it was about. She'd been dying to ask him, but bit her tongue- she would play his game as long as he did, and better- on that she was sure.

One of the male staff came bustling from the kitchen area, and smiled at her. "You waits right there Mrs. Butler, I'll get that door for ya. Mr. Rhett would be powerful angry if I lets you get hurt when he's not here." She doubted that Rhett would be angry- more inconvenienced she thought, than concerned, but she smiled and nodded at the man anyway before sitting back down.

Scarlett returned to her seat across from Ashley, who was glancing out the window behind her. The expression on his face slightly lost- she found that seeing him irritated her, but she could hardly not invite him inside when he'd come over to talk to her. She opened her mouth to speak, but a sound at the room's doorway, stopped her. She turned and her face immediately broke into a smile. "Duncan! You're here!" Scarlett stood up and with as much grace as her leg allowed, she moved to greet him, kissing him on the cheek as she did so.

February '74

Sarah smiled at Scarlett as they sat next to each other in front of the fire. Her eyes pointed at the man stoking the fire in the small hearth as she whispered to Scarlett. "That man has a fine figure, does he not?"

Scarlett flushed. She'd certainly noticed that her new acquaintance was an attractive man. She doubted any sighted woman could ignore that. He was also insanely kind, and pleasant. Scarlett glanced down at her swollen abdomen. She expected the baby still had about a month to go, but she felt larger than she'd felt with any of her babies. The man, Duncan- as he'd insisted she call him- lived several homes down from her. She'd encountered him shortly after her move to the small village, and in the past month he'd busied himself with small tasks to help her and the children. The current one being to mend the fireplace which was in disrepair from the previous owner.

Duncan and Sarah-and Sarah's husband Ian- had been the only friends Scarlett had until well after the birth of Baby B. Initially, the other people in the village were just as unsure of her, as she was of them. Finally, she'd grown fond of the people, but she'd stayed particularly close to them.

At Scarlett's pink-tinged cheeks, Sarah clucked. "I know you'll still be missing your man, especially with the baby so close to coming, but there's no sin in looking, and God won't fault you for admiring his work."

Scarlett however, faulted herself. She'd never been one to feel much guilt-well, over anything. Still, as she felt the baby move and grow beneath her, everyday she asked herself if she was doing the right things by keeping the news from Rhett. She also regretted the dishonestly to Sarah, who had welcomed her, Wade and Ella so easily. The children had been yet another struggle. When she'd told them that they weren't allowed to tell anyone that Rhett was alive, had been utterly confused. Wade, she felt, understood slightly more than Ella, and Ella did as she was asked, mostly out of fear for her mother's wrath.

"Well Mrs. Butler- I think that's all set." Duncan said with his English accent, he'd moved to Ireland only months before Scarlett had, and he was the only other person in the entire village aside form Scarlett's family who hadn't been born and raised there.

"If you insist I call you Duncan, I suppose you should call me Scarlett." she flashed a smile up at him, and his eyes gleamed back as he nodded. "Thank you, Duncan, truly, the last few days have been much colder than I expected."

When they'd first arrived, they'd stayed in a small cottage until another house had become available. The home that they resided in now was smaller than Aunt Pitty's home, but Scarlett found herself quite content within its walls. The first time she'd walked into the home she'd been able to imagine raising her children here. Sarah had put her in touch with some of the locals, whom she'd paid handsomely to quickly sew some curtains and other linens for the home, all of which she had when she moved in. The home was not perfect, but it was quickly coming together, especially with Duncan around and offering to help wherever needed.

Months later, she would come to realize that she didn't know if Rhett could fix things around a house- it had certainly never occurred to her to ask, and they'd never needed him to. Though she had to admit there was something nice about having a man care enough about her to make sure these things were done. She longed for Rhett, and missed him, especially in those first few months. Then, when the baby was born and whenever he did something new or exciting she would think she'd like to share that moment with Rhett. Yet as the time moved on, Scarlett found that her thoughts were less painful now when she thought of him, and there was less anger too. Finally, one day she woke and realized that she no longer felt like her entire world was shattered, and that piece by piece she'd mended it in her new home.

Scarlett stared up at Duncan with a huge smile until someone cleared their throat behind her; Ashley. She'd almost forgotten he was there. She turned, leading Duncan into the room by the arm. "Ashley, this is my friend of Ireland, Mr. Duncan Taylor." Then to Duncan, she added, "Duncan, this is my friend Mr. Ashley Wilkes."

Duncan offered out a hand to Ashley, who took it. Duncan grasped it firmly and offered a shake before releasing it. "Pleased to meet you Mr. Wilkes. Scarlett, I'm sorry to have intruded, I didn't think you'd have anyone visiting so early."

"Not at all, Duncan. I'm pleased you came to see me."

Ashley cleared his throat. "Scarlett, I'll leave you to your guest. Have a good morning." He offered her a brief nod in her direction and let himself out of the house.

Scarlett invited Duncan to sit in the same place that Ashley had just occupied, and she sat back down in her chair. Her foot still throbbed when she was up too long, but she didn't dare tell Rhett or Dr. Meade that, otherwise they wouldn't let her down from her room for another month.

"I wasn't sure you'd even let me in the house, Scarlett. I'm glad that I was wrong." Duncan looked down at the floor, and absentmindedly played with a button on his jacket.

"Of course I'd let you in the house, Duncan. If you recall correctly, it wasn't I that was angry with you when we last met- but the other way around." Scarlett smiled at him, but there was a quiet sharpness in her voice that let him know her thoughts.

"I'd like to explain myself, Scarlett.. If you'll allow it."

"What's this, my pet? Just barely allowed out of bed and already entertaining visitors?" Rhett's mocking tone came from the doorway.

Duncan stood at the sound of his voice turning to greet Rhett. Scarlett turned in her chair, not bothering to stand. Rhett held Baby B in his arms. B looked first at Scarlett, and then turned his eyes to Duncan. He smiled as he did, and reached his arms out in Duncan's direction.

Scarlett could barely conceal her amusement when Duncan moved toward the child's arms and Rhett almost smoldered. "Well hello little man, you've grown a bit I think." He looked at Scarlett who nodded.

"Yes, he's grown so much these last few months, but it looks like he still recognizes you. You can hold him, of course." She offered sweetly.

Rhett stood still, allowing the baby to be taken from his arms. She didn't think she'd ever seen Rhett so visibly angry- except perhaps when he spoke about Ashley. To the casual observer, he looked like he always did, but Scarlett could see it in his eyes. "Rhett, allow me to introduce you to my dear friend, Mr. Taylor. Duncan, my husband, Rhett Butler"

Post Note: So, fun fact. I was a surprise twin. My mom was pregnant and miscarried at about 10 weeks. This was 30 years ago. She was not given an ultrasound and since she'd "passed" the baby, they told her to just go home and rest. Several weeks later she still felt pregnant and she spoke to her doctor. They told her it was probably just her body still reacting to the miscarriage, but gave her a scan anyways- and there I was- Just hanging out. They told her she must have lost the twin and kept me. So this played a little into my inspiration for the story.

Now, tell me- what does Rhett think about Duncan?!