Pre Note: So I strained my back on Monday, which means I've been bed bound. Thank gosh for chiropractors. I can sit up at my desk for more than 10 minutes at a time today. So- here you go, sorry it's a bit short, but I wanted to get you something at least since you've been waiting.. Also- I probably should have introduced Rhett as "Captain" Butler, but I hate updating these chapters if I don't have to, so you'll have to forgive me that- and the fact that in this one Duncan refers to him as Captain Butler- I liked the idea of that better than "Mr. Butler"

Chapter Twelve

Duncan offered a hand to Rhett as he held B in the other. Rhett shook his hand crisply, but released it after a second. Rhett looked to Scarlett as she beamed at Duncan and their son. Rhett cleared his throat. "I'll leave you two to visit, excuse me." Rhett walked away with a stiff back and she could hear him as he ascended the stairs to his room.

"So that's the man himself?" Duncan sat down again, keeping Baby B with him who was focused on pulling at the shiny buttons on Duncan's overcoat.

Scarlett looked out of the room, and in the direction that Rhett had gone. "Yes, that's him alright."

"He seems to have accepted Baby Butler here well enough."

Scarlett nodded. "Better than I expected, if I'm honest with you."

"What of your other plans?"

"He's not so accepting of those. He wants us to remain married, though I don't think he cares which house we play pretend in."

Duncan nodded. "What do you mean?"

"He won't let me leave with Baby B, and he's not interested in a true marriage either. He suggested we live separate, but together."

Duncan's eyebrow arched. "What are your thoughts on that?"

"I'd rather him be gone completely than only have him like this." Duncan deserved nothing if not her honesty about the situation. If she thought about it for very long, she felt more than a twinge of guilt about how her last meeting with Duncan went- she was just grateful to have a chance to make things right. Though neither of them seemed keen on the idea of bringing it up to the other. She was sure the time would come, but she wouldn't worry about it that day- she'd think about it tomorrow.

After just a little convincing, Duncan agreed to stay and join the family for the evening meal. Rhett had made himself scarce the entire day before finally joining them in the larger family dining room. Since Ireland, Scarlett kept an earlier schedule, which allowed Wade and Ella to dine with her. Her two older children were beaming with excitement when they saw Duncan, and found that he was going to be in Atlanta for a few days.

Rhett and Scarlett sat at opposite ends of the table. Duncan sat across from Wade and Ella, and Beau, who joined them for dinner like he did most nights, sat between Duncan and Rhett. Once they were all served, Duncan looked up from his plate, and smiled across the table to Wade. "Well, Wade, how goes the sword fighting?"

Wade pulled a slight face. "I don't get to practice here. Mother's afraid I'll break something- and you're not here so I have no one to practice with."

Duncan looked at Scarlett and smiled. "Well, you have Captain Butler here with you to practice with. He was in the army, I'm sure he could teach you a thing or two." He nodded in Rhett's direction. "Though, I'll be here for a few more days, I hope you'll make some time to practice with me. I haven't practiced with anyone since you left, either."

Scarlett glanced at Rhett, who ate stiffly, and didn't acknowledge Duncan's words other than a brief nod in his general direction. Their meals weren't often overrun with conversation, but this was quiet even for Rhett. Though a small part of her wondered if she was imagining the hard looks that Rhett shot Duncan every time he opened his mouth to speak.

"Oh! Yes, sir. I'd like that very much, sir." Wade grinned, then after as second looked at Scarlett. "IF that's play with you, mother?"

"Of course dear, I'm glad you get to spend time with Duncan."

Ella chose this moment to pipe up. "You mean Uncle Duncan? You told us we ought not to call him Duncan, mama."

Rhett stood up from his chair so quickly it jostled the table. "If you'll excuse me. I have some matters to deal with. Don't worry about waiting up for me Mrs. Butler, I'll be home quite late." He offered a crisp bow in Duncan's direction, and then wished Wade and Ella a good night before leaving the room, and the house, behind him.

Scarlett sat in stunned silence for a second, unsure if his announcement was for her benefit, or punishment. Duncan cleared his throat to break the awkward silence and began chatting again. He spoke about everyone back in Ireland, and his plans in Atlanta while he was here. Soon, it was time for him to go as well, and he bid the family a warm goodbye before leaving to head to whatever hotel he was staying at. Scarlett busied herself putting the children to bed, and making sure that Baby B was fed and fast asleep. She laid in her bed for hours, waiting to hear Rhett's arrival back home, but it did not come. Finally, she fell asleep wondering what tomorrow would bring.

Post Note: Mistress- thanks for your comment. I do genuinely like the good and bad feedback, but I got multiple comments and messages (not just from you!) about how I'm not historically accurate. I just wanted to let everyone know that I was well aware. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy!