::Author's note::
Firstly, I'd like to thank every kind person who reviewed chapter one. To be honest, I didn't know how this fic would be received, but thankyou: Jeditheskyisblue, AngelGal, Rachel, MmmMmmGood (I love your penname ::chuckles::), Animagus-steph, Aeris1514, carol and lisa for your encouragement.
For everyone else who reviewed after I upload this - I thank you too.
I hope I don't let you all down.
*****
Older, Wiser
Written by Star
Chapter Two
*****
Never taking his daughter's embraces for granted, Rhett held onto Cat with his left arm and drew Scarlett to his right. Scarlett was as nervous as hell, but that wouldn't show as soon as she touched down in Atlanta. Already, Scarlett was her old self; bullying the Brian Boru's staff to take proper care with their luggage.
Rhett's chuckle was not lost on her. Furious emeralds glared at Rhett but her glare softened as soon as she saw Cat's curious blinking. Raising her chin, Scarlett took in a sharp breath which flared her nostrils.
"I'll be a great southern lady when I chose Rhett Butler!"
"Did I say anything?"
"No, but you thought it."
*****
René Picard jumped into his wagon and clucked the waiting horse. He was not one to eavesdrop on 'secret women's business', but once he'd heard the names 'Scarlett' and 'Rhett', curiosity had stung him like a whip.
"...and to think he had the audacity to ask Ashley - Ashley!" Pitty waved her fan nervously, hoping Scarlett wouldn't call upon her - the scandal!
"Dolly Merriwether," Mrs Meade snorted. "I couldn't care less about that fast piece and that turncoat!" Rising, she threw her sewing onto the table and left the room swiftly. The old dowager shook her shoulders, like a bird ruffling its feathers.
"Discuss it I shall Caroline Meade!"
René turned the horse down the road, hoping to find Ashley and save him from public ridicule. Personally, René didn't have anything against Scarlett. Sure, men were threatened by her unwomanly practices during the reconstruction - but it was so her family wouldn't starve. She had common sense, everyone of those ladies at the sewing...gossip circle would've done the same thing if they'd had the courage.
Scarlett had courage, and he admired courage.
To his dismay, Ashley's carriage wasn't there. So de fool will go t'ru wit it?
"Damn fool." René startled and turned to see Uncle Henry Hamilton sitting high in his carriage. "No good will come of this. Most people have shadows - she has Trouble." René chuckled quietly.
*****
There was something satisfying in having Scarlett wrap her arms around his waist, Rhett mused; child in one arm, wife...by heart if not by law, in the other. At one stage in his life, this victory would have him mocking Ashley Wilkes to his face, but time had passed and Rhett decided, that it was time to move on - beyond the pettiness of the past.
"Ready to face the old cats, my pet?" Scarlett remained silent as the ramp was lowered. Rhett peered down at her curiously, and laughed. "Is this the same Scarlett O'Hara that braved an invading Yankee army?" He laughed once more. "My love, you've gone soft."
"I have not! They didn't lick me then and they never will!" Suddenly she noticed a change in Rhett's eyes. Scarlett thought back to when she was seven; she'd taken a cookie from the kitchen and Mammy hadn't found out yet...why did Rhett...
"Rhett Butler," She began in a warning tone. "You tell me what's going on this instance!" He chuckled and strode forward.
"Hush, and keep your eyes on the ramp; I don't want to risk my neck to dive in after you."
"Why you..."
*****
Ashley strained to see Scarlett, he could spot her in a crowd all clad in identical clothing. Harriet clung to his arm, only turning briefly to see baby Melanie sleeping soundly in older brother Billy's arms.
"Oh, I can't wait to see Scarlett again. Why, Cat will have grown so much, I won't know the little darling!" Billy threw a sharp look in his mother's direction, hoping what she said was true.
A gentleman in poise, Ashley looked distinguished even with small lines creeping around his eyes. He patted Harriet's arm dutifully, but his eyes never left the lowering ramp.
*****
"WHAT?!" Will hid a smirk and handed the telegram to Suellen. Glaring daggers at her husband, she snatched the dirty piece of paper. "Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice suddenly small. Will shrugged.
"It ain't from Scarlett, Rhett wanted it quiet."
"Since when do you take orders from Rhett Butler?" Suellen's voice faded again as Scarlett's almost-eighteen year old son walked into the room warily. Wade Hampton Hamilton, the timid little boy had become quite a handsome man; his days of farming Tara had rewarded him with a physique he was proud of. Standing six foot two, his shoulders were wide, wider than Will's, but not as wide as his much worshiped Uncle Rhett. His skin had darkened under the hot southern sun and his soft brown eyes danced respectfully to those who glanced his way.
"If you don't mind me asking Aunt Suellen, did you mention Uncle Rhett?"
»»End Chapter Two««
