Sorry I haven't updated sooner. This whole story is finished and I'm just beta it before posting. Thanks for all the replies and I hope everyone enjoys this chapter.
Sw
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Eleanor Butler was getting her belongs together. Today she would start on her trip to a empty lonely house in Charleston.
Her daughter Rosemary was on a great trip of Europe, the poor dear probable hadn't even received news of Bonnie's death yet.
Mrs. Butler wasn't looking forward to going home. She knew Rhett needed her here. Being a Lady she couldn't openly demand to stay. This was one time in all her years Eleanor wished she wasn't one.
Rhett hadn't been acting himself at all. Never having lost a child she found herself not able to imagine the pain it would cause.
Mrs. Butler turned her head as she heard a knock followed by her daughter-in-law's voice asking if she could come in.
Racing to open the door Eleanor shook her head Scarlett shouldn't be out of bed.
"Child, what are you doing up?" Eleanor asked as she took in the sight of Scarlett. There standing before her was her daughter-in-law in her wrapper. Eleanor hid her smile but just barley Scarlett must have snuck out of bed.
"Miss Eleanor, I wanted to talk with you before you had left. Rhett won't allow me out of bed." Scarlett said the latter to explaining her choice of clothing.
Smiling sweetly at Scarlett, Mrs. Butler knew if Rhett wanted Scarlett to rest then she best make sure that's what the other Mrs. Butler did. Taking Scarlett hand genteelly. Eleanor led her back towards the door.
"We can talk on the way back to your room dear." Eleanor said.
Scarlett nodded her head she had almost forgot how wonderful it felt to have a Lady such as Eleanor Butler in her presence. Rhett's mother remind Scarlett of her own so very much sometimes it made her want to cry. No matter how hard Scarlett could or would try she never would be the type of Lady here mother or Rhett's were.
Also Scarlett had to admit the Lady Melanie was either. These ladies had quiet strength the them something Scarlett only saw now.
After Scarlett was back in bed resting comfortable did Mrs. Butler ask. "What was it you wanted to talk with me about?"
"I know your planning on going home today. And I that to ask this of you, but would you mind staying until after the baby is born?" Scarlett asked in what Rhett would call her little girl tone.
Eleanor was taking back by Scarlett's question. She had of course wanted to stay. But she never thought it would be Scarlett asking her to stay.
"Of course dear if that's what want. I would love to be here to see my grandchild born."
Scarlett smiled having got her way. It looked as if she was getting her way lately just last week Rhett had agree to stay in her now their room. Scarlett still couldn't face the fact Bonnie was gone. She instead kept her mind on the baby she carried.
Rhett who just stood by the door and watched his mother and wife talking. He knew Scarlett hadn't accepted Bonnie's death. In a way that was a blessing if she would allow herself to grieve she might lose the baby. This child she carried was the only thing that kept Scarlett going. It was also something that stood between them. Scarlett loved this baby and it wasn't even born yet. Rhett found he had no feelings for the child or at least that's what he kept telling himself.
"Mother, Scarlett" Rhett said to announce his presence to the two ladies.
Eleanor couldn't help but notice the way Scarlett's face lit up at Rhett's voice. It touched her heart to know her son's wife was so madly in love with him. Both needed that love to get through the road ahead.
"Scarlett, I heard a rumor from Mammy you got out of bed." Rhett said trying to keep a stern tone. But seeing Scarlett look up at him so much like Bonnie he found it nearly impossible to do.
"Don't tell me Mammy sent you in here Rhett to chasten me?" Scarlett asked hotly.
Mrs. Butler smiled as she saw her always in control son lose that when it came to his wife. This woman who Eleanor thought of as a child had a hold over her son.
"Scarlett didn't we agree you would stay in bed for a few weeks?" Rhett asked keeping his voice at a normal tone because of his mother's presence.
"Of course Rhett, I just wanted to see Miss Eleanor before she left to ask her something. You can ask your Mother, Rhett I wasn't out of bed for five minutes." Scarlett stated as a frown appear on her beautiful face.
"Why didn't you just wait? I'm sure Mother wouldn't leave without saying Goodbye to you." Rhett said. Scarlett wasn't as strong as she believed she needed rest. If she didn't get it the baby and her would both die.
"Well you see Rhett; I wanted to ask Miss Eleanor to stay until after the baby was born. I didn't want her to pack everything just to have to unpack it." Scarlett explained behaving to Rhett like a child trying to get out of trouble. "As for Mammy just where was she when I was calling for her? I wouldn't have had to get out of bed if she would have come."
Eleanor Butler who just set back and listened to Scarlett and Rhett's debate laughed at hearing this. Scarlett had certainly gotten the upper hand in this conversation. Mrs. Butler found Scarlett surprised her the girl had a back bone something she always knew Rhett would want in a wife. To find he had not just found a pretty face but someone who could keep him on his toes made Eleanor very happy.
While she had never agree with Rhett's decision about not marrying the young Lady who cost him his name as a gentleman. Knowing her son as Mrs. Butler did, Rhett never would have been happy with that young Lady. He needed someone who wouldn't let him walk all over her. Scarlett and Rhett seemed to match.
"So I take it your staying Mother?" Rhett asked when Scarlett through things on him. This time he was mildly surprised and happy. Scarlett shouldn't have been the one to ask his mother to stay it should have been him. Between missing Bonnie and taking care of Scarlett it had slipped his mind.
Rhett hadn't even thought about what awaited his mother once she returned to Charleston. His sister Rosemary wasn't home she was on holiday. Ross was God knows where doing who knew what. Why hadn't he asked her to stay? Thank goodness Scarlett still had her mind and was using it. Rhett felt grateful to Scarlett and it warmed his heart to think perhaps she cared about his mother.
"Yes I am. While I don't have all my things packed I did pack a few. I better get them unpacked. I'll see you at dinner Rhett. I'll be back to visit you later Scarlett after you've rested more." Eleanor said looking from Rhett to Scarlett.
*~*
Scarlett smiled as Mrs. Butler left her alone with Rhett. She had always loved being the center of attention. Scarlett mother hadn't the time to shower her with that type of attention. Knowing her mother-in-law was going to made Scarlett feel almost like she had her own mother back.
Rhett took Scarlett's eyes shining to mean she was planning something. "My pet, a penny for your thoughts?"
Scarlett looked up at Rhett and noticed he looked much better then he had in along time. He was all dressed up, jealous sweep through Scarlett. Who was he dressing up for? Surely it wasn't for her. Being struck in bed all day in ones nightdress made that idea ridiculous.
"Just where are you off to all dressed up?" Scarlett asked as her hands became fist.
Rhett almost laughed at Scarlett's show of anger over his clothes. Scarlett was letting her emotion show lately. Rhett wasn't sure if it was because of Bonnie or her being pregnant that gave her emotion's free reign. Seeing her clearly jealous over a make believe woman left Rhett with a feeling of victory. After all these years Scarlett was beginning to as he always hoped love him. Where Mr. Wilkes fit into all of this Rhett didn't know or care.
"Did you forget Scarlett; I had to take my mother to the train station today. Or at least I did until you asked her to stay." Rhett said with his old teasing tone returning.
Blushing a bright red at her foolishness Scarlett sunk into her bed wishing it would swallow her whole. How could she forget something so simple? Probable because she had been planning on Miss Eleanor staying. Now she had giving Rhett something he would more then likely use against her sometime in the future. There was o way he could have missed her jealous.
Scarlett was still trying to think of a reply when she saw Wade, and Ella peaking in form the door. Smiling Scarlett had her escape.
"Wade, Ella come in. I haven't seen you both in ages." Scarlett said. Rhett gave her a look she knew well to mean this isn't over yet.
Rhett turned towards his step-children. He had known Wade almost the boy's whole life. And had known Ella her's. He could read the fear on their tiny faces. They both feared getting in trouble for visiting Scarlett.
"Children why don't you keep your Mother company? I'll be back to get your both for dinner." Rhett said then left Scarlett in the hands of her two children. Heading for his Mother's room, he heard Scarlett asking the children what they had been up to.
Tbc..........
Sw
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Eleanor Butler was getting her belongs together. Today she would start on her trip to a empty lonely house in Charleston.
Her daughter Rosemary was on a great trip of Europe, the poor dear probable hadn't even received news of Bonnie's death yet.
Mrs. Butler wasn't looking forward to going home. She knew Rhett needed her here. Being a Lady she couldn't openly demand to stay. This was one time in all her years Eleanor wished she wasn't one.
Rhett hadn't been acting himself at all. Never having lost a child she found herself not able to imagine the pain it would cause.
Mrs. Butler turned her head as she heard a knock followed by her daughter-in-law's voice asking if she could come in.
Racing to open the door Eleanor shook her head Scarlett shouldn't be out of bed.
"Child, what are you doing up?" Eleanor asked as she took in the sight of Scarlett. There standing before her was her daughter-in-law in her wrapper. Eleanor hid her smile but just barley Scarlett must have snuck out of bed.
"Miss Eleanor, I wanted to talk with you before you had left. Rhett won't allow me out of bed." Scarlett said the latter to explaining her choice of clothing.
Smiling sweetly at Scarlett, Mrs. Butler knew if Rhett wanted Scarlett to rest then she best make sure that's what the other Mrs. Butler did. Taking Scarlett hand genteelly. Eleanor led her back towards the door.
"We can talk on the way back to your room dear." Eleanor said.
Scarlett nodded her head she had almost forgot how wonderful it felt to have a Lady such as Eleanor Butler in her presence. Rhett's mother remind Scarlett of her own so very much sometimes it made her want to cry. No matter how hard Scarlett could or would try she never would be the type of Lady here mother or Rhett's were.
Also Scarlett had to admit the Lady Melanie was either. These ladies had quiet strength the them something Scarlett only saw now.
After Scarlett was back in bed resting comfortable did Mrs. Butler ask. "What was it you wanted to talk with me about?"
"I know your planning on going home today. And I that to ask this of you, but would you mind staying until after the baby is born?" Scarlett asked in what Rhett would call her little girl tone.
Eleanor was taking back by Scarlett's question. She had of course wanted to stay. But she never thought it would be Scarlett asking her to stay.
"Of course dear if that's what want. I would love to be here to see my grandchild born."
Scarlett smiled having got her way. It looked as if she was getting her way lately just last week Rhett had agree to stay in her now their room. Scarlett still couldn't face the fact Bonnie was gone. She instead kept her mind on the baby she carried.
Rhett who just stood by the door and watched his mother and wife talking. He knew Scarlett hadn't accepted Bonnie's death. In a way that was a blessing if she would allow herself to grieve she might lose the baby. This child she carried was the only thing that kept Scarlett going. It was also something that stood between them. Scarlett loved this baby and it wasn't even born yet. Rhett found he had no feelings for the child or at least that's what he kept telling himself.
"Mother, Scarlett" Rhett said to announce his presence to the two ladies.
Eleanor couldn't help but notice the way Scarlett's face lit up at Rhett's voice. It touched her heart to know her son's wife was so madly in love with him. Both needed that love to get through the road ahead.
"Scarlett, I heard a rumor from Mammy you got out of bed." Rhett said trying to keep a stern tone. But seeing Scarlett look up at him so much like Bonnie he found it nearly impossible to do.
"Don't tell me Mammy sent you in here Rhett to chasten me?" Scarlett asked hotly.
Mrs. Butler smiled as she saw her always in control son lose that when it came to his wife. This woman who Eleanor thought of as a child had a hold over her son.
"Scarlett didn't we agree you would stay in bed for a few weeks?" Rhett asked keeping his voice at a normal tone because of his mother's presence.
"Of course Rhett, I just wanted to see Miss Eleanor before she left to ask her something. You can ask your Mother, Rhett I wasn't out of bed for five minutes." Scarlett stated as a frown appear on her beautiful face.
"Why didn't you just wait? I'm sure Mother wouldn't leave without saying Goodbye to you." Rhett said. Scarlett wasn't as strong as she believed she needed rest. If she didn't get it the baby and her would both die.
"Well you see Rhett; I wanted to ask Miss Eleanor to stay until after the baby was born. I didn't want her to pack everything just to have to unpack it." Scarlett explained behaving to Rhett like a child trying to get out of trouble. "As for Mammy just where was she when I was calling for her? I wouldn't have had to get out of bed if she would have come."
Eleanor Butler who just set back and listened to Scarlett and Rhett's debate laughed at hearing this. Scarlett had certainly gotten the upper hand in this conversation. Mrs. Butler found Scarlett surprised her the girl had a back bone something she always knew Rhett would want in a wife. To find he had not just found a pretty face but someone who could keep him on his toes made Eleanor very happy.
While she had never agree with Rhett's decision about not marrying the young Lady who cost him his name as a gentleman. Knowing her son as Mrs. Butler did, Rhett never would have been happy with that young Lady. He needed someone who wouldn't let him walk all over her. Scarlett and Rhett seemed to match.
"So I take it your staying Mother?" Rhett asked when Scarlett through things on him. This time he was mildly surprised and happy. Scarlett shouldn't have been the one to ask his mother to stay it should have been him. Between missing Bonnie and taking care of Scarlett it had slipped his mind.
Rhett hadn't even thought about what awaited his mother once she returned to Charleston. His sister Rosemary wasn't home she was on holiday. Ross was God knows where doing who knew what. Why hadn't he asked her to stay? Thank goodness Scarlett still had her mind and was using it. Rhett felt grateful to Scarlett and it warmed his heart to think perhaps she cared about his mother.
"Yes I am. While I don't have all my things packed I did pack a few. I better get them unpacked. I'll see you at dinner Rhett. I'll be back to visit you later Scarlett after you've rested more." Eleanor said looking from Rhett to Scarlett.
*~*
Scarlett smiled as Mrs. Butler left her alone with Rhett. She had always loved being the center of attention. Scarlett mother hadn't the time to shower her with that type of attention. Knowing her mother-in-law was going to made Scarlett feel almost like she had her own mother back.
Rhett took Scarlett's eyes shining to mean she was planning something. "My pet, a penny for your thoughts?"
Scarlett looked up at Rhett and noticed he looked much better then he had in along time. He was all dressed up, jealous sweep through Scarlett. Who was he dressing up for? Surely it wasn't for her. Being struck in bed all day in ones nightdress made that idea ridiculous.
"Just where are you off to all dressed up?" Scarlett asked as her hands became fist.
Rhett almost laughed at Scarlett's show of anger over his clothes. Scarlett was letting her emotion show lately. Rhett wasn't sure if it was because of Bonnie or her being pregnant that gave her emotion's free reign. Seeing her clearly jealous over a make believe woman left Rhett with a feeling of victory. After all these years Scarlett was beginning to as he always hoped love him. Where Mr. Wilkes fit into all of this Rhett didn't know or care.
"Did you forget Scarlett; I had to take my mother to the train station today. Or at least I did until you asked her to stay." Rhett said with his old teasing tone returning.
Blushing a bright red at her foolishness Scarlett sunk into her bed wishing it would swallow her whole. How could she forget something so simple? Probable because she had been planning on Miss Eleanor staying. Now she had giving Rhett something he would more then likely use against her sometime in the future. There was o way he could have missed her jealous.
Scarlett was still trying to think of a reply when she saw Wade, and Ella peaking in form the door. Smiling Scarlett had her escape.
"Wade, Ella come in. I haven't seen you both in ages." Scarlett said. Rhett gave her a look she knew well to mean this isn't over yet.
Rhett turned towards his step-children. He had known Wade almost the boy's whole life. And had known Ella her's. He could read the fear on their tiny faces. They both feared getting in trouble for visiting Scarlett.
"Children why don't you keep your Mother company? I'll be back to get your both for dinner." Rhett said then left Scarlett in the hands of her two children. Heading for his Mother's room, he heard Scarlett asking the children what they had been up to.
Tbc..........