Part 6
Thanks for the Reply and I hope you like this part just as much as the others. I do believe this part itself might be alittle sad.
Sw
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After three weeks of being banded from the Butler house Melanie Wilkes decided it was time to return now feeling much better. Scarlett would have to allow her to visit.
Knowing Scarlett would be upset if she found out the reason of her illness Melanie decided not to tell her. Scarlett had too much in her life to be worrying about her.
What surprised Mrs.Wilkes the most when she entered the Butler house was Scarlett was still on bed rest. Having known Scarlett for 12 years Melly was sure her former sister-in-law would be up ordering Mammy around.
Instead there in her bed set Scarlett. Her face lit up at seeing Melanie." Scarlett" Melanie said as she walked into Scarlett's bedroom then noticed an older woman setting in a chair next to Scarlett.
"Where are my manners?" Scarlett said looking from Miss Eleanor to Melanie." Miss Eleanor this is my sister-in-law Mrs. Melanie Wilkes. My first husband Charles was her brother." Then turning to Melanie, Scarlett said "Melly, this is Mrs. Eleanor Butler, Rhett's mother."
"Mrs. Butler it's a honor to meet you. Captain Butler is a very good friend of my husband and mine." Melanie said.
Eleanor smiled at the younger lady it was clear from the way Scarlett and Melanie looked at one another they were good friends. Knowing this she decided to leave the two women alone.
"I'm going to take a nap now. If you need me Scarlett just send Mammy." turning towards Melanie she said "It was so nice meeting you Mrs.Wilkes."
Scarlett and Melanie talked about everything but Bonnie and Melly's illness.
"I must say Scarlett I can't believe you're still in bed." Melly said then blushed when she realized what she had spoken.
Scarlett noticed Melanie embarrassment and just smiles showing her long time friend she hadn't been upset by her words.
"Believe me I don't want to be. But I, made a deal with Rhett. I stay in bed until next week then after the baby is born we're all going to Paris." Scarlett said with a dreaming look in her eyes. Rhett had told her many wonderful things about Paris she couldn't wait to see it.
"That's wonderful darling. After everything that happened you both need to get away. Melanie said out loud not realizing what she had done until she saw the tears fill Scarlett's eyes. "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I don't know what's wrong with me today? I keep saying the wrong thing." Melanie said as guilt threatens to over throw her.
"It's not your fault Melly; I've been pulled off thinking about Bonnie. I pretend that she's off playing in her room." sobbing Scarlett couldn't finish.As her sobs got fewer she turned to Melanie and asked "Do you think Bonnie knew I loved her?"
Melanie nodded her head yes, happy to be able to help Scarlett with at least the doubt. "Bonnie knew, just like you know how much she loved you."
"Oh..Melanie " Scarlett said as she embraced her friend. "What would I ever do without you?"
Melanie pulled back and replied." Scarlett I don't think I've ever told you this but I love as if you were my own sister."
Scarlett pushed away her tears then said something she knew would have surprised Rhett where he here to hear it." And I love you Melly, in fact more then I love my own sisters."
Melanie who had started crying herself smiled "You musted say that."
"But it's the truth. Because of that I must tell you what happened that day at the mill." Scarlett stated firmly.
"I won't hear of it Scarlett. I know nothing happened between you and my Ashley." Melanie said alittle forceful or what past as forceful for Melly.
"Nothing did Melly, But I would feel better if you let me explain. So the next time India say something you can tell her what happened." Scarlett declared noticing the look of defeat on Melanie face she continue." Ashley got to talking about old times. You know how I hate to look back. I listened to his words and for the first time allow myself to remember. My mother, father and all my beau's everything was so different then?" Scarlett paused as the memories of days gone by played silently in her mind." I started to cry Ashley feeling guilty for making me cry pulled me into a hug just to comfort me. That 's when India walked in. Before Ashley or I could get a word in she was out the door telling her lies. If she would have only listened like you are now Melly, I would have told her the truth it was only a friend comforting another friend." Saying those words aloud finally drove them home into Scarlett's heart. For she knew them to be true.
After having loved Ashley Wilkes for half her life Scarlett only saw him as a friend now. A friend who she didn't have that much in common with. Thank goodness she hadn't gotten her one time heart's wish of being married to him. How poor Melly put up with Ashley, Scarlett would never know.
*~*
Rhett could barely keep his eyes open looking back on his day it was little wonder way. He didn't know how Scarlett did it. The Store was in a mess without Scarlett or he looking after it. Rhett had spent half his day there fixing what the manger had allowed to happen. After having a late lunch Rhett then headed to the Mill and right into Mr.Wilkes.
Rhett had found the Store was well run compared to the Mill. Ashley wasn't a businessman. How Scarlett kept the Mill afloat with Ashley as the captain of it he would never know.
It had taken all his will power not to ring Ashley neck every time Rhett came upon a costly mistake. If it wasn't for Melanie, Mr. Wilkes would not be breathing now. If that hadn't been bad enough Ashley decided to become his best friend.
How any man could think the husband of the woman you lusted after would want to be your friend Rhett would never know.
All Rhett wanted to do now was crawl into bed next to Scarlett and sleep. The only good thing about his busy day as it hadn't given him time to think of Bonnie. Something he knew his dreams would be full of. The longing to hold and hear her little voice call out Daddy drove him almost mad at times.
As Rhett entered his bedroom seeing Scarlett setting up reading a book shocked him something that didn't happen allot.
"Rhett you're finally home. I was beginning to think you would never come home." Scarlett said looking up from her book to see a tired looking Rhett.
"I'm sorry my Pet. I would have been home earlier if only your beloved Ashley could actually do his job." Rhett stated coldly.
"How you do go on Rhett." Scarlett said deciding not to take Rhett's bail tonight. He had a look of not having a good day and she didn't feel like being his whipping toy.
Rhett who was busy getting his nightclothes together waited for Scarlett to jump down his throat for saying Ashley couldn't do his job was once again shocked tonight this time by Scarlett's words. Turning to look at Scarlett to see what he was sure would be hatred in her eyes Rhett only saw understanding.
Scarlett was just about to forget the whole subject of Ashley and go back to reading her book the one Miss Eleanor said she just had to read when she caught the look on Rhett's face. It was not one of wanting a fight. Scarlett knew what he needed at that second and decided to help.
"If we were to talk about what a poor job Mr. Wilkes does at the Mill we would be up all night." Scarlett stated then started to read her book again but found it didn't hold her attention anymore.
Rhett was now wide awake although he felt like he must be in a dream. Scarlett admitting Ashley was a poor businessman. He never thought he would see the day. Changing as quickly as he could Rhett found himself in their bedroom looking at Scarlett wondering what game she was playing?
"Are you feeling well my Pet?" Rhett asked as he climbed into bed next to his wife.
"Yes, why do you ask?" putting her book down Scarlett turned to look at Rhett. He had that cat and the mouse look in his eyes again only he wasn't trying to hide it this time which brought a smile to her face.
"It's just I've never heard you call Ashley, Mr. Wilkes in that tone before. Or more importantly you just admitted that he's doing a horrible job at the Mill." Rhett said as he noticed Scarlett put her book on the nightstand then blow out the lamp, followed by her inching closer towards him.
"My lying about it won't change the fact that Ashley is running our Mill into the ground now would it? I swear if it wasn't for fear of him moving" Rhett turned away not wanting to hear anymore of Scarlett's words." Melly and Beau away I would have offered to buy him out along time ago." Scarlett felt her heart reap in two when Rhett turned away from her. If he would have just let her finish first he wouldn't have. Now she could only hope her words could do what she could not get through to him.
Rhett whose back was still to Scarlett went over her words could it really be? Had Scarlett gotten over her crush on Mr. Wilkes? Even without those words spoken that what she was asking him to believe. Could he take that risk? Still far from deciding he felt her arm snake around his waist grasping him into a hug from behind a smile came upon his face.
Scarlett let Rhett go when she felt him move as he turned to her she whisper
"Hold me Rhett". Taking her into his arms Rhett closed his eyes knowing in the morning both would face the cruel world that always seemed against them. Hope filled Rhett that perhaps just once Scarlett and he might be able to stand up together against the world and win.
Tbc...........
Thanks for the Reply and I hope you like this part just as much as the others. I do believe this part itself might be alittle sad.
Sw
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After three weeks of being banded from the Butler house Melanie Wilkes decided it was time to return now feeling much better. Scarlett would have to allow her to visit.
Knowing Scarlett would be upset if she found out the reason of her illness Melanie decided not to tell her. Scarlett had too much in her life to be worrying about her.
What surprised Mrs.Wilkes the most when she entered the Butler house was Scarlett was still on bed rest. Having known Scarlett for 12 years Melly was sure her former sister-in-law would be up ordering Mammy around.
Instead there in her bed set Scarlett. Her face lit up at seeing Melanie." Scarlett" Melanie said as she walked into Scarlett's bedroom then noticed an older woman setting in a chair next to Scarlett.
"Where are my manners?" Scarlett said looking from Miss Eleanor to Melanie." Miss Eleanor this is my sister-in-law Mrs. Melanie Wilkes. My first husband Charles was her brother." Then turning to Melanie, Scarlett said "Melly, this is Mrs. Eleanor Butler, Rhett's mother."
"Mrs. Butler it's a honor to meet you. Captain Butler is a very good friend of my husband and mine." Melanie said.
Eleanor smiled at the younger lady it was clear from the way Scarlett and Melanie looked at one another they were good friends. Knowing this she decided to leave the two women alone.
"I'm going to take a nap now. If you need me Scarlett just send Mammy." turning towards Melanie she said "It was so nice meeting you Mrs.Wilkes."
Scarlett and Melanie talked about everything but Bonnie and Melly's illness.
"I must say Scarlett I can't believe you're still in bed." Melly said then blushed when she realized what she had spoken.
Scarlett noticed Melanie embarrassment and just smiles showing her long time friend she hadn't been upset by her words.
"Believe me I don't want to be. But I, made a deal with Rhett. I stay in bed until next week then after the baby is born we're all going to Paris." Scarlett said with a dreaming look in her eyes. Rhett had told her many wonderful things about Paris she couldn't wait to see it.
"That's wonderful darling. After everything that happened you both need to get away. Melanie said out loud not realizing what she had done until she saw the tears fill Scarlett's eyes. "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I don't know what's wrong with me today? I keep saying the wrong thing." Melanie said as guilt threatens to over throw her.
"It's not your fault Melly; I've been pulled off thinking about Bonnie. I pretend that she's off playing in her room." sobbing Scarlett couldn't finish.As her sobs got fewer she turned to Melanie and asked "Do you think Bonnie knew I loved her?"
Melanie nodded her head yes, happy to be able to help Scarlett with at least the doubt. "Bonnie knew, just like you know how much she loved you."
"Oh..Melanie " Scarlett said as she embraced her friend. "What would I ever do without you?"
Melanie pulled back and replied." Scarlett I don't think I've ever told you this but I love as if you were my own sister."
Scarlett pushed away her tears then said something she knew would have surprised Rhett where he here to hear it." And I love you Melly, in fact more then I love my own sisters."
Melanie who had started crying herself smiled "You musted say that."
"But it's the truth. Because of that I must tell you what happened that day at the mill." Scarlett stated firmly.
"I won't hear of it Scarlett. I know nothing happened between you and my Ashley." Melanie said alittle forceful or what past as forceful for Melly.
"Nothing did Melly, But I would feel better if you let me explain. So the next time India say something you can tell her what happened." Scarlett declared noticing the look of defeat on Melanie face she continue." Ashley got to talking about old times. You know how I hate to look back. I listened to his words and for the first time allow myself to remember. My mother, father and all my beau's everything was so different then?" Scarlett paused as the memories of days gone by played silently in her mind." I started to cry Ashley feeling guilty for making me cry pulled me into a hug just to comfort me. That 's when India walked in. Before Ashley or I could get a word in she was out the door telling her lies. If she would have only listened like you are now Melly, I would have told her the truth it was only a friend comforting another friend." Saying those words aloud finally drove them home into Scarlett's heart. For she knew them to be true.
After having loved Ashley Wilkes for half her life Scarlett only saw him as a friend now. A friend who she didn't have that much in common with. Thank goodness she hadn't gotten her one time heart's wish of being married to him. How poor Melly put up with Ashley, Scarlett would never know.
*~*
Rhett could barely keep his eyes open looking back on his day it was little wonder way. He didn't know how Scarlett did it. The Store was in a mess without Scarlett or he looking after it. Rhett had spent half his day there fixing what the manger had allowed to happen. After having a late lunch Rhett then headed to the Mill and right into Mr.Wilkes.
Rhett had found the Store was well run compared to the Mill. Ashley wasn't a businessman. How Scarlett kept the Mill afloat with Ashley as the captain of it he would never know.
It had taken all his will power not to ring Ashley neck every time Rhett came upon a costly mistake. If it wasn't for Melanie, Mr. Wilkes would not be breathing now. If that hadn't been bad enough Ashley decided to become his best friend.
How any man could think the husband of the woman you lusted after would want to be your friend Rhett would never know.
All Rhett wanted to do now was crawl into bed next to Scarlett and sleep. The only good thing about his busy day as it hadn't given him time to think of Bonnie. Something he knew his dreams would be full of. The longing to hold and hear her little voice call out Daddy drove him almost mad at times.
As Rhett entered his bedroom seeing Scarlett setting up reading a book shocked him something that didn't happen allot.
"Rhett you're finally home. I was beginning to think you would never come home." Scarlett said looking up from her book to see a tired looking Rhett.
"I'm sorry my Pet. I would have been home earlier if only your beloved Ashley could actually do his job." Rhett stated coldly.
"How you do go on Rhett." Scarlett said deciding not to take Rhett's bail tonight. He had a look of not having a good day and she didn't feel like being his whipping toy.
Rhett who was busy getting his nightclothes together waited for Scarlett to jump down his throat for saying Ashley couldn't do his job was once again shocked tonight this time by Scarlett's words. Turning to look at Scarlett to see what he was sure would be hatred in her eyes Rhett only saw understanding.
Scarlett was just about to forget the whole subject of Ashley and go back to reading her book the one Miss Eleanor said she just had to read when she caught the look on Rhett's face. It was not one of wanting a fight. Scarlett knew what he needed at that second and decided to help.
"If we were to talk about what a poor job Mr. Wilkes does at the Mill we would be up all night." Scarlett stated then started to read her book again but found it didn't hold her attention anymore.
Rhett was now wide awake although he felt like he must be in a dream. Scarlett admitting Ashley was a poor businessman. He never thought he would see the day. Changing as quickly as he could Rhett found himself in their bedroom looking at Scarlett wondering what game she was playing?
"Are you feeling well my Pet?" Rhett asked as he climbed into bed next to his wife.
"Yes, why do you ask?" putting her book down Scarlett turned to look at Rhett. He had that cat and the mouse look in his eyes again only he wasn't trying to hide it this time which brought a smile to her face.
"It's just I've never heard you call Ashley, Mr. Wilkes in that tone before. Or more importantly you just admitted that he's doing a horrible job at the Mill." Rhett said as he noticed Scarlett put her book on the nightstand then blow out the lamp, followed by her inching closer towards him.
"My lying about it won't change the fact that Ashley is running our Mill into the ground now would it? I swear if it wasn't for fear of him moving" Rhett turned away not wanting to hear anymore of Scarlett's words." Melly and Beau away I would have offered to buy him out along time ago." Scarlett felt her heart reap in two when Rhett turned away from her. If he would have just let her finish first he wouldn't have. Now she could only hope her words could do what she could not get through to him.
Rhett whose back was still to Scarlett went over her words could it really be? Had Scarlett gotten over her crush on Mr. Wilkes? Even without those words spoken that what she was asking him to believe. Could he take that risk? Still far from deciding he felt her arm snake around his waist grasping him into a hug from behind a smile came upon his face.
Scarlett let Rhett go when she felt him move as he turned to her she whisper
"Hold me Rhett". Taking her into his arms Rhett closed his eyes knowing in the morning both would face the cruel world that always seemed against them. Hope filled Rhett that perhaps just once Scarlett and he might be able to stand up together against the world and win.
Tbc...........