The trip home had resulted in Scarlett doing more soul searching and several attempts at a letter to Rhett. Finally she came to terms with the reality of her life, she had lost, but would not give into lost dreams. She would go on, she would live, letting the past rest in peace. In her mind she realized that to save the marriage at this point was hopeless, too much water had passed under the bridge. She didn't know if she could look into his eyes and not feel some anger at the acts he had done to her, as well she was aware of her own actions and could not blame him for not wanting to look upon her. She closed her eyes and let another tear fall as she signed the now completed letter. She carefully folded it and placed it in an envelope. After sealing the letter she placed it in her hand bag and began gathering the last of her possessions. The ship had arrived in the Charleston Port and she and the children had to get moving.

Wade and Ella were quiet on the short trip from the Harbor to the Butler home. They had met their Step-Grandmother only twice and neither had really formed an opinion of her, other than she was their Step-Father's Mother. When the carriage came to a stop both children began to get ready to get out, but were stopped by their Mother's soft voice "Children" she began "I will only be a moment. Please wait in the carriage." She gave them each an apologetic look and exited the carriage.

Wade watched her as she walked up to the large home. In his heart he was happy yet sad. His Mother had changed so in the last few months, she had softened and was kind. But, at the same time the light in her eyes seemed to fade out. His Mother always had such bright green eyes, but now they were dull. Wade sat back in his seat and thought of the cause, Uncle Rhett. He had broken his Mother's heart. Wade, once so full of pride that Rhett was his Step-Father, now hated the man for breaking his Mother. He knew that their small family would be alright with out Rhett. One thing about his Mother, was that you could not hold her down for long and she would never allow anyone in her family to go without or suffer. No, Wade was quite certain that all would be well as he looked down to the sleepy Ella. He smiled, yes all will be fine once they got their Mother home to her Tara.

Scarlett walked slowly to the entrance of the Butler home. She silently prayed that no one was home, much less Rhett, so that she could simply leave the letter and be on her way, but her luck had finally came to an end that afternoon in Charleston as Eleanor Butler opened the door just as Scarlett reached for the knocker.

"Scarlett" Mrs. Butler said in a surprised voice "Is that you child?"

Scarlett felt her voice fade from her as she noted the shock, surprise and worry in the older woman's eyes. Scarlett quickly became quite self conscious of her appearance. She knew she had lost weight and did not look her best, but to see such a reaction from someone who knew her startled Scarlett "she looks at me as though I have turned green or something" Scarlett thought to herself as she regained her composure "Mrs. Butler what a pleasure to see you again" she said in a sweet light voice "I didn't expect to catch you at home" she added, thinking to herself "I had hoped not to catch you at home."

"Oh forgive my rudeness my dear, but you have startled me" she smiled at her daughter-in-law "Rhett had said you went abroad and I do believe he was quite worried. He will be very relieved to see you are safe" she finished as she gestured for Scarlett to enter the home.

Scarlett did not move, she held out the letter to the older woman "I am sorry Mrs. Butler, but the children are waiting and I must get going" she tried to be as polite as possible "Again I am sorry, if you can just see that Rhett receives this letter, I would most appreciate it." Scarlett let her defenses down and hugged the still startled woman, knowing that this could possibly be the last time she would see her "Take care" she whispered as she let go, turned and walked back to the awaiting carriage. Her back straight and tall, it took all she had left to get to the carriage without collapsing.

Once inside she noted the worry etched on young Wade's face "Honey don't worry now" she smiled brightly for her young man "We are going to be home soon" she let her gaze fall to the window and watched the peaceful seaside city fade away with each passing minute "Soon we will be on a train to Atlanta and then on to Tara" she thought to herself as she hugged the small bag in her lap closer "Soon I will be home."


Eleanor Butler stood watching her daughter-in-law leave. Her heart breaking with each passing moment. The look in that young woman's eyes was the same that Scarlett's own Mother had had so many years ago when she lost the love of her life. Rhett was so desperate when last she had seen him, he had made a dreadful mistake, a mistake he didn't think he could right. Eleanor looked down to the letter in her hands. Scarlett's elegant handwriting had left one word on the outside of the envelope "Rhett". Eleanor hoped the letter did not contain anything too devastating, but taking in the appearance of Scarlett, it most likely did. Scarlett had always struck her as the type of girl to fuss over her appearance at all times, but the woman that had just left was hurt. She was injured from the inside out and had lost the fire in her beautiful emerald eyes. "Oh son what have you done this time" she muttered to herself as she once again entered her home, letter in tow. She thought back to how much those two loved each other, but they had spent so much time playing games they never realized it, now perhaps it had been to late. Rhett had said he needed to find Scarlett, but now it seemed that Scarlett did not want to be found. "Oh Rhett I hope you hurry home" she silently prayed to herself as she placed Scarlett's letter on the hall table.