The weeks passed as work began on the home for Sullen and her family. Will had been against the idea at first, but after much nagging from his wife he finally gave in. Scarlett spared no expense with the contractors, she wanted the main house for herself. The placement of the home was simple for Scarlett, she wanted it as far away from the main house as possible. When the proper spot was finally decided upon, work began immediately. Scarlett smiled to herself as she went over the figures again "Sullen is definitely trying to spend my money" she set the papers aside and leaned back in her chair. She sat at her Mother's desk, just as she had in the years during the war and after. She was aware that her current mood had startled not only the children but her sister as well and she was happy to keep Sullen guessing as to the reason of her current calm mood. She had told the family that Rhett had been called to Europe immediately following Melanie's funeral and that her trip to Ireland had been cut short because of a slight illness, everyone seemed to buy her explanation, everyone except Mammy. She thought back to an earlier conversation with the concerned woman…..
"Now my lamb" Mammy began "what's bothering you?"
Scarlett smiled weakly at her "Nothing Mammy" she paused as she stared into the loving eyes of her mammy "I am just tired."
"Now Miss Scarlett" began Mammy in a more mothering tone "I ain't gonna bug yous anymore about this, but ifs theres somthin bothering yous that ya wants to talk about" she smiled at her favorite O'Hara "Yous knows Is always here."
Scarlett smiled back at her "Yes Mammy I know. I just don't think I am ready to yet."…………….
Scarlett shook her head to rid the thoughts as she heard someone entering the house. Prissy knocked softly on the door "Miss Scarlett theres a letter come for you" she entered handing Scarlett the letter and quickly left the room.
Scarlett stared at the letter. Uncle Henry's familiar writing scrawled across the front of the envelope. Scarlett braced herself, as she opened the letter, for the worse. Henry's small neat writing filled the page with news of the store and lumber yards. The monthly accounts and balances of her accounts. There was no mention of a divorce as she finished the first page. Picking up the second page, a name jumped out at her Rhett…..
Rhett contacted my office earlier this week. He was wondering if I had spoken to you recently. I did not let on to what we had discussed, but did tell him where to find you and that your health was improving. He seemed shocked to find you had been ill, I apologize for letting something slip that I shouldn't have. He also seemed concerned that your finances were in order, I informed him that they were. He asked me to write you to tell you that anything you need he will provide. He will be staying in Charleston for some time with his Mother.
I sincerely hope that your health has improved and hope to see you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Henry
Scarlett reread the last paragraph, confused by Rhett's actions "Perhaps he took my advice and will take time to rest himself" she thought as she placed the letter back in the envelope. Another headache began to creep at her. She put away the other paperwork she had been working on and headed to bed.
In Charleston Rhett was very angry with himself for having left Scarlett's letter in the library. His Mother found it, read it and had been after him ever since. She told him how ill and weak Scarlett had appeared when she had left the letter.
"Rhett" Eleanor started "Whatever has happened between you and Scarlett you need to work it out and quit running from your problems" she raised her hand to stop him from interrupting "I have watched you run from any problem in the past and usually there were not many if anyone hurt from your actions. But, this time you have a wife who has not only lost her child but her best friend as well in a short time and what do you do take off to parts unknown and hide yourself in a bottle." Eleanor was flushed with anger at her son "I know that you have been suffering as well, but Rhett if you could of seen the shell of a woman that stood on my porch a few weeks ago" she turned from her son and stared out the window to the gardens "She had the same dead look in her eyes that her Mother had had so many years ago."
Rhett stood silently as he took his Mother's berating. When she mentioned Ellen he looked up to find his Mother staring out the window "What are you talking about, the same as her Mother's look?" he questioned.
Eleanor sighed as she recalled the tale of Ellen and the love of her life. They had planned to run away, but the young man was shot and the murderer never found. Many had believed that Ellen's own Father had had the young man killed because he did not agree with the match. It was shortly after the incident that Ellen had met Mr. O'Hara and quickly wed. Her Father had been furious over the quick marriage and publicly disgraced by his daughter's actions. To Eleanor's knowledge Ellen had not spoken to her Father in years over the marriage, and when she finally had come back to Charleston, her eyes, that once shined with excitement and adventure, were dull. She had appeared to be content and happy, but deep inside Eleanor knew she was heartbroken.
Rhett, now sitting, contemplated the story his Mother had told him. He knew he had gone to far with Scarlett this time, but at the time he could not believe her. "Mother she has asked for time, and I will give her that" he looked up to his Mother "but I will not divorce her, I will not run away like that."
Eleanor smiled for the first time since Scarlett had left the letter with her. Perhaps Rhett had finally realized the damage he had done to his wife.
