Chapter 8
Rhett still felt numb inside when he reached his Mother's house. As he opened the door and stepped into the foyer, he did not see Rosemary and almost walked into her.
"Rhett" Rosemary exclaimed bringing him out of his thoughts.
He mumbled "I'm sorry Rosemary" as he made his way past her.
Rosemary sensing that something was wrong followed him into the library. She watched as he poured himself a scotch, drank it down and then poured another.
"Rhett, what in the world is wrong?" she asked. And as Rhett turned to look at her she added "You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you alright?"
Rhett let out a short jagged laugh, finished his second drink then said "I guess in a way you could say I have".
As he turned to pour himself another, Rosemary walked up to him, gently grabbed his arm and turned him back to her "What in the world are you talking about Rhett?"
"A ghost. A ghost from my past. One that has hAunted me for years. But now, now she may be a reality again."
Rosemary just stood there. Taking in his words, while looking at the distraught expression on her brother's face. She had seen that look before. Yes, before when...
She whispered "Oh my god" so quietly Rhett almost didn't hear her. Rosemary knew that Scarlett had not vanished without a word as Rhett and everyone else thought she had. She knew Scarlett had left a letter for her mother but that in trying to help Rhett she had burned it. Now after all these years Rosemary still felt guilt over that action but could do nothing to erase what she had done.
"Ah, my dear sister, you know of which ghost I am speaking of" Rhett said as he poured yet another drink.
"Oh Rhett it can't be can it? Not after all these years. She....she's really not back, is she?"
"If your speaking of my vanishing ex-wife, then yes, it would seem as though she has reappeared."
"Did you see her" Rosemary asked very quietly, as though if speaking of Scarlett too loudly would make her materialize on the spot.
"No I did not"
"Well why do you think..."
Rosemary didn't get to finish her sentence. Rhett motioned for her to sit down on the sofa. As they did he said "Let me tell you about my visit to Marshall's office today."
Several days passed after Rhett's conversation with Duncan. He found out by speaking to Marshall's secretary that Duncan had come from England. That he was on his way to Atlanta to set up his business. That his fiancée and her Mother had just returned to the States from London and were living near Atlanta. But that they would be joining Duncan in Atlanta once he got there so that his Mother-in-law to be could assist him in getting the business started.
Later that week Rhett stopped by the cemetery to pay his respects to his Mother. "Mother I know you'll think I'm crazy, but I have to go. I have to see if it's really her. I don't know why and I know I shouldn't but I have to".
With that said Rhett stood up and started to walk to another part of the cemetery, but then stopped. He still sometimes didn't feel like he had a right to visit her grave. She had loved him whole heartedly. She had accepted what he became after Scarlett left. But he could never give himself, his heart to her. For they were with Scarlett. No he had not deserved her love. And so he turned and left the cemetery. One hour later he was on a train bound for Atlanta.
As the miles passed his window Rhett could not help but think of his life with Scarlett. His mind went back to the first day he met Scarlett at Twelve Oaks. She had been so beautiful, so full of life. And he knew even then that she would have his heart from that day on.
His thoughts then wondered to him aiding her and Miss Melanie escape Atlanta. She had been so terrified yet so strong. That had proven to him she could handle anything.
Next his walk down memory lane took him to New Orleans and their honeymoon. That had been some of the best times of his life. He had been able to pamper and love her the way he had always wanted to.
Then Bonnie invaded her thoughts. He had loved her totally. She had reminded him so much of the innocent Scarlett. Her death truly had left a hole in his heart.
Scarlett disappearing from Charleston had taken what was left of his heart and tore it into tiny little pieces.
'So why am I chasing her to Atlanta', he quietly asked to the passing scenery.
He knew the answer, but it hurt too much to admit it. For most of their time together Scarlett had been like a disease to him. Using him, breaking his heart and nearly breaking his spirit. Yet he knew in his heart, that through it all he still loved her. He just had to see her. To find out why she had disappeared all those years ago.
After arriving at the Atlanta station Rhett grabbed his bags and found a hack for hire. A few moments later he stepped out in front of the National Hotel. The same hotel that he and Scarlett had stayed at when they came back from their honeymoon.
On that same day Scarlett and Katie where packing to make their trip to Atlanta. Ashley of course knew about Katie. Scarlett had to tell him, for she knew if she didn't, Harriet would have. So while Scarlett and Katie were in Atlanta, they would be staying with the Wilkes. At one time that would have been scandalous but so many of the old guard were now gone that it would not matter.
The next afternoon Scarlett and Katie stepped off the 2:30 train. Ashley and Harriet where there to greet them.
"Scarlett, darling" Ashley said as they hugged. Scarlett reveled in the knowledge that they had finished all their puppy love nonsense and now where true friends.
"Ashley, my but don't you look as handsome as ever" Scarlett said as she smiled a true Southern Belle vixen smile. She had not lost her charm after all these years and felt safe using it on her good friend.
Ashley blushed as he brought Harriet forward. Scarlett and Harriet hugged then Harriet saw Katie over Scarlett's shoulder.
"Katie, oh my you have become such as beautiful young woman" Harriet said as she left Scarlett's embrace and made her way to Katie.
They hugged and as they parted Scarlett said "Ashley I'd like to introduce to you my daughter, Katie Colum. Katie this Wade's uncle Ashley."
Ashley stepped forward and took Katie's hand. Kissing it lightly he said "My dear you are as beautiful as your Mother said. I'm so glad to finally meet you. And you may call me Uncle Ashley also, if you wish"
Katie blushed. She was so excited to have more 'family'. "Thank you Uncle Ashley. Mother has told me many wonderful things about you. I too am glad to finally meet you".
As they made their way toward the house Scarlett could not help but think of Melanie. She still missed her so much. But having Ashley now as a friend eased the pain some.
That night Harriet had Duncan for supper and they sat around the table telling stories until the wee hours of the morning.
Inadvertently while talking about Scarlett's bravery in getting Melanie, the children and herself back to Tara during the siege, Ashley brought up the subject Rhett.
"Oh Scarlett, I'm sorry" He said turning a bright crimson.
"It's alright, Ashley, really. If Rhett had not been part of my life, well Katie would not have been here. And Mr. Shierfield knows of Rhett. So please don't worry about it."
Then conversation went on with Scarlett asking Duncan about his trip from London to the States.
"Well it went quite well. No problems at all. I actually arrived on time in Charleston."
Scarlett caught her breath. "You docked in Charleston, did you?"
Katie caught her Mother's strange expression and tone.
"Yes Ma'am I did. In fact I had a rather strange encounter there."
"What was that?" Ashley added also noting Scarlett's expression. He knew what she was thinking. The mention of Charleston had made her think of Rhett again.
Duncan started explaining what had happened in Marshall's office. "And after I told him Katie's and your name Mrs. O'Hara, before I could even ask him his, he had grabbed his coat and hat and left."
Scarlett felt a chill run through her body. Moments passed before she was able to speak. Finding her voice she asked "What did this gentleman look like, Mr. Shierfield?"
"Well ma'am he had black hair and a mustache although his hair was starting to gray around his temples. He had a dark complexion and he was very well dressed" Duncan stopped then added "oh yes, and he was wearing a white Bermuda hat".
Scarlett said there trying to catch her breath. Her mind was racing a thousand miles a minute screaming at her "My God, Rhett".
"Mother, Mother..are you alright", Katie was asking as she touched Scarlett's arm.
Scarlett finally heard her "Yes, I think I just need a bit of air". With that she pushed her chair back and made her way outside.
Ashley followed close behind.
When he stepped out the door Scarlett turned to look at him and said only one word "Rhett".
Rhett still felt numb inside when he reached his Mother's house. As he opened the door and stepped into the foyer, he did not see Rosemary and almost walked into her.
"Rhett" Rosemary exclaimed bringing him out of his thoughts.
He mumbled "I'm sorry Rosemary" as he made his way past her.
Rosemary sensing that something was wrong followed him into the library. She watched as he poured himself a scotch, drank it down and then poured another.
"Rhett, what in the world is wrong?" she asked. And as Rhett turned to look at her she added "You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you alright?"
Rhett let out a short jagged laugh, finished his second drink then said "I guess in a way you could say I have".
As he turned to pour himself another, Rosemary walked up to him, gently grabbed his arm and turned him back to her "What in the world are you talking about Rhett?"
"A ghost. A ghost from my past. One that has hAunted me for years. But now, now she may be a reality again."
Rosemary just stood there. Taking in his words, while looking at the distraught expression on her brother's face. She had seen that look before. Yes, before when...
She whispered "Oh my god" so quietly Rhett almost didn't hear her. Rosemary knew that Scarlett had not vanished without a word as Rhett and everyone else thought she had. She knew Scarlett had left a letter for her mother but that in trying to help Rhett she had burned it. Now after all these years Rosemary still felt guilt over that action but could do nothing to erase what she had done.
"Ah, my dear sister, you know of which ghost I am speaking of" Rhett said as he poured yet another drink.
"Oh Rhett it can't be can it? Not after all these years. She....she's really not back, is she?"
"If your speaking of my vanishing ex-wife, then yes, it would seem as though she has reappeared."
"Did you see her" Rosemary asked very quietly, as though if speaking of Scarlett too loudly would make her materialize on the spot.
"No I did not"
"Well why do you think..."
Rosemary didn't get to finish her sentence. Rhett motioned for her to sit down on the sofa. As they did he said "Let me tell you about my visit to Marshall's office today."
Several days passed after Rhett's conversation with Duncan. He found out by speaking to Marshall's secretary that Duncan had come from England. That he was on his way to Atlanta to set up his business. That his fiancée and her Mother had just returned to the States from London and were living near Atlanta. But that they would be joining Duncan in Atlanta once he got there so that his Mother-in-law to be could assist him in getting the business started.
Later that week Rhett stopped by the cemetery to pay his respects to his Mother. "Mother I know you'll think I'm crazy, but I have to go. I have to see if it's really her. I don't know why and I know I shouldn't but I have to".
With that said Rhett stood up and started to walk to another part of the cemetery, but then stopped. He still sometimes didn't feel like he had a right to visit her grave. She had loved him whole heartedly. She had accepted what he became after Scarlett left. But he could never give himself, his heart to her. For they were with Scarlett. No he had not deserved her love. And so he turned and left the cemetery. One hour later he was on a train bound for Atlanta.
As the miles passed his window Rhett could not help but think of his life with Scarlett. His mind went back to the first day he met Scarlett at Twelve Oaks. She had been so beautiful, so full of life. And he knew even then that she would have his heart from that day on.
His thoughts then wondered to him aiding her and Miss Melanie escape Atlanta. She had been so terrified yet so strong. That had proven to him she could handle anything.
Next his walk down memory lane took him to New Orleans and their honeymoon. That had been some of the best times of his life. He had been able to pamper and love her the way he had always wanted to.
Then Bonnie invaded her thoughts. He had loved her totally. She had reminded him so much of the innocent Scarlett. Her death truly had left a hole in his heart.
Scarlett disappearing from Charleston had taken what was left of his heart and tore it into tiny little pieces.
'So why am I chasing her to Atlanta', he quietly asked to the passing scenery.
He knew the answer, but it hurt too much to admit it. For most of their time together Scarlett had been like a disease to him. Using him, breaking his heart and nearly breaking his spirit. Yet he knew in his heart, that through it all he still loved her. He just had to see her. To find out why she had disappeared all those years ago.
After arriving at the Atlanta station Rhett grabbed his bags and found a hack for hire. A few moments later he stepped out in front of the National Hotel. The same hotel that he and Scarlett had stayed at when they came back from their honeymoon.
On that same day Scarlett and Katie where packing to make their trip to Atlanta. Ashley of course knew about Katie. Scarlett had to tell him, for she knew if she didn't, Harriet would have. So while Scarlett and Katie were in Atlanta, they would be staying with the Wilkes. At one time that would have been scandalous but so many of the old guard were now gone that it would not matter.
The next afternoon Scarlett and Katie stepped off the 2:30 train. Ashley and Harriet where there to greet them.
"Scarlett, darling" Ashley said as they hugged. Scarlett reveled in the knowledge that they had finished all their puppy love nonsense and now where true friends.
"Ashley, my but don't you look as handsome as ever" Scarlett said as she smiled a true Southern Belle vixen smile. She had not lost her charm after all these years and felt safe using it on her good friend.
Ashley blushed as he brought Harriet forward. Scarlett and Harriet hugged then Harriet saw Katie over Scarlett's shoulder.
"Katie, oh my you have become such as beautiful young woman" Harriet said as she left Scarlett's embrace and made her way to Katie.
They hugged and as they parted Scarlett said "Ashley I'd like to introduce to you my daughter, Katie Colum. Katie this Wade's uncle Ashley."
Ashley stepped forward and took Katie's hand. Kissing it lightly he said "My dear you are as beautiful as your Mother said. I'm so glad to finally meet you. And you may call me Uncle Ashley also, if you wish"
Katie blushed. She was so excited to have more 'family'. "Thank you Uncle Ashley. Mother has told me many wonderful things about you. I too am glad to finally meet you".
As they made their way toward the house Scarlett could not help but think of Melanie. She still missed her so much. But having Ashley now as a friend eased the pain some.
That night Harriet had Duncan for supper and they sat around the table telling stories until the wee hours of the morning.
Inadvertently while talking about Scarlett's bravery in getting Melanie, the children and herself back to Tara during the siege, Ashley brought up the subject Rhett.
"Oh Scarlett, I'm sorry" He said turning a bright crimson.
"It's alright, Ashley, really. If Rhett had not been part of my life, well Katie would not have been here. And Mr. Shierfield knows of Rhett. So please don't worry about it."
Then conversation went on with Scarlett asking Duncan about his trip from London to the States.
"Well it went quite well. No problems at all. I actually arrived on time in Charleston."
Scarlett caught her breath. "You docked in Charleston, did you?"
Katie caught her Mother's strange expression and tone.
"Yes Ma'am I did. In fact I had a rather strange encounter there."
"What was that?" Ashley added also noting Scarlett's expression. He knew what she was thinking. The mention of Charleston had made her think of Rhett again.
Duncan started explaining what had happened in Marshall's office. "And after I told him Katie's and your name Mrs. O'Hara, before I could even ask him his, he had grabbed his coat and hat and left."
Scarlett felt a chill run through her body. Moments passed before she was able to speak. Finding her voice she asked "What did this gentleman look like, Mr. Shierfield?"
"Well ma'am he had black hair and a mustache although his hair was starting to gray around his temples. He had a dark complexion and he was very well dressed" Duncan stopped then added "oh yes, and he was wearing a white Bermuda hat".
Scarlett said there trying to catch her breath. Her mind was racing a thousand miles a minute screaming at her "My God, Rhett".
"Mother, Mother..are you alright", Katie was asking as she touched Scarlett's arm.
Scarlett finally heard her "Yes, I think I just need a bit of air". With that she pushed her chair back and made her way outside.
Ashley followed close behind.
When he stepped out the door Scarlett turned to look at him and said only one word "Rhett".
