Scarlett was completely perplexed, "But how could that be? I…" Scarlett cut off as she remembered the last night that Rhett and she had spent together in the very bed she was in now. Her cheeks slightly reddened at the thought, "Why didn't I realize it?"
Dr. Meade saw that Scarlett had found the answer to her first question of how, "Well Scarlett when you fell it messed up some things. That could be the reason. I must warn you though that you aren't doing well. You are too thin. This could be a some what complicated pregnancy for you. I want you in bed for at least a week."
Eleanor finally joined the conversation, "Oh but Dr. Meade we are having Rhett's funeral tomorrow. Can't she at least go to that?"
"I'm afraid not Mrs. Butler. We can't take any chances. If you want to give Rhett a memorial, what is better than a child?" Dr. Meade was hoping he was right in assuming that Rhett was the father.
"I suppose your right doctor." Eleanor was saddened that Scarlett wouldn't be there.
Scarlett had been quiet for some time. She was trying to take in all that was happening. She was going to have Rhett's baby. If she couldn't have Rhett, his baby was the next best thing. Tears started to fall down Scarlett face. This was such bitter sweet news. Now she wouldn't be able to go to Rhett's funeral. Not going to the funeral wasn't that upsetting to Scarlett. She really wanted to go because not going would help her to keep Rhett alive at least in her mind and heart.
"Scarlett Dr. Meade is right dear, think of the baby. " Eleanor thought Scarlett's tears were from not being able to go to the funeral.
Scarlett was drawn back from her own thoughts as Eleanor talked to her, "Yes I know."
"I should be off. If you need anything Scarlett send for me. I will come back in a week to check on you, until then stay in that bed." Dr. Meade could see that Scarlett needed time to process this news.
Scarlett was grateful for Dr. Meade leaving, "I will Dr. Meade thank you."
"I'll walk you out Dr. Meade." Eleanor got up and walked out the door with Mr. Meade.
Scarlett laid her hands on her stomach, "Thank you Rhett. You didn't leave me alone after all. I just wish you were here to enjoy this with me. I'll be the best mother to this baby you just wait and see. I'll make you proud." Scarlett found peace in knowing in a few months she would have a piece of Rhett back with her. She drifted to sleep with thoughts of what her child would turn out to be like.
"Scarlett." Eleanor was overjoyed to know about her knew grandchild. With this news came the urge to be more protective of Scarlett and care for her. She knew Scarlett had been sleeping but also knew she hadn't eaten anything all day.
"Mmmm…What is it?" Scarlett wasn't ready to be woken up from the best sleep she'd had in a long time.
"It's diner time. I was wondering if you wanted anything." Eleanor just ignored Scarlett's somewhat rudeness, playing it off as her condition.
Scarlett was now waking up more, "Um well yes I do believe I could eat something."
"I'll have something sent up then." Eleanor with her answer went toward the door.
"Ms. Eleanor wait. I want to tell you something." Scarlett wasn't sure of Eleanor's thoughts about the baby, but wanted to set everything right now.
Eleanor went back over to Scarlett's bedside, "What is it Scarlett?"
Scarlett wasn't exactly sure how to say what she wanted, "I want to tell you Ms. Eleanor that… well that I am very happy about this baby."
"Of course you are Scarlett, why wouldn't you be?" Eleanor had no idea what Scarlett was getting at.
"Well you see…Rhett and me… I want you to know that this baby is Rhett's." There she said what she had wanted.
Eleanor was shock at Scarlett's confession, "Of course it is Scarlett. Why would I think any different?"
"The thing is that Rhett and I haven't been together in almost four months and before that time we didn't share a bedroom. But I assure you that the night before Rhett left…" Scarlett felt she had to explain to Eleanor.
Eleanor had heard more than enough, "Scarlett stop. I never even thought anything different."
"Thank you Ms. Eleanor." Scarlett was so grateful for Eleanor's faith in her. She knew that people around town wouldn't be as accepting.
"Thank me for what Scarlett?" Eleanor couldn't see what she had done to earn Scarlett's gratitude.
"For being so kind to me. For being so thoughtful and caring. Your are such a wonderful lady. You remind me so much of my mother." Scarlett had always looked up to her mother and now she looked up to Eleanor.
Eleanor was surprised at Scarlett admiration of her, "Scarlett you flatter me. I do care for you though Scarlett. You feel just like a daughter to me. Now I better go see about dinner."
Scarlett was glad Eleanor thought of her as a daughter, "Alright. I am actually getting hungry."
Scarlett was a bit glad that she didn't have to go to the funeral. The weather that day was awful. It was cold and rainy, a day no one should have been outside. Disregarding any pleas for her to cancel or postpone the funeral Eleanor braved the cold. The funeral party was small; it consisted of Eleanor, Mammy, other members of the house staff, Dr. and Mrs. Meade, and a few other people who knew Rhett threw business. The sad thing was that the only reason Mrs. Meade was there was because Dr. Meade insisted on it. Rhett's empty coffin was placed in the ground right next to his precious daughter Bonnie.
While Scarlett was left alone with most of the staff at the funeral she had time to think. She thought about the irony that Rhett was gone yet she was pregnant. She couldn't help but think this baby was sent from Rhett to watch over her and help her. She still missed Rhett terribly, but with the baby she had something to care about. She had to do it for Rhett and her. Of course Wade and Ella were important to her, but not the way this new baby was. Scarlett hadn't cared a thing for Charles or Frank and she had never wanted children when Wade and Ella were born. She hadn't even wanted Bonnie when she had her, even though after a while she had grown to love her youngest daughter. Now Scarlett's views on children have changed. She loved Wade and Ella very much now. Scarlett had only known about this baby for about a day, but she loved it with all her heart. She wouldn't do anything to compromise having this baby. If Dr. Meade told her to stay in bed until the baby was born she would. This baby was going to be her whole world.
After a week in bed Dr. Meade released Scarlett to move about the house, but that was all. She wasn't to leave the house possibly until the baby was born. Scarlett decided it was time for Wade, Ella and Beau to come home. Beau went back to his own house when they arrived. Scarlett told Wade and Ella about Rhett and they were very upset. They each had their own way of handling the news. Wade kept himself, very quiet, solemn and Ella stayed close to her mother, following her every move. Scarlett decided to wait a while to tell them about the baby.