'Scarlett' came a cry from the house.
It was Melly, of course, who else would think to greet Scarlett so warmly? He sisters barely tolerated her, and she them. Well perhaps not so much Careen, but Suellen.
'In fact' Scarlett considered, 'if she wasn't doing so much to be helpful around Tara, Suellen probably would have tried to ship her off years ago. It's only because they need me' she thought. And so she felt no regret what so ever in the lie she would be telling her family.
'And Melly? Well Melly was a fool, and more fool to her if she was willing to believe Scarlett's many falsehoods she had bestowed upon her loving sister in law.'
'And Ashley? Well what about Ashley? What had he ever done for her besides cloud her mind and cause her to act most inappropriately on many occasions?'
In her overworked mind it appeared obvious to Scarlett that none of these people really deserved the truth out of her, and so they would, quite obviously, not be getting it.
She tried not to think about pa, and what he would have thought of her had he been in his right mind and aware of the task she was to undertake, as she mounted the few front steps in order to embrace an anxious Melanie.
'Oh Scarlett it's so good to see you' She exclaimed. 'Oh I know you weren't gone long silly' she said misinterpreting the look of confusion that had flashed upon Scarlett's face at her words. 'But I've just felt so lost without you'
Scarlett was perturbed.
'Why was Melly so nice to her? What had she ever done to deserve it? Nothing any other person wouldn't had done she was sure of that.'
Everything Scarlett had thought of Melly only a moment ago seemed to float away as she thought of the unswerving loyalty and kindness she received at the hands of this courageous woman.
Without knowing it, Scarlett began to feel a new respect and fondness for her sister in law at that moment. As she saw her in a completely different light.
'Oh Melly.' Scarlett began, with a real sincerity and honesty in her voice for the first time that nearly blew Melanie away.
'It's good to see you to. I really mean it. Do you believe I really mean it Melly?'
Scarlett felt such a sudden inexplicable need to have Melanie's approval at that moment.
'Of course I believe you darling, now why wouldn't I?'
Melanie was stunned to say the least. But at the same time she wondered what could have possibly happened to ignite this wave of sincerity and insecurity within her beloved sister in law.
'Hello Scarlett' came a, it had to be admitted, much less enthusiastic voice form the porch. 'I trust your holiday in Atlanta was enjoyable'
Suellen's words were bitter and soaked in resentment.
'Suellen O'Hara you know full well I was not in Atlanta on a holiday. I would tank you to remember that I went to Atlanta for Tara, for you even, being a part of Tara as you are.'
Suellen said nothing but scowled deeply. This did not go unnoticed by Scarlett or Melanie but there was no time to reflect upon the matter as the remainder of Tara's occupants were at present flooding onto the porch.
'You're looking well Scarlett' cooed Careen as she stepped forward to give her sister a kiss on the cheek.
'As are you little sister' replied Scarlett 'I'm glad to see you are recovering from your illness'
Careen smiled a little sadly and stepped back so that Scarlett could greet Wade, who was presently trying to bury himself within the folds of Prissy's skirts.
Scarlett smiled. A little weakly, and with a little annoyance but she smiled none the less.
'And how are you Wade Hampton?' She questioned the shivering little boy.
'Fine thank you mam' His reply so quiet it was barely audible
Scarlett groaned inwardly yet continued. 'Aren't you going to give mother a hug hello?' she questioned, crouching low to the ground and extending her arms in welcome.
The boy shuffled forward slowly, shyly at first, but half way there he seemed to gather some gumption and he all but ran into Scarlett's outstretched arms.
A slight joy Scarlett had never known enveloped her as she felt her own little boy cling to her fiercely as though his very life depended on it.
When wade had exhausted the hug by all means he stepped back smiling to himself half ashamedly and he scuttled back towards Prissy quivering in excitement.
'Where's pa?' Scarlett questioned the general gathering.
She noticed also that Ashley was not present however she thought it would be tactful not to voice her wonderment as to his where abouts.
'He's in bed' snapped Suellen.
'While you've been off gallivanting across the country we have been busy and pa's been in one of his worst states.'
Scarlett felt a twinge of fear for her father but it slipped away as she was consumed by anger at Suellen's words.
'For the last time Suellen' Scarlett nearly yelled, while everyone else stepped back slightly, fearful now.
'I have been away securing the money for the taxes for Tara. Something I doubt you could have done in the circumstances. So don't you dare stand there and accuse me of having a good time when I have been working ten times harder than the lot of you.'
Scarlett was breathing heavily her temper flared her pride wounded.
'How dare Suellen!' she thought indignantly
'Come now why don't we head back into the house and see what we can gather for supper' Said Melanie quietly, ever the peacemaker.
Scarlett, who had not eaten all day, was willing to oblige, and so the entire party moved back into the crumbling mansion.
'Ashley is out in the fields Scarlett. I'm sure he would have liked to be here to greet you; only we weren't sure when to expect you. You understand don't you my dear?'
'Of course Melly' replied Scarlett. On the inside she was secretly thankful for his absence. And at least he had finally begun lending a hand around the plantation.
'He should be in soon though. It really is very near supper'
The meal was mainly a silent one. Suellen was still brooding and Ashley appeared awkward.
He had greeted Scarlett somewhat oddly. Scarlett's greeting had been formal and polite.
However halfway through the meal Suellen began.
'Well in that case Scarlett did you get it?' she questioned sharply
'Get what Suellen?' Scarlett feigned ignorance trying to enjoy her meal, with Wade fairly bouncing on his seat with excitement next to her after having his request to sit by his mother granted.
'The money of course' Suellen answered shortly
'Yes Suellen I did'
Scarlett did not wish to go into it now, but upon seeing the curious glances being exchanged about her she knew she would have to.
'Well?' pushed Suellen
'Well what?' inquired Scarlett, trying to put the inevitable moment of for a little longer.
"How did you get it?'
Scarlett's eyes happened to catch Ashley's as she glanced about the table and she could see within them a keener interest than should have been present and more than a little suspicion.
Scarlett inhaled deeply. The time had come.
She expelled her entire story to her enthralled audience, and when she had finished she glanced around feverishly, petrified she would be discovered.
'Oh Scarlett' gushed Melanie 'what a brave thing for you to have done. And so clever to. And how kind you are to offer to help in Atlanta. Of course you must go darling. I only wish I could go with you.'
Scarlett felt a twinge of guilt that was quickly pushed away as she thought once more of the immanent task ahead of her.
'That would be nice Melly but I think it would be much better for you to rest up here for a bit. You're still not looking as healthy as I'd like you to.'
Melanie smiled sweetly at her sister in laws loving words.
The rest of the table save Ashley who was looking fixedly at his plate and so his expression was unreadable appeared to buy her story without question.
'Well I suppose you must do what you must Scarlett. I'm so proud of you for wanting to help.' Cried Careen.
Suellen merely nodded her assent and went back to eating.
Scarlett was very much pleased with the way things had gone at dinner. Wade had been a little upset to learn she would be leaving again so soon. But in a way that felt good to Scarlett as well. To think, her own child would miss her!
It was with a feeling of accomplishment that Scarlett laid down to sleep that night. Trying as best she could not to think of what the future weeks would bring.
Only an hour before that Rhett Butler picked up his hat, placed it negligently on his head and walked out of his cell forever. He was finally rid of that place. He chuckled to himself thinking of everything that money could buy.
The thought of Scarlett had weighed heavy on his mind these past few days.
She had appeared so unwell. And whether he chose to admit it to himself or not, her could not bear the thought of her suffering, especially when he could so easily help.
He would rest up tonight and get himself back into his old spirits. And some clean clothes he mused. And tomorrow he would call on Scarlett at her Aunt Pitty's and offer his help.
With or without that charming collateral he chuckled.
For it meant much to him that Scarlett was happy. He could see that now, after her never leaving his mind since her unexpected arrival in his cell.
He only hoped she would accept his visit, and his help.
'God help me' thought Rhett suddenly. 'Suppose she had already received her help from some other blackguard who was more than willing to take up her enticing offer.'
Rhett almost reeled at the thought.
He would go and see her tonight. The sooner the better.
Hello. Here is the next part. I'm hoping that you have enjoyed it. I have decided that avoidance is the answer to studying so instead I wrote this chapter. Only Two exams to go!!!
To BufyScarlett1 thankyou so much for the luck, trust me I NEED it. This chapter is just for you.
Please review, and stay tuned for the next part. It's going to get better from her I promise.