They'd slept in one another's arms for a few hours as the sun set over the Prince of Wales parklands. Now, however; they'd left their second reunion in 48 hours behind as they tried to plan a future. After several bouts of love making and arguing they'd decided to try to make some major decisions. Scarlett sat cross-legged on the large, now disheveled bed wearing Rhett's shirt while he reclined back on several pillows.
It wasn't that they could see each other's differing points of view. In fact Scarlett agreed with Rhett on several points, the main point being the sooner he met Bess the better. However, she disagreed with him on one major issue, she would not return to Charleston. She feared that people would cut Bess dead when she was older and she was not about to let a passel of ignorant busybodies judge her daughter. Rhett argued that if they didn't go home and face people now while Bess was small they certainly would never be able to when Bess was older. Scarlett retorted with venom at his insistence. "You fixed it so I couldn't come home, I don't see why we should go back now. We could stay here."
Rhett smirked "In England, with my wife posing as the Prince of Wales' mistress, why my dear that's just the way I'd imagined my twilight years when I was a young man."
She smiled "Twilight my foot," her tone grew serious "but truly I'd like to stay in England."
He ran his hand through his hair, he wanted to be fair, but she was being so obstinate. He was use to her being contradictory, she'd been that way since the day he'd first met her at Twelve Oaks. Now though the determination to protect Bess was clear in her eyes. If she thought it would hurt Bess she would not bend or break.
"Scarlett that's impossible, surely you see that. You are one of the most notorious women in England, hell in Europe. You must know that, I've only been here a few days and that's clear to me. My God in the carriage Lettie Morland regaled me with the talents and beauty of the Prince of Wales' mistress. She isn't the only one either."
"I can't go back to Charleston or Atlanta for that matter. I love Bess with all my heart; Wade wants to come here in another year. Cambridge or Oxford, for the love of God Rhett don't make me choose between you and what's best for my child."
"Our child."
"I love you, I've longed for you, and now I can't lose you; but don't ask me to return to Charleston. Do you think your sister would welcome me with open arms? Or your mother? Or Sally or Miss Ashley? No they'd cut me dead because it would be expected of them. Honor would demand they cut me. And if they did condescend to speak to me, it would be because they wished to gather the scandalous details of the past two years."
"So you intend never to return to the states. What about your sister's and the aunts? Surely you must need to check up on the Honorable Mister Wilkes.?"
Scarlett shifted uncomfortably and drew the sheet around her as she sat up in his bed.
"Scarlett?" Even after the time they'd spent apart he could still recognize certain stirs in her body language. The last jab about Mister Wilkes had hit close to home and he wanted to know why. "Scarlett, aren't you curious as to how Ashley is getting along?"
"No."
"Because?"
"Because I only just saw him last month and he was doing quite well. Next time I write I'll send your regards."
Rhett struggled to keep his voice down. He would keep himself in check so as not to drive her off again. If they were to succeed in rebuilding a life together he would have to take each comment one at a time. "You were in Atlanta?"
Scarlett shook her head. "No." She fiddled with the ring on her left hand, twisting the band of gold accented with cross-hatchings back and forth. "Ashley came to visit here, well not here precisely, but in Southampton."
His anger was churning inside him but still he pressed on, his tone neutral. "So Mister Wilkes had the pleasure of meeting my own flesh and blood before me?"
"I didn't tell him so perhaps your honor you can remove me from the dock and save judgment till I finish. Wade told Beau about Bess and Beau told Ashley. Ashley came to Europe because he sold the mills for a huge profit and is thinking of resettling in Italy once Beau graduates from college. He doesn't care for the South anymore and I think everything there reminds him of Melly. When he arrived I had no intention of telling him about Bess. For the love of God Rhett Kinnicut Butler, do you think I'd tell Ashley about our child but never bother you about her."
"Yes."
"Then you're a fool. He confronted me and told me to do the right thing and contact you. I told him that it was none of his concern and to leave the issue alone. He never saw her though, I didn't feel that it would be right for Ashley to met Bess and not you."
"Well I appreciate your loyalty, speaking of meting my daughter, when do you think that would be possible?"
"Rhett don't change the subject, what are we going to do?"
"Be a family. No matter where that takes us. I love you, I already love our daughter and I haven't even seen her yet. I can't be without you. I won't be without you."
She wanted to fling herself into his arms but she could still feel some doubt brewing below the surface. Could they really try again? Would Wade despise her for returning to Rhett? Would he try to force her to return to Charleston?
"Scarlett? A pound for your thought?"
Unbidden a smile spread across her face. "They aren't worth sixpence." She gracefully swung her legs over the side of the bed and began to gather her clothes.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"To my suite, dinner's in a little over an hour. I have to dress."
He smiled rakishly "I prefer you undressed."
Scarlett fluttered her lashes coquettishly. "But just think, if I go and get dressed, eventually I'll have to undress."
He threw back his head and laughed. "You make a persuasive argument sweetheart. Go, get dressed. I look forward to seeing you in your gown."
"Only because you'll be imagining seeing me without it."
"Touché Cherie."
Scarlett felt as though she had been given a second chance. Rhett was unmarried, he loved her, he was hurt but still he at least tried to understand what had motivated her to keep Bess a secret. Tomorrow she would tell Bertie that she had to take Rhett to see Bess. She hated to leave him without a hostess but she wanted to hold her baby and to see Rhett hold her baby. Their baby. She glanced heavenward for an instant before bring her eyes down in a swift movement. Silly as it seemed, maybe Melly was watching over the both of them, guiding their steps till they came together once more.
Scarlett hummed as she looked through her wardrobe. Tonight no more black and white ensembles for the Widow Robiliard. No, she was Scarlett Butler and she wanted to be stunning for him. Finally her eyes lit on a midnight blue watered silk gown. Tiny black pearls had been attached with silver thread. It looked like groups of stars glowing in a silk sky. She would wear her hair long; he loved her hair long. He loved her. She hugged the dress to herself disregarding the possibility that she might wrinkle it. This would be a night they would never forget.