Disclaimer: I own nothing regarding GWTW
Author's Notes: Thank you for all the reviews and feedback.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
A month later, Scarlett and Rhett were on the train to New York. It was going to be just the two of them. They were both nervous about leaving the children in Atlanta with just Mammy. Melly had said she would check on the children every day. She didn't want the children to stay with Melly because she didn't want Wade to know there were so many Southern boys his age that lived in Atlanta. She didn't want to have to explain to Wade why he couldn't play with them, and she would not let her son be snubbed.
It was the first time the couple had ever gone anywhere just the two of them. They spent two weeks in New York. Rhett did have to conduct business but that was usually done at night at a social engagement. Rhett introduced her to Frank Vanderbilt, Louise Baldwin who was the sister of one of his contemporaries, and Edith Cushing the daughter of one of his contemporaries. Scarlett liked them all and they liked her. They introduced her to more women. By the time their two weeks were over, Scarlett had exchanged addresses with at least a dozen ladies.
Rhett took her to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Grand Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, the menagerie, Central Park, where they were building the Brooklyn Bridge and numerous other sights, he thought she would like to see.
When they got in their private car, to return to Atlanta, Scarlett said, "Now that is a better class of people."
"Indeed, it is. Are you willing to move to New York?"
"It is a possibility. I would like to visit Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia too."
"Fine by me but I don't know anyone in Philadelphia."
"Alright."
The couple were so happy to be back to their children that they decided not to travel alone again until their children were grown.
Scarlett and Rhett enjoyed their lives in Atlanta. They had fun although Scarlett knew Rhett considered their acquaintances ill-bred, ignorant, coarse, vulgar people. The Scallawags and Republicans gave Rhett someone to inflict his mockery and sarcasm on. She would often think, 'Better them than me.'
Scarlett had never lost her gift of perception for which she had been incredibly grateful. By knowing her husband had expectations that he was not expressing and that he made snap judgements and never doubted his conclusions, she had to decipher by his words and his actions what they were. He was a very guarded, secretive man who often hid behind mockery and jokes. It was through his jokes and mocking statements that she was able to perceive what his secret feelings were. The fact that he would freely lie to her just made the whole thing that much more difficult. Only with her gift of insightfulness and observation was she able to understand him and ferreted out what was really going on. Obtuse Scarlett had been hopelessly lost. Although the longer they were married the more open Rhett was becoming. Yet, Scarlett knew that Rhett Butler would never be an unguarded man.
Scarlett with her gift of perception could tell when Rhett was going sideways in their relationship. Rhett Butler was a vain, egotistical, arrogant man who thought he was the smartest man in the world who often jumped to the wrong conclusion about events. Furthermore, he never questioned his conclusions. All these things made her husband a difficult man to deal with.
Scarlett would often come to a conclusion about Rhett's thoughts and desires and would say to herself, 'That just can't be right. That is too simple.' She would remember Ockham's razor, the dog in the manger, and him honestly expecting her to welcome him home after three days of debauchery at Belle's. She would sigh and know she was right in her conclusion. She would smile when she would remember that her husband was an attractive, charming, imbecile.
One night in December of sixty-nine Rhett and Scarlett were going to a Christmas party at the Wilkes' home. Rhett had tried to convince Scarlett to not attend the event. Scarlett had smiled and said, "I can't disappoint Melly. We will just make an appearance then leave. They finally have enough money to be able to entertain. Everyone is having Christmas parties so I'm sure Melly wanted to have a party, also.
"I am not staying very long."
"Of course, not, Dear. I think Melly has invited everyone in proper society. I don't know why but Melly refuses to let me be ostracized by Atlanta society."
"Unfortunately, Miss Melly is typical of Southern society they can't see beyond the borders of the Confederacy therefore she must do what she can to keep you received."
"Even if I don't want to be received."
"Even then. I will not spend the entire night being snubbed."
"Of course not, Dear. We will just socialize and then leave. Then we can go to the McCray's soiree."
"The McCray's soiree?" With Scarlett's nod, Rhett got an expression on his face of a gleeful little boy, Rhett said, "Wonderful idea. Let's go."
As Scarlett walked with Rhett to the coach, she wondered who he was planning on tormenting at the McCray's soiree.
At Melly's party most everyone in polite society was there. They talked to Dr. and Mrs. Meade; Fanny Welburn and her suitor, Jim Hicks; and Abby and Sam Baker; Rene and Maybelle Picard; Mrs. Merriwether and Grandpa Merriwether. While the ladies were cold to the couple the men felt they had to be polite to the man who had saved their lives. Unfortunately for everyone, Rhett would not be ignored. He made several mocking comments to Scarlett that were, of course, loud enough for everyone to hear. Scarlett laughed at all these comments. She even made a few of her own, although her comments were made much quieter. That would not do for Rhett. He would repeat the comments to be sure everyone heard them.
By the end of the evening even Melanie had admitted defeat. Rhett and Scarlett Butler did not want to be received in Atlanta or anywhere else in the South.
Later Scarlett didn't know who Rhett's intended target had been although he favorited Herman Munster with the lion's share of his mocking comments. Rhett made mocking comments about Herman's flat head and huge size which Scarlett thought was pretty two-faced of Rhett. Rhett was a larger than average man but since Herman was much larger than him, Rhett must have felt he was fair game. Of course, Scarlett knew from experience how Rhett had two sets of standards. One for him and one for everyone else.
Scarlett's husband had a wonderful time harassing most of his fellow guests at the McCray's soiree. Scarlett had some fun also making a few mocking comments. The Butlers never worried about not being invited to the next event. They were treated like royalty by the Republicans and Scallawags.
Later that night during their intimate time Rhett had not done what he needed to do to keep her from getting pregnant. Rhett had not always done what he had to do to keep them from creating a child, but this time Scarlett knew her luck had run out. She was with child again.
The birthday suppers for Wade and Beau at the Hamilton House became an annual event. Scarlett was always so proud of Rhett for not saying anything mocking or sarcastic at these events. She knew how hard that was for him for she often wanted to say something mocking and sarcastic especially when Aunt PittyPat pretended to have vapors. Everyone at the table spoke kindly and politely to Rhett and Scarlett for everyone knew that the only way they would get access to Wade was through Scarlett therefore they did not want to make her mad for any reason.
When Genie started having nightmares at age two, she wouldn't go to sleep without a light on. Wade couldn't sleep with the light on. They moved Wade into his own room. They left the lamp lit. This time around Rhett was not moving the child into his room for he wanted to be intimate with Scarlett any time he wanted to be intimate. Well, any time that Scarlett was willing, and she always seemed to be willing.
Scarlett never suggested that they just let Genie cry her nightmares out. She now agreed with Rhett. That was just cruel. In fact, often Scarlett was the one who was comforting the child when she woke up from a nightmare. More times than Rhett could count he had woken up with Scarlett sleeping in Genie's little bed with her.
Rhett told Scarlett, "You are just coddling her when you do that."
Scarlett burst out laughing. When she could talk, she said, "Yes, I am, and I will continue to coddle her as long as she needs it."
"I don't like it."
"What is it you don't like, my love? Me coddling her or me sleeping with her."
"I want you in my bed."
"She will outgrow this and then once again I will be sleeping with you."
"It better be soon."
Scarlett smiled at her husband as he walked away. Such a different man than the first timeline.
Soon Genie outgrew the nightmares, and the girls went back to sleeping in the dark. Although there were several times that Mammy found Genie in bed with Ella.
One afternoon in March, Scarlett said, "I am with child."
Rhett smiled. He said, "I don't know what to say. I know you don't want any more children."
Scarlett casually said, "I could get rid of it."
"When hell freezes over. That could kill you. Remember my friend Emma. That was how she died. It is not a pleasant way to die. I will handcuff you to me until the baby is born if you mention that again."
"Am I so important to you?"
"You know you are that important to me. You are the most important thing in the world to me. Come here."
Scarlett sat in his lap and felt safe. She also felt loved. As she sat there, she wondered why her husband couldn't even tell her he cared about her in their first timeline. She smiled when she thought, 'Because he is a nincompoop.'
Rhett said, "The matter is settled. You will have the child."
Scarlett smiled. Scarlett had never before heard the tone of voice that Rhett had used. Not in this timeline or their previous timeline. She knew by instinct that it was Rhett's 'I will brook no argument on this subject.' Maybe he should have used that tone of voice more in their first timeline. Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda. There was no looking back.
Later as she stood up and walked off, Scarlett said, "We are teetotalers again." She didn't look back when she heard Rhett groan.
That night the couple had visited their maze. It was always hard for Rhett to do what he had to do when they were in that position. In fact, he usually didn't manage to do it.
Scarlett found a Yankee doctor who was willing to give her chloroform. She was so glad she was no longer trying to please those pious, pompous people.
In April while they were at supper celebrating their anniversary, Scarlett said to Rhett, "You can show me how happy you are about having another child. It will make everything easier knowing that you genuinely want the child."
"I do very much. I never thought I wanted a child of my own but since Genie's birth I have discovered I very muchly want my own children."
"Rhett…."
"No, don't apologize for your feelings. I was fine with us just having Genie, Wade and Ella. I have tried to do what I can to prevent us from conceiving another child except sleep in another bedroom," Scarlett smiled at that statement. Rhett went on, "But now that we have conceived another child, you will have that child. I will not risk your life any more than we already are."
Scarlett smiled and said, "Do show me how happy you are in the next several months."
"I am going to enjoy the prospect of having another child. You are the only woman I have ever loved or will ever love therefore I must accommodate your wishes. I would not want anyone else."
"I love you, Rhett. You are the only man I have ever genuinely loved."
"I am happy to hear you say that. It still infuriates me the way Mr. Wilkes continues to try to win your affections back."
"He never wanted me. He wanted the way I made him feel when I looked at him with worshipping eyes. Ashley could not live with me and ever be happy. As he said in the library that day, we are too different to suit each other. Furthermore, he was right. I do want all my true love. I want all his thoughts, his feelings, his attention, and his heart and soul. Fortunately, I have matured enough to be able to share you with other people although I often wish they would all go away."
"I do too, Baby."
The couple finished supper then went dancing. They didn't spend very much time on the dance floor before they hurried home. This was the perfect time. Scarlett was no longer feeling bad nor was she so large that it was difficult to be intimate. Although Rhett had been very creative in that respect while she was carrying Genie.
After they were finished and Rhett was telling Scarlett his stories, in one hand was his cigar while the other hand was firmly placed against her baby bump. It always made Scarlett smile when Rhett did that. He had not done that in the first timeline. He had been so guarded he could not show any weakness.