Chapter 120

On her way back to Atlanta, Scarlett reviewed the puzzling events during the last few days of her visit to Charleston. Rosemary had planned to come in May and that plan was certain. She was bringing with her two young ladies who were also interested in living in the countryside for a spell. When Scarlett had talked to Rosemary and hinted if she had disclosed any information of her visit to the convent, Rosemary had replied in the negative. So, there was no cause to worry there. Next, she thought of her children. Both Wade and Ella looked happier and healthier. They both had enjoyed playing in the big house and frequent trips to the beach and city. So, that was also all right. Scarlett had made several good acquaintances and also won respect from Mrs. Butler. And now as per her own wishes, she was leaving that Peach Tree house and going off to live in Tara.

But, thought Scarlett, "It feels as if I am going by Rhett's bidding."

The idea infuriated her.

She had gone to Charleston in hopes of renewing her marriage and perhaps planning for another child. She couldn't remember where exactly she had lost track of that. Things seemed to be going so well and yet somehow she was still as unsure of her standing with Rhett as before.

Was she now forgiven for having loved Ashley Wilkes?

Had Rhett forgiven her for being cruel to him just after Bonnie's death?

Was he ever coming back to the Peachtree house?

Would they ever live there together?

Why was he sending his brother- of all people- to Tara?

Rhett said he was going to help her with Tara but was he still interested in it?

She threw a bewildered glance in the air. She had not found answers to any of these questions. She had had many intimate conversations and moments with Rhett, but what could she gather and conclude from the end of it all? She had no idea and it bothered her immensely that she couldn't wait to reach her Peachtree home and pour her heart out to Mrs. Finch.

As she neared the house, she saw that Mrs. Finch was in the garden overseeing the gardener who was weeding the lawns. The house was well maintained as ever and Scarlett was glad to be home.

"Oh Mrs. Finch, I don't know what to think" said Scarlett, at the end of patiently going over everything that happened at Charleston. She had surprised herself by this sudden new attempt at reflecting the previous events. She had never done that before.

Mrs. Finch looked very interested. She regarded Scarlett with a thoughtful gaze. "This is only my opinion, Mrs. Butler but I believe you have turned a corner in your marriage and everything seems to be on the right path now-"

"But.. but-"

"Oh I know you don't feel too comfortable- do forgive me, but I suppose its in the nature of Mr. Butler. From what you have told me, he seems to be the kind of person who doesn't really mind how his words come across to others-"

"Oh yes, but-but.. oh, Mrs. Finch-" said Scarlett, coloring a little. "You remember the misunderstanding you spoke of before? The one concerning Ashley Wilkes? You once mentioned it and asked me to think nothing of it?"

"Yes?"

"Well- Does it seem to you that perhaps- my husband has forgotten all about that?" Scarlett shivered lightly. "Oh, I can't shake the feeling that something's happened at Tara. Will would never ever leave that farm for anything and yet he has agreed to go with Rhett for six months. I..I can't help wondering what Suellen thinks of it and how Rhett had managed to convince them- I can't help feeling-"

"There.. there.. Mrs. Butler. You are worried that perhaps Mr. Butler had gained favor with them by spreading some lies about you?"

"Well, he's done it before- He gets such queer ideas- Somehow I know he has forgiven me for Bonnie- but I'm not so sure about the one one. He does keep hinting at it- what should I do?"

"Well, let it be so. He hardly strikes me as a man who can be reasoned with. But do consider your feelings- you love Tara, don't you? And you have decided to live there-"

Scarlett's face lost its worried look for a fleeting moment. "I love Tara. I wanted to live in Tara just now to show Rhett that we could have our life back together- that I was a changed person and that.. well.. Tara would be a lovely place to raise a new baby- I had hoped-"

Here, Scarlett vaguely rubbed her forehead.

Mrs. Finch nodded patiently. "I know what you mean, Mrs. Butler. But cheer up- surely if Mr. Butler has partnered with Mr. Will, he must visit you sometime at Tara. And surely until then, you can leave all this behind and enjoy your stay at Tara. I'll look after things here and see to it that Master. Wade is comfortable-"

"I know you will, Mrs. Finch. You have been such a great help and comfort to me. If I should ever want to speak to you, you mustn't be alarmed at my suddenly showing up at this house- I..I know I sound anxious but - please only promise me that you would listen- I am not very close to my sister, Suellen. I don't have anyone else to unburden myself to-"

Mrs. Finch set own her tea cup and laid a gentle hand on Scarlett's arm. "I am at your disposal whenever you need me, Mrs. Butler. Cheer up. Perhaps things aren't as worrisome as you may feel-"