The chill of early spring in New Orleans wafted through the sunny morning, as Scarlett and the children exited the Cathedral, and walked out on the promenade of Jackson Square.

"Ella, come on let's race!"

Wade's long legs took the lead as Ella's wiry red curls bounced on her shoulders chasing her brother around the Andrew Jackson statue in the square. Scarlett made her way to the shade of the trees and stood watching the children's faces redden as the warm sun stroked their faces as they circled the statue and headed toward the grove of trees. The Butlers had been in New Orleans for three days, and the excitement of the city had worn off, but the calm laissez faire attitude had settled in their hearts. Scarlett had leisurely breakfasts with her family, not worrying about running off to the store or the mills, and the days were sunny and exceedingly warm, but there was a new adventure around every corner. Scarlett had decided on SUnday, she would like to attend Mass at the old French St. Louis Cathedral, as even though Rhett laughed and faked a stroke, she didn't let him bother her. She had sat through the latin mass, and kept a hand on Ella's knee to prevent her feet from kicking the pew, and rolled her eyes at Wade's annoying yawns, but Scarlett sat with her mother's rosary in her other hand, asking God to give her and Rhett another chance.

Mammy hobbled out the Cathedral behind her and puffed, "It's about time, you get yo'self to church. Maybe now you start going in Atlanta."

"Mammy, this isn't Atlanta."

"It's still a church."

"I don't like going to church in Atlanta, old those old biddies are just watching me, waiting for me to go up in flames."

"Miz-"

"Mammy, stop, we are having a lovely time, and I don't want to think of Atlanta."

Wade and Ella ran up, and Ella took her mother's hand, "Mother, can we get some candy?"

She pointed to the white mule pulled cart that sold Taffy, Scarlett opened her reticule, "Here, get a five sticks, and we will bring one back for Uncle Rhett."

They ran off, and stood pointing and choosing their taffy flavors.

Mammy huffed when Scarlett handed her a long chocolate stick, "Here, eat this and be sweet."

The four of them strolled back to the French hotel. Rhett had insisted on staying in the French speaking part of New Orleans, forcing Scarlett and Wade to practice their French, and Rhett gave Ella the lessons, one would give a two year old learning a language. As they entered the lobby, there was a rush of "Bonjours" and they made their ascent to the suite.

As Scarlett entered, she noticed, Rhett was reading the newspaper on the divan. The children plopped next to him, to give him the last stick, which he broke off a small piece, and handed it back to Wade, "Here, share the rest with sa soeur, that's sister, in French."

Ella smiled, "Oui, moi, sa soeur."

Rhett beamed, "Magnifique, Ella!"

Scarlett moved Ella over as she ran behind Wade, and sat next to Rhett on the sofa, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Are you tired, dear?"

'Rhett was so much more relaxed in New Orleans' thought Scarlett, as she nodded.

"Perhaps the mass took alot out of you?"

Scarlett jerked her head up, "Rhett, don't be mean. It was lovely."

"Did Ella behave?"

"Ella is Ella, fidgety as ever, but Wade was bored."

Rhett laughed, "That boy gets more and more like you, everyday."

Scarlett ignored his jibe, "Rhett? How about we have dinner alone tonight?"

"Alone?" Rhett's face drawn together in a serious grimace, "Why?"

Scarlett felt the flush, "We have been in the city for three days, and have never had a minute alone."

Rhett smiled, "Well, the last time-"

"Bother about the boat, don't be so mean."

"Okay, dearest, we can have an adult dinner, just keep your clothes on."

Scarlett planted a kiss on his cheek, before she slapped his leg, and scowled at his nasty talk.

The children had eaten early, and was settled in their beds, when Scarlett emerged from her bedroom, in a dress she saved for a night like this. It was her newest one she had ordered not long after she had miscarried, now that she wouldn't be pregnant, she wanted the icy blue silk ruffles on the skirt, and the silvery organza that cascaded down the bustle. The bodice was blue covered in a similar silver lace and the bosoms were beaded with gray pearls. She had wanted to wear the aquamarine earbobs that Bonnie had picked out in London with this very dress, perhaps in the springtime, and now she was wearing it, in New Orleans.

Rhett's eyes danced and his lips twitched as he saw her in the soft gaslight, she sparkled like a siren freshly walking from the ocean. He offered his arm, and her pale blue gloved hand slid in the crook of his arm.

"When I said, keep your clothes on, I didn't know how beautiful they would be."

"Hmm? Well, maybe you will have to take your own advice, then."

Rhett chuckled and plopped his gray top hat on his head.

Arnaud's restaurant was busy with a line of carriages lined up, dropping off finely dressed men and women under the gaslights. The night air was chilled, and the black velvet sky twinkled with stars. This was a new restaurant to Scarlett, they had not tried this one, but Rhett assured her they served all her favorites the crawfish shrimp creole over rice, and the oysters in spinach and sauce. Scarlett's mouth watered as she dreamed of champagne, food and the dessert, and after, well, perhaps there would be singing, like their last night in New Orleans, years ago.

The maitre d' led Scarlett and Rhett to a private small table with two chairs, and a chilled bottle of champagne, situated in an alcove of the restaurant, and pulled out the chair, as Scarlett eased into her chair, she kept her eyes closed, fearing her quickening pulse would be noticed.

Rhett examined the bottle and nodded, and the pale gold champagne filled the fluted glasses, and Scarlett fidgeted with the stem. Rhett smiled, and placed his glass down, asking, "Why so quiet, Mrs. Butler?"

Scarlett met his eye, "Did you request this table?"

"Indeed not, I requested a chilled bottle, and I already ordered our dinner."

"This table is quite, secluded."

"Yes, it is,"Rhett wouldn't meet her eyes, but fooled with his napkin's edge.

Scarlett was quiet and fumed about Rhett, he could be so controlled, yet here they sat in a private alcove, with barely three feet of table separating them, "What do you want?" The question came out of Scarlett's mouth as she was forming it in her head.

Rhett stared at her, "You wanted a dinner alone with me, is this not to your liking?"

Scarlett sighed, "I wish we wanted the same thing."

"I do, I want your heart, and I want to be alone and enjoy the culinary magic of this great city, and enjoy you stuffing yourself until you pop."

"Rhett?" Scarlett's face was purple, "Don't be so vulgar."

"My beautiful glutton, it is my pleasure to see you happy and enjoy yourself."

There was a silence between them, and Rhett studied her, and then he rearranged his silverware, his voice was low, "The earrings, they are lovely."

Scarlett reached and touched them, her arms goose fleshed thinking of the darling child who had gave them to her, when she was barely out of her sick bed, "Thank you, I chose this fabric because of them."

Rhett's mouth creased in a half smile, "Your color is green, but that- color is stunning."

Scarlett smiled, and reached for his hand, and she felt it tremble.

The ghost of Bonnie was hanging over them, and Scarlett didn't want to see Rhett slip into that dark place, not on their trip. He stared, as though willing his eyes not to tear, but they were watery, and Scarlett looked away, allowing him to control himself. Hearing him clear his throat, and draining the flute, Scarlett glanced over to him.

The waiter brought the gumbo and a tray of oysters and hollandais sauce. The food was spicy and warm in her mouth, and Scarlett ate without abandon, whether Rhett was looking or not. Rhett ate two oysters, and Scarlett finished the other four. 'He has the restraint of a monk,' thought Scarlett, who could have easily eaten a dozen oysters.

Just as the main course came out, the smell of garlic and tomatoes filled the small alcove, as the stuffed crawfish heads swam in the thick tomato sauce over the white fluffy rice, and Scarlett worked on taking apart each head to eat the most stuffing.

"This is a French stew called a "bisque"."

Scarlett took a breath, to smile and nod, "It's delicious!"

Rhett smiled, seeing the same excitement in her face, there was all those years ago on their honeymoon. In the last few days, they had been busy taking the children sightseeing, and eating pralines and beignets, and many dinners were taken at the hotel or in small cafes along the way, this food would be wasted on the youngsters palates.

Rhett smiled, "I'm glad we came out tonight."

Scarlett scraped the last spoon of rice, and licked her spoon, "Yes, I missed this food. Ella would have shrieked at the oysters, and Wade would probably just complain."

"Yes, we definitely needed some time alone. How about we go shopping tomorrow?"

"Alone?"

Rhett nodded, "Yes, I think it would be best, unless-"

"No, Rhett." Scarlett felt hope, and she silently thanked God, "Mammy can take the children on her own out. Wade wanted to go see some historical places he read about, and Mammy and Ella can go, it's a short walk from the hotel."

"Very well, perhaps we could have breakfast together, and then we can head out early."

Scarlett nodded as she gnawed on the last slice of French bread.

Scarlett excused herself before dessert came to the powder room. The room was quiet and empty, and she sunk on the velvet divan. The door swung open and a tall woman with a plump face walked passed Scarlett sprawled out on the sofa. The woman's skin was pale and had a hint of rosy blush under the ivory, much like Ellen. Her eyes were coal black and the thick dark hair hung in two braids twisted around her head. Scarlett smiled at her, noticing the pale orchid color of her silk dress, and the heavy garnets dangling from her ears.

The woman babbled in French, and Scarlett smiled back, understanding something about being sick. The woman stared at Scarlett through the mirror, and said in a heavy accented English, "Are you sick? Or did you eat too much?"

Scarlett blushed, "Excuse me, I think I ate too much bread."

The woman laughed, "Our bread is the best, I don't blame you. Although with your figure, I guess once you have children, all that will change."

Scarlett laughed, "I've had three."

The woman unconsciously smoothed her rounded belly, and glared, "I've had two, and I haven't lost my belly in a year."

Scarlett sighed feeling relaxed from too much food and easily confiding with champagne, "Well, if my husband has his way, I won't ever have another baby."

The woman laughed, and Scarlett turned red, "I'm sorry."

"No, no. I don't want another child in my life. The first time was torture, and the second one, well, I have been fixing things for six months now, same like you."

Scarlett looked confused and asking, "Fixing things, you mean like you don't have babies, and you haven't died?"

The woman stared at Scarlett, "What is your name?"

"Scarlett Butler, and you?"

"Celestine Moreau, what do you mean died?"

"You know, when you go to the midwife to "Fix things". My husband said I could die."

"Oh, ma chere, never would I do that, it is a sin, and evil. No, no."

"Celestine, do you have separate bedrooms, too?"

"No, my husband is right next to me, but I use the sheaths, and I don't get pregnant."

"Oh?" Scarlett was intrigued, "I lost my daughter last year, and I want another baby, but-"

"He doesn't?"

Scarlett shook her head, "I'm just so sad-" the champagne was taking over and her tears streamed her face.

"Go to Peychaud, he's got a shop, he can get you "sheaths"."

"What do you do with them?" Scarlett asked, wiping her eyes.

As Scarlett took her seat next to Rhett, the rum sauced bread pudding made her mouth water, but the smile she wore on her face was very telling. Rhett stirred his coffee, and smiled back.

"Scarlett, I was worried."

"I'm fine. My stomach is too full."

Rhett chuckled, "Is that possible? Should I send the dessert back?"

"No," Scarlett struck the lump of bread pudding with her spoon, "Rhett?"

Rhett swallowed his bread pudding, "Yes?"

"Can we go shopping in the afternoon, I have an errand to run in the morning."

Rhett looked at her, "Whatever you want, dear. What kind of errand?"

"It's a surprise."

Rhett looked into the hazy, tipsy green eyes, alert with mischief, and fear struck him, but he nodded, "A surprise? How wonderful."

Rhett helped Scarlett into the carriage, her weight was nearly dead with her well fed body leaning against him. Her head lolled on his chest, as she was drowsy in the carriage. Her thoughts were fuzzy and the gaslights in the night swirled, Rhett's voice was a muffle as he said, "Take us for a ride around for a while."

"Rhett? I'm not drunk, we can go back to the hotel."

"Dear, I don't want to give you up yet, let's just take a ride."

The carriage pulled into the cobblestone streets, and the rocking and bumping of the carriage kept Scarlett from drifting off to sleep. Rhett's arms was around her body and he traced her hip with his thumb. The stroking made Scarlett's body tingle, and she reached placing her hand on his chest, "Rhett, why are you so difficult?"

Rhett chuckled, "I'm difficult?"

Scarlett nodded, "Yes- very-yes."

"You are drunk, but quite happy."

Scarlett swatted at him, "No- I'm just- finished"

"You are very correct, Mrs. Butler."

Scarlett had finished the last of the champagne, before drinking two cognacs, her own and Rhett's as he savored his cigar. When they stood to leave, Rhett guided her out to prevent her from falling, or walking into a table. He indulged her, nobody knew them here, and Scarlett need some pampering. Although, he noticed a pretty Creole woman look at Scarlett and glanced at him with a cocky smile. Upon asking Scarlett if she knew the woman in the purple dress, Scarlett had giggled, "She's my friend, I saw her in the powder room."

"Finished? You think I'm finished?"

Rhett shook his head, Gerald O'Hara's daughter was so like him, "Yes, you finished all the alcohol at our table, Scarlett."

"Oh, yes. It was so nice Rhett, thank you."

Rhett looked down at her blushed face, and the odd shaped blue stones that dangled in the soft dark curls that caressed her neck. Rhett took a stone in between his fingers, smiling, remembering the pink, fat fingers of Bonnie as she held them in her hands, "Mother needs some blue earring, to remember me."

How prophetic that statement was, and Rhett smiled at seeing the heavy black lashes and intense blue eyes as they stated the fact. Scarlett's spirit course through the child's soul, and was present in those intense eyes. He shook his head, Bonnie's birthday was in a few weeks, and the awe he felt that day, as he held the small bundle of a human that he and Scarlett had created. Scarlett had complained about the uncomfortable aches and pains, and the long labor, but Rhett had pampered her then, and was relieved that mother and child had survived. He had loved that child, the moment he saw her, so much like he had loved Scarlett, and the child had unconditional love for him. Rhett had thought that his love for Scarlett had been lost, and so he focused on Bonnie, but his mother had set him straight.

It was a week after he arrived at his mother's house, she had questioned why he had left his wife. Rhett had stated simply, "She never loved me, and I don't love her."

Elizabeth Butler stood up, and glared at her son. She walked over to the jeweled daguerretype on the mantel piece and held it out to him.

"Look, Rhett, look at this precious angel."

Rhett turned his head, unable to look at the darling face of his baby, so happy and full of life sitting on a pony.

"Look, goddamn you!" Elizabeth Butler had not cursed since her husband expelled Rhett from the bible, and she had called Louis Butler, 'a dirty bastard'.

Rhett looked, and broke down in tears.

"Rhett, don't cry and feel sorry for yourself. Go and love your wife, how could you not have love for a woman who gave you such a beautiful precious gift. Scarlett gave you the most priceless gift, a child to love. Scarlett went through nine months, hours of pain, and brought you a daughter who you adored. She had to have some kind of love for you. Don't tell me what she said before the child was born, I heard it a hundred times, and she didn't do it."

Then, Rhett had remembered Melanie saying, "Scarlett loves you, more than she knows."

Scarlett's soft snoring released an alcoholic tinged breath against his neck, and he bent down kissing her lightly on her lips, "Thank you, Scarlett."

Scarlett's eyes fluttered, "What did you say, Rhett?" her voice was breathless, and sleepy.

"Thank you, Thank you for everything."

Scarlett smiled and nuzzled next to his chest, and was snoring again.