Thank you, thank you for the beautiful reviews! All of you are the most wonderful people. I am so glad you're liking my story. I so appreciate the responses I'm getting. So, without rambling more...

The Journey Home

Chapter Ten

Confrontation

The sun was a soft glow on the horizon as Rhett stepped out onto the balcony from his room. He could see the hazy line in the distance as the gulls gliding across the sky made their descent down to catch their prize from the watery depths of the sea.

In his hand he held a slip of paper, a telegram he had received from Scarlett. He lifted it to read it once more. She was at Tara, Suellen had married Jonas Wilkerson and they were making a claim on it. She needed his help, it was urgent.

A small, cynical smile came across his dark face as he looked down at it. It didn't surprise him that she fled to Tara, it was her refuge when everything in her life went wrong. She no doubt had gone there to devise a plan to win him back and this was but the first step.

Still, if it were true that Wilkerson had managed to marry Suellen, he no doubt was trying everything in his power to wield her share for his own personal gain. He had met the man a few times and he couldn't say there was much about him worth spitting on. He was manipulative, greedy and he hated Scarlett. Wasn't it he who had the taxes raised on Tara in an attempt to drive her out?

A nagging sensation pulled at Rhett's conscious. If there was one thing Scarlett loved more than herself, it was Tara. For whatever reason, that plantation was her life's blood. Any threat toward it would send her to heights of desperation and when Scarlett was desperate she did desperate things.

He closed his eyes as crumpled the paper in his hand. He willed himself not to care, not to get involved. It didn't matter now and he didn't care, he told himself over and over again…

Scarlett had smiled and talked until her cheeks were sore from it. The wedding had been a success and Careen and Noah were on their way to celebrate their honeymoon. She had arranged for them to travel by train from Jonesboro to Savannah where they would spend a month on the shore.

All but a few of the guests had left. She spotted Ashley beneath a grove of trees near the creekbank. He was looking out over the swirling brown water lost deep in thought. She made her way over to him.

"I declare I'm worn out, but wasn't it a grand party?" she said to him as she approached him. He turned to her with a soft smile.

"It was, my dear. Careen and Noah looked to be very happy. Most young couples in love have that look about them, I suppose."

"I'm just glad Suellen didn't ruin it for them. I still can't believe she had the nerve to come here," she scowled as she thought of it.

"I wouldn't worry about it too hard, Scarlett. She didn't and that's the main thing."

Ashley always saw the good in every situation and Scarlett couldn't help but smile. "You're right, I won't let it worry me."

"Miz Scahlett," Mammy's drawling voice called to her. "We's gwine to tek the rest of da food up to da house so's the flies'll stop swahmin' round it."

"Okay, Mammy, that's fine. I'll be there shortly," she replied. She saw Mammy's dark eyes look from her to Ashley with marked disapproval. She shook her head but finally turned away from them with a frown.

"I don't think Mammy approves of me being here," Ashley said quietly. "She's worried about your reputation… maybe she has a right to be concerned."

"Don't be silly, Ashley, if I was worried about my reputation I would have been worried about it long before now. People are going to think what they want, there's not much we can do about that."

"But, I don't want you to suffer anymore than you already have. That's one of the reason's I came to visit you."

Scarlett stared at him perplexed for a moment. "Whatever are you talking about, Ashley?"

"I must confess I've not been myself since Melly… well, I've not been myself and I fear I may not ever be the same man. Beau is a wonderful child but he's missing his mother terribly and I am but a small comfort to him right now. That's the reason I felt I must get him away from Atlanta, at least for a while."

"Melly did love him a great deal. Why, she was so proud of him she nearly burst at the seams with pride," she told him. "I think she would approve of your decision, if that's what you're worried about."

"It's not that so much," he shook his head. "I want him to be happy again and Scarlett, I… I…" he lowered his head as his words trailed off.

"What is it, Ashley?" she stepped forward and put a comforting hand on his arm.

He looked up at her, his soft eyes in silent torture. "I want you to be his mother… someday."

Scarlett felt the breath leave her body. Oh, in a thousand dreams she had dreamt of this moment. How she had longed so many times to hear Ashley say those very words to her. But, not now! Now, she only wanted to tell him to leave her alone, to take his honorable dreams and leave her in peace!

"Ashley, I – I don't know what to say," she replied and stepped away from him.

"This is perhaps not the best time, but I only wanted to you think about my proposal. My being in Virginia will allow both of us to think about a life together. Now that you're free from Rhett-"

"Oh, but you're wrong about that," she spoke before she realized it. But, she had spoken the words and so she continued. "I'm not free from Rhett. I love him, Ashley. I love him a great deal."

Ashley's face fell as he turned away from her. He nodded as if he understood, but his whole demeanor spoke otherwise. "Even if he has left you alone?"

"It's only a temporary separation," she answered coolly. "He's going to come back to me. I can't believe differently."

"And, if he doesn't? What will you do then?" he lifted his eyes to her and bade her to answer him.

"Well, I – I can't think of that," she admitted. "It's only a matter of time before he realizes what a mistake he's made and he'll come back."

"Scarlett, I can't stand to see what he's done to you. You, whose spirit is stronger than any man I know, whose fierce determination is the very reason I've always admired you. He was never worthy of you, my dear."

Hot anger surged through her veins. "I don't want to discuss this with you any longer. You know nothing of our marriage or of our life together."

"I know enough," he stated with confidence. "I know that he's left you alone and that you're here and he's God only knows where. Where is he when you need him? Where was he today when Wilkerson threatened you?"

"Stop this," she cried.

"I can't, I won't. You must face the truth, Scarlett."

"The truth? The truth? What do you know of the truth, Ashley?" she turned on him. "For years you clung to your wife while you held me close with talk of honor and dreams. When I think of the times you and I-" she stopped herself before she said too much. She stiffened and turned away from him. "Please leave, Ashley. I'm afraid I cannot speak to you any longer."

"Don't, Scarlett. I apologize," he came up behind her. She could feel the warmth of his body close to hers. "I didn't mean to upset you, darling. You must believe me."

Scarlett lifted her head to stare at the tangled branches of the tree above her. How she longed to climb those branches to remove herself from all of this. She had done that often enough when she was a child but then Ashley had always been with her. She had no one to blame for this situation but herself.

"Scarlett, please don't be angry with me. I won't upset you further. I will leave, but only with the promise that I will stay in touch with you and when enough time has passed I will be back for you… if you'll have me."

He didn't give her time to answer but he pressed his lips into her hair and then he was gone. She closed her eyes and willed herself not to cry.

Rhett, Rhett, where are you? she cried within herself as Ashley's harsh, but truthful words rammed into her hurting conscious. Why haven't you come to me? Why haven't you responded to me in all of this time? Don't you know I need you?

With heavy steps, she leaned on the thick, sturdy trunk of the tree and buried her face in her hands. The tears she had tried to forcefully hold back, now came unchecked down her hot cheeks. She cried and cried, letting them wash over her hurting soul.

A week later, the tall tree lined street came into view as Ashley's carriage turned the corner. He peered out of the window taking in the splendor of Rhett Butler's childhood home. The smell of the salt air mixed with warm sunshine gave him the confidence he needed to do what he had come here to do.

He had left Beau in charge of a hired nanny at the Charleston Hotel before he made this trip to the Butler's home. Rhett had no idea he was even in town, much less coming for an impromptu visit.

The carriage moved through the gates and around the curved driveway. Coming to a stop, the driver jumped down and opened the door for him. Stepping out, he looked over the place with a bit of envy. How propitious that Rhett's home still stood while his Twelve Oaks lay in ruin. Shaking off the envious feelings, he bound up the steps, tapped on the door and waited. Momentarily it was answered by a young, black girl.

"Yes, suh, can I help you?"

"I'm here to see Mr. Butler, is he home by any chance?"

The girl looked him over and finally nodded. "Yes suh, he home. May I ask who's callin'?

"Mr. Ashley Wilkes. I'm an acquaintance of his from Atlanta," he answered.

She nodded and opened the door further. "I'll get Mr. Rhett for you. You can wait in da drawin' room."

"Thank you," he said and followed her to the room. She shut the doors behind her, leaving him alone. He glanced around the room and noted the tall shelves on either side of the fireplace filled to the brim with books.

His surprised eyes took in Hawthorne, Peat and Darwin to name a few. He didn't know Rhett was such avid reader. Somehow, he didn't put the man in the category of a gentleman or a connoisseur of the arts.

As he continued around the room, he could see a feminine touch was strong in spite of the male atmosphere of the room. Melanie would have loved a room like this, he mused. They could have spent hours upon hours here reading and discussing as they had done in the small, cramped space of their home in Atlanta, but this was more suited to her than what he had been able to provide for her.

Closing his thoughts on that memory, he shifted to what had brought him here. As he looked around the room, he doubted Rhett even appreciated what he had, as he had never appreciated Scarlett, in his opinion. At least he had appreciated her sacrifices even if he had never been able to show it. Rhett, however had ample opportunity and never had, as far as he was concerned.

The sound of the door sliding open commanded his attention as Rhett walked through. He stared over at him as Rhett stared back at him. The two men looked at each other, one with amused puzzlement and one with firm determination.

"Mr. Wilkes, what a surprise," Rhett drawled as he closed the doors behind him. "I certainly didn't expect to see you in Charleston, much less my home."

"I find myself a bit surprised as well, sir."

Rhett moved slowly around the room and offered him a chair, to which he sat down. He waited for Rhett to join him, never taking his eyes off him.

"Can I offer you anything? Brandy perhaps?"

"No, I'm fine, thank you."

Rhett nodded and leaned back in the seat, crossing his leg to rest his ankle on his knee. "So, what brings you to my humble home, sir?"

"I'm on my way to Virginia. My son and I are visiting family there."

"How nice," Rhett replied but the sarcasm in his voice was thinly veiled.

"I must admit, my visit is not of a friendly nature. It's more of a personal nature."

"Do tell," Rhett's eyes narrowed.

"It's about your wife, sir."

The tenseness around Rhett's mouth told of his displeasure. His black eyes snapped in resentment as he stared coldly at the man across from him. "What business is my wife of yours?" he retorted icily. "Oh, forgive me. I forgot how 'close' you two have always been."

Ashley ignored his innuendo and continued on in spite of the dread that crept down his spine. It wasn't that he feared Rhett, but he knew that he was a man with whom one didn't toy with. It was better to state his reason for being there and let the chips fall where they may.

"I am concerned for Scarlett. She's not taking the separation well. Do you not care for her well being at all? Do you not care that she is suffering?"

Rhett fiercely glared over at him. "Sir, you are a guest in my home at the moment, but I assure you I will not hesitate to forget my manners if you continue on with this. What my wife and I do is our private business and none of yours."

"She is my business," he stated firmly. "I care for her and I don't like seeing her hurt. If you don't do the right thing by her, then I will."

The harsh laugh that emanated from Rhett echoed around the room. He stood from his seat and faced him. "By God, I'm just sure you would love to."

Ashley stood as well. "I'm not going to apologize for my forwardness. I came here to state my case and that is that Scarlett needs you and if cared at all about her you would do the right thing by her. If not, than let her go so that she may live her life without hanging on to hopes of reconciliation."

"You are a bigger fool than I thought, Mr. Wilkes. Don't you know I've always known how you've lusted after her all of these years? I'm just glad Miss Melly never even entertained the idea that her precious husband would have such feelings."

Ashley flinched as if he had been slapped. Perhaps he deserved that, but it was not going to deter him from saying what he came here to say.

"Insult me if you wish, but take into consideration what I have said. Scarlett needs you, you may not care that she does or even believe that she does, but she does nonetheless. She's never been more vulnerable than now and in case you're unaware of it, Jonas Wilkerson is making threats against her."

"Threats? What kind of threats?"

"He physically mauled her at her sister's wedding. Thankfully I was there to stop him, but he's not going to lie back for long. If you don't go to her, then I will once I have secured my son with my family in Virginia."

He saw then that Rhett's face was dark in anger as he took in his words. He could see the man still cared but was trying very hard not to. He walked slowly to the door, pausing to look back at him. "I've come to say what I needed to. I hope you will consider what I've told you. Scarlett may seem strong, but she's not as strong as she would like to believe. If you know her at all, you know this to be true. Until I hear further from her, I will leave you now and assume you will do the right thing." He bowed and left the room, quietly sliding the doors behind him. He stood for a moment and released a tense breath.

He may have just done something he may regret later, but if it was Rhett Scarlett wanted, than he would do whatever he had to to bring him to her, even if he had to lay aside his own feelings to do it. He just hoped Rhett would heed his words and do as he suggested for her sake as well as his own.