When Scarlett woke, she headed for Carreen's room. Dr. Gilbert stood in the doorway, blocking her entrance. "I think it is best you not sit with your sister," he said in a friendly but firm tone.

"What? But I…is she…?"

"She's about the same. But…and I blame myself for not stopping you yesterday…I should have known…"

"Known what?"

"That until I determined the cause of the fever…well, you should've stayed away from her…for your baby's sake."

Scarlett's hand went immediately to her bump, holding it protectively. "What…have you…is she?"

"She has Scarlet fever. Her throat was red yesterday…but the rash appeared during the night. You must not come near her again until she is free of the symptoms. It could seriously weaken you and affect your baby if you get it. And we must keep a close eye on you in case the disease has already infected you."

"Scarlett fever? But that…she could…die."

"It is a possibility, but more often than not it runs its course in a couple of weeks and the patient makes a complete recovery. However, sometimes it causes more serious problems with the heart or other organs. And pneumonia is always a concern…"

Scarlett stood, glued to her spot in the hall, trying to peer past the doctor to her sister inside the room. "Can you tell if…is she going to be all right?"

"I'll keep a close eye on her. If pneumonia sets in, I'll know and can treat her. But please, for the sake of your baby, please stay away from this room."

A small war raged within Scarlett but her baby's health was most important to her and she quickly made up her mind. "Yes, I will. But you must promise to keep me informed…"

"Of course," he smiled comfortingly. "Now, I must return to my patient…"

"Yes, of course. Thank you Dr. Gilbert."

She searched the house, looking for Rhett. The doctor's report frightened her, both for her sister's sake and the sake of their baby. She wanted him to hold her and tell her that everything would be all right. She needed to feel his warmth around her.

Peter Gilbert sat quietly beside his young patient, wishing there was more he could do. But sadly, all he could do was try to keep her as comfortable as possible and wait out the fever. The rash would last about a week, he remembered, and then the skin would begin to peel. Perhaps she would be lucky and it would not be too extensive. In any case, it would be a very rough couple of weeks for Carreen O'Hara. He rolled her name through his mind and then off his tongue. He liked the sound of it. Somehow, it seemed to fit her, even though he knew very little about her. She woke during the night and looked at him first with fear and then as he explained his presence, with trust. Her smile, weak as it was, lit his heart.

Her eyes began to flutter and he was quickly focused, appraising her condition. . He checked her pulse and watched as her eyes opened. "Good morning," he said softly to her, hoping to calm her uneasiness. Her eyes darted around, trying to locate his voice, and then settled on him, softening as they did. Even in her weakened state, he detected a gentle strength in her and as she looked at him, he felt as if her heart was reaching into him and touching his very soul.

She started to speak, a hoarse whisper that was barely audible was all she could manage and she sank back into her pillow, an apology written in her eyes. Peter couldn't help himself as he smiled and reassured her, telling her that it was best not to try to speak until the sore throat had passed. "Please, just rest," he implored. Tentatively he covered her hand with his own, unsure of how she might receive such a forward gesture. His own shyness was answered with hers as she looked at him questionably. "You have Scarlet Fever, Miss O'Hara. That's why your throat is sore and you've had a fever. Your fever seems better this morning, however. A rash developed during the night and it will remain for a few days. Once your sore throat is better, you'll be able to talk and visit with members of your family, but you must rest most of the time. Your body is fighting a serious disease and you need all your strength. Your Mammy had prepared a broth for you. Do you think you would like to try some?"

Carreen nodded negatively, her hand slowly surrounding her throat, indicating it was too sore. Peter nodded in understanding. "Well, later perhaps…" Her answering nod was almost imperceptible but he understood it clearly. She would try later. He watched as her eyelids grew heavy again and she slowly drifted back to sleep. And once again, his thoughts turned to the turmoil that she was creating within him.

Scarlet found Rhett down at the orchard. How odd, she thought as she remembered a day many years ago when she'd gone to the very same place, looking for comfort and help. Here I am in the same place looking for the same thing… Ashley was full of talk…but Rhett, he will hold me and make things right.

Rhett heard her footsteps along the path and turned to see her walking towards him. His satisfied grin reflected his heart, welcoming her. And then he saw her expression, the fear etched into her features and his chest tightened around his heart. "Scarlett? Is Carreen…all right?"

"Oh Rhett," she said as she ran into his arms, "She has Scarlet Fever and the doctor says it could be days before she is well. And I am not to go near her room. He's afraid for me and the baby…" Rhett held her snuggly, his strong arms wrapping around her and pulling her to him. "I'm sorry, my pet," he said softly.

She pulled away, tears in her eyes. "But if it is dangerous for me, then what about Carreen? It must be as bad for her…"

Rhett carefully wiped the tears from her cheeks as he looked into her face. "I'm sure the good Doctor is doing everything he can for her. And she's home, where Mammy and everyone else can fuss over her. Give her time to get well, Scarlett. And do not give us another patient to worry over." His voice was quiet and tender, one that only Scarlett knew. She settled back into him, his arms once again wrapping around her. I'm safe, she thought. Here, with Rhett…I am safe…

Suellen stood at the end of the hall, quietly watching as her husband stood at Carreen's door, the palm of his hand flat against it. He still loves her… Sue had married Will as an act of desperation. After Scarlett took Frank away from her she feared the worst, that she would die an old maid. After Carreen left for the convent, Will seemed like a possibility. And he wanted to stay at Tara. Their marriage seemed like a good solution to both of their problems, but then she began to feel trapped; trapped by the marriage and by Tara. As she stood watching him, reality hit hard. She'd turned into a shrew, making him miserable. And now his true love was back. Where would that leave her?

She watched as his head lowered, his shoulders slumping, and she knew…I love him. It wasn't the great romantic love that she'd read about in novels, but she loved him all the same. And now he wanted Carreen. Wringing her hands, she silently slipped away, walking down the stairs to find a place to think.

Will stood outside Carreen's door, unsure of what had brought him there. When he'd heard the news of her return, his heart had plummeted. But as he'd lain next to Suellen through the night, he thought about their life together, their children, and who he had become. True, Suellen wasn't always the most pleasant wife, but there was caring and worry in her hardness. Her watchful eye kept the children safe, stretched the food supplies yet insuring everyone had plenty to eat, and oversaw the household. She'd had disappointments in life and was always in the shadow of her older sister, explaining some of her bitterness. No, he thought, Careen was a dream from the past; Sue is my reality.

So as he stood outside Carreen's door, he silently said goodbye to the dream one last time. Dreams were nice, but he liked his life as it was, Sue's tirades and all. Straightening his shoulders, he turned and walked away in search of his reality.

Will found Suellen in the front parlor, staring out of the window. He edged up to her from behind and gently encircled her waist with his arms. He was never sure how the gesture might be received but he needed to hold her. To his surprise, she turned and smiled at him, then melted into his embrace.

Upstairs, Carreen began to wake. Peter Gilbert's attention was intense as he watched her stir. He wanted to see those wonderfully serene eyes again. Whether it was the doctor in him or the man was a dilemma that taunted him. All he knew was that he needed it. Carreen smiled as she wakened, her first sight the warm blue eyes of her doctor.

GWTWGWTWGWTWGWTWGWTW

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