After Carreen left and Will and Rhett returned from their trip, Scarlett became restless, which made Rhett uneasy. "My dear, you seem out of sorts," Rhett commented one night after they retired to their room.

"I'm sorry. I am uneasy…not having a doctor close by. I know Peter said I am doing well and he expects news of a healthy baby, but…I suppose I am just afraid of something bad. We are so close, Rhett…so close to having everything we want." She smiled sorrowfully as she continued. "Oh, I know everyone thinks I am selfish…and perhaps I am, but having this baby means so much to me…and to you also, I believe."

Rhett gathered her into his arms and held her, talking softly, telling her that the baby was important to him. And then, "you're right, my pet, we are selfish, but I think I've always acknowledged that. I've never made apologies for it; I want what I want and I usually get it and you are very much the same, except that sometimes I think you feel remorse after." He nuzzled into the hair on top of her head, still holding her body close to his. "What would make you feel more secure? A doctor?"

"Yes, Rhett…knowing that there is a doctor nearby, would help. I know it is foolish, but as time gets nearer, I feel more…apprehensive."

"The perhaps we should go to where there is a doctor. We could go back to Charleston."

Scarlett bolted upright. "No…no, Rhett. We can't go back there, not for a long time. You might be recognized. I couldn't bear it if you were arrested…"

"There, there, my pet," he said soothingly as he gathered her back to him. "All right, so we won't go back to Charleston." He thought for a moment. "I suppose we could go back to Atlanta. Dr. Meade is still there, I presume. You are familiar with him and he with you and your history."

"Yes," she drawled. "I suppose we could…." she was thinking as she spoke, "it would give us a chance to dispose of everything there. Yes, perhaps Atlanta would be a good idea. We could use the time to finish our business there and then after the baby is born, we can leave."

"Where do you want to go after Atlanta, Scarlett?" Rhett was wary.

"I don't know," she replied simply. "Someplace without all the memories, I think."

"Yes, of course," he answered, relaxing. "But not too far away from Tara. You'll always need to be able to come back to Tara."

"Oh Rhett, you do understand me so well, don't you."

Smiling happily he replied, "My dear, I believe that understanding you is my life's work. All else is child's play in comparison."

The following day they began making preparations for their return to Atlanta. Mammy said she would go with them and they decided to take Prissy too. Dilcey and Pork wanted to remain at Tara.

Wade and Ella were called to the parlor. Both children looked apprehensive as the entered the room. Ella took only a few steps and began to cry. "Why Ella, whatever are you crying for?" Scarlett asked.

Ella sniffled and edged closer to Wade, who put a protective arm around her. "You are going away again, Mother?" the boy asked tentatively.

Scarlett looked at the big calf eyes of her eldest child and thought once again how much like his father he was. But underneath the timid demeanor, she knew he had courage. She had yet to understand if that was a tendency that he had inherited from her or if he was showing some latent trait of Charles' that she had never recognized. But there he was, holding his sister close, and with defiance in his eyes, waiting for her answer.

"Yes, Rhett and I are going back to Atlanta until after the baby is born." She paused to let the news settle on them. "We called you in to ask if you would prefer to stay here or return with us."

Ella stopped sniffling and stepped hesitantly away from her brother, her eyes lighting. Wade straightened up, his face also beaming. "We may go with you?"

"Why of course, Wade. If that is what you wish. You both seemed happily settled here at Tara and your Uncle Will has said how much of a help you are becoming, Wade, so I wasn't sure if you would want to leave."

Ella took another step forward. "Will we see…Beau?"

"Yes, I suppose you will. After all, he is your cousin."

Wade grinned. "Should we help Pork and Mammy pack our things?"

"I think that's a good idea, son," Rhett joined in after watching the obvious delight in their faces. "And be sure to pack everything. We may not return to Tara for awhile."

"We won't?" Wade seemed surprised.

"No, after the baby is born, I think we might travel a bit. It is time you and Ella saw a little something of the outside world."

Scarlett didn't think it was possible but both children's faces lit even more. "Yes, sir," Wade responded happily as they both bolted out of the room. Their footsteps were heard running up the stairs as they called out to Pork and Mammy.

Rhett turned to Scarlett. "My dear, those two have been separated too much from you in their young lives. We will endeavor to correct that."

Scarlett looked up into her husband's dark eyes and acknowledged the truth in his observation. "Yes, you are right. I have held them at a distance, blaming them for …well, their fathers. Wade is turning into a fine boy, but Ella, well…she is just too much like Frank," she admitted. "Sometimes it is more than I can bear."

Rhett chuckled. "Yes, she is like Frank, but she has some of you in her too. Perhaps more exposure to her O'Hara traits will even her out some…."

It took two days but finally everyone was packed and the carriage loaded with their luggage. Pork drove them to the train station in Jonesboro, where they boarded the Atlanta bound train. Rhett had telegraphed ahead, instructing Uncle Henry to hire a staff for the house and open it, making sure all the rooms were cleaned. Mammy would oversee the staff and Prissy, once again, would serve as Scarlett's maid and help with the children.

In Atlanta, tongues were already wagging again. "The house is being opened," Aunt Pitty reported to all who would listen."

"I suppose that means they are coming back," reflected Mrs. Merriweather.

"What do you suppose is bringing them back to Atlanta?" asked Mrs. Elsing.

"Well, I don't know, but Dr. Meade had a telegram form Captain Butler, asking him to call upon them day after tomorrow," added Mrs. Meade.

"Oh my," what can be the problem? Do you think one of them is ill?" Asked Mrs. Bonner.

"Oh, I suppose we will just have to wait and see," sighed Mrs. Meade.

The ladies continued their afternoon gossip over tea as Scarlett and Rhett's train chugged toward Atlanta.

Gwtwgwtwgwtwgwtw

Yes, I know, this one was short. But the last one was long, so it averages out, right? Besides, this was kinda one of those transition chapters to get them where I needed them to be. Next one up as soon as I can get it finished. Meantime, you know what I want from you…please. You guys…or should I say 'ya'll' are so supportive with your reviews, it just makes my little ole heart flutter, lol.