What Lies in the Heart
by: enchantingmagick

A/N: Y'all have been great! Shout out to all reviewers! I appreciate the feedback. Review replies are located at the bottom! Heads up this chapter's longer than the last one. You're welcome...to thank me REVIEW! kisses!

Summary: Melanie Wilkes dies. Rhett leaves Scarlett to handle the funeral alone. He spends the night at Belle Watling's, doing sordid things that one may assume take place at a "house of ill repute." Wade asks to go to school with Beau, and Scarlett decides to think about it. The funeral takes place and Ashley is no position to look after the guests, leaving India to handle the funeral guests. Ashley Wilkes drinks himself to sleep, unable to handle his insurmountable grief. Scarlett and Rhett visit Bonnie's grave at different times.

"Oh Lord, oh Lord, what have I done? I've fallen in love with a man on the run. Oh Lord, oh Lord, I'm begging you please don't take that sinner from me."
-I Had Me a Girl, The Civil Wars

(Drop Like Flies)

In her bed, Scarlett opened her eyes slowly, reluctantly. Her fingers reached out of their own accord to the empty side of the bed. She was acutely aware of how ridiculous that action had been. It wasn't as if her husband would just sneak in in the middle of the night and magically be in her bed this morning of all mornings. He just couldn't be, but she squeezed her eyes shut, as she turned over to the empty side of the bed. She peered through her eyelashes, and the emptiness that greeted her confirmed what her fingers had told her.

Forcing herself to get out of bed, Scarlett hurried to ring the bell. Mammy greeted her with her breakfast on a tray and said, "Now Miz Scarlett, you is gwine eat this food."

"I will, Mammy. Did you make me some grits?" Scarlett, upon seeing the bowl of grits, allowed the edges of her mouth to turn upwards a bit. She proceeded to add a pinch of butter and stir the bowl. Placing bite after bite in her mouth, she looked at Mammy for approval.

"Now, that's a good chile. Get outta bed and let me get you dressed."

"Mammy, Rhett's not back yet."

"Miz Scarlett, he'll be back. He just needs hisself some time, to get his mind in order. He'll be back through that door, before you know it."

"Are you sure, Mammy?"

"Don't you worry yoself none about that. Mister Butler will be back when he wants to be back. There ain't nothin' nobody can do 'fore then."

"If you say so."

"Miz Scarlett, I been meaning to ask you sumthin' real important."

"Well what is it, Mammy?"

"I want to go back to Tara, before my time comes."

"What on earth are you talking about Mammy? You can't leave me yet! You're not gonna die anytime soon."

"But Miz Scarlett, I want to be back at Tara. If you ain't gonna let me, I'm gonna have to go on my own."

"Mammy, I'm just not ready to let you go," Scarlett began. "Everyone else's left me, now you're talking about dying. Oh I can't take it anymore! It's as if all the people that ever loved me are leaving me!"

"Now, honey chile, you calm down. I ain't goin' anywhere yet," soothed Mammy, stroking Scarlett's hair. "But when I do, I want to be at Tara. You don't got any trouble with Mammy's last request do you?"

"No, Mammy. I want you to be happy when you pass on. I just don't think I could bear it, and without Rhett?"

"Don't you worry about that now. I'll ask Dilcey to get the things ready."

"Thank you, Mammy. I'll get the children ready and we'll leave for Tara on Monday."

(Why, It's Money That Makes the World Go Round)

Scarlett was busy getting the Peachtree house ready for their departure. They only had two days left, and Scarlett needed to go into town.

"Pork, will you hitch up the buggy? I need to do some errands in town," Scarlett called.

"Yes, Miz Scarlett," he answered. He hitched up the buggy at once and they drove into town.

"Pork, I've got to go to the telegram office first."

Scarlett went into the office and sent Sue Ellen a telegram notifying her of their impending arrival. The reminder of Sue Ellen's existence brought a sour taste in her mouth, that she couldn't rid.

After the telegram office, Scarlett went to her store with a mission. She had thought about the issue of the store extensively, knowing how much the people in Atlanta looked down upon her for running the store. Coming to the decision that she would have to salvage her reputation, Scarlett figured the issue of the store would be a good place to start. She opened the door to Kennedy's and the little bell at the top tinkled, signaling her arrival. Her assistant, James Wilder appeared flustered at her unannounced arrival.

She regarded his appearance from head to toe. James Wilder was a tall, muscular man. He had chestnut colored hair that was closely cropped to his head, it accentuated the sharpness of the lines in his face. Angular cheekbones jutted out on either side and framed a strong jaw. His deep blue eyes were perturbed upon seeing her.

"James, I'm going to Tara for a few weeks to a month. I need you to run the store in my absence, do you think you can do that?"

"Yes, ma'am. I can do that," he answered cautiously, looking at her.

"Good, now let me look over the books before I leave. Also, I noticed the display of china in the front of the store is missing a few pieces. Make sure we order them if they're out of stock. Mariette, I'd like you to double check the stock in the back, after Hugh does the inventory, once every week."

"Am I understood?"

"Yes, of course," Mariette answered.

On hearing James's silence, Scarlett turned to give James an accusatory look until he answered, "Uh, yes, Mrs. Butler."

"Why, thank you for paying such close attention to what I was saying. I apologize if I am distracting you," Scarlett replied, her voice dripping in sarcasm and disdain. The incompetence present in her store, astounded Scarlett to no end. Was it impossible to find a few people with a good head on their shoulders?

Walking to the back of the store, Scarlett examined the books with great care, checking for errors. Satisfied when she had found none, she came back to the front of the store. She looked at her two employees briefly before speaking. Mariette was fidgeting with a piece of fabric on her dress. She really was quite pretty, Scarlett thought to herself. Something about those dark auburn ringlets and vivid grey eyes. She shook her head ridding herself of those thoughts.

"If anything goes awry, telegram me at once. Other than that, try not to make too many mistakes." And with that, she walked out of her store.

She still had a few things to do on her checklist. Next up, paying a visit to Uncle Henry.

"Good afternoon, Uncle Henry," greeted Scarlett. She had just arrived at his office and he waved her inside. Admiring her surroundings, Scarlett spotted an elegantly upholstered armchair to sit in. The room was rather somber as a whole because of the dark blue walls and dark mahogany furnishings, Scarlett noted.

"What a pleasant surprise, Scarlett. I didn't expect to see you today."

"No, I expect you didn't. I've a few things to take care of before I go to Tara."

"Well what can I help you with?"

"I've come to see where my financial situation is at present," Scarlett replied tonelessly.

"Why on earth would you need to worry about that while Rhett's providing for you."

"Uncle Henry, I'm not sure how much longer he will."

"What do you mean? He's your husband-" Uncle Henry began incredulously, not understanding the reason for her visit.

"I don't know for how much longer he'll be my husband," Scarlett cut in.

"Is Mr. Butler ill?" he asked.

"He's in perfect health, I assume," Scarlett answered.

"Then what's the matter?"

"I'd rather not divulge the details at the moment, Uncle Henry. I simply need to know where my assets, and mine alone, stand."

"You don't mean to tell me that Rhett's going to divorce you?"

"Uncle Henry, I don't know! I hope not, but it's looks as though he will. So if you don't mind, please answer my question. How much money do I have?"

"Scarlett, calm down."

"I am calm. You still haven't answered my question."

"Let me take a look, my dear," Uncle Henry replied as he opened some files and started thumbing through papers. "I'm sorry, Scarlett. I thought he really loved you."

"It doesn't matter now, does it? He's left me and that's that."

"Yes, well at present it looks as though you've got just about $17,281."

"Well that's enough, isn't it?"

"Scarlett, do you have any idea how much money it costs to run a household like the one you've got?"

"How much are we talking about?"

"Anywhere from $500 to $600 a month."

"I haven't got enough money to pay for that. Why, that would only last a year and a half at best! Not even counting all of my other expenses. What about the profits from selling the mill?"

"Put quite simply, there aren't any. You basically gave the mills away to Ashley Wilkes. And it doesn't look as though he'll be able to pay you back anytime soon. Rhett's paid for the upkeep of that house since you had it built. He also pays for the fees and other expenses for Tara. I'm sure he would agree to keep paying for the Peachtree House, it's his job as your husband to provide for you."

"I think he's made it clear he doesn't want to be my husband anymore. He's under no obligation to pay for anything from now on. In fact, I won't take a penny from that blackhearted varmint!"

"Don't make any rash decisions, Scarlett."

"I've got my pride. I'll just see that the store keeps taking in enough profit to pay the expenses. And we'll have to figure out other ways for me to keep up with the bills, won't we?"

"Yes, but-"

"You've answered all my questions, so thank you for the help. But I must be going, so good day."

"Scarlett-" Uncle Henry began, but she was out the door before she could hear him.

(How the Mighty Have Fallen)

"Scarlett! Scarlett!" a voice called from behind her. Scarlett turned around to see who it was and she could not have been more surprised. It was none other than India Wilkes.

"What is it?" Scarlett answered looking down at India from the buggy.

"It's Ashley...he won't get out of bed. It's just disgraceful. It's been two weeks since Melly died, and he still won't see Beau or anyone else. Do you think you could spare a moment to call on him?"

Scarlett, really really really couldn't. It was a terrible idea, calling on a widowed man upstairs. Then she remembered Melanie's dying request to take care of Ashley and Beau. Rhett's vicious suggestion about having the first wife's permission stung her ears once again, as if he were saying it in the flesh. And it made her heart ache with the longing of hearing his wonderfully, deep and sarcastic voice. But she knew what she had to do.

"Why, I guess I've got a moment. If you're absolutely sure you need me?"

"Scarlett, there's no one else that could help him. If there was, believe me-"

"I know, you wouldn't be talking to me, let alone begging me for help."

"I'm not begging-he needs your help."

"Alright let's get on with it. Get in," Scarlett said helping India up.

India was uncharacteristically silent, which to Scarlett seemed rather prudent on her part. Scarlett was biting her tongue, keeping down the myriad cutting remarks she could make. They arrived at the Wilkes' residence and Scarlett got down, India after her.

When they entered the house, it was as if Death had claimed the house as his own. It was unsettlingly quiet. Scarlett was sure she was just being silly, but the house felt even more cold than natural in late fall.

"Go on upstairs and prepare yourself. Ashley's been," she began and whispered the last part, "drinking...a lot."

"Don't follow me in there, India," Scarlett asked. "I don't want Ashley to feel as though he's being pushed into recovering too soon."

"If anything you'd be the one doing the pushing," quipped India, "don't you dare throw yourself at him when he's in this condition. That's not why I asked you here. We all know that Rhett's left you. That's not an excuse for you to go after Ashley now."

"How dare you say those things about me? Rhett's away on business. And I wouldn't want Ashley for my husband if he were the last man on earth. Just like no man would want you if you were the last woman on earth." Scarlett replied caustically. She walked up the stairs and pushed upon the door to Ashley's bedroom. India had been behind Scarlett up the stairs and listened eagerly at the door.

She really should have taken India's advice. But she closed the door behind her and allowed herself to take in the sight before her. The walls were a pale cream color, obviously Melly's doing. Dried flowers were in a vase on the bedside table. The covers on the bed were mussed and whiskey bottles were strewn about the room. Clothes were everywhere in disarray. It was a state of mess...this description also applied to the occupant of the bed.

"Ashley, darling, why don't you get out of bed?" Scarlett asked sweetly, while opening the curtains to his room.

"Is that you, Scarlett?" Ashley was squinting against the sunlight pouring into his dark bedroom.

"Yes, now do you care to explain to me why you won't get properly dressed or get out of bed and go down?" Scarlett seated herself in a chair in the corner of the room.

"It isn't proper for you to be here, my dear," Ashley realized.

"No, it isn't. But a great many of the things I do aren't proper." There was a pregnant silence before Ashley spoke.

"I simply can't go on without her. She's everywhere in this house, and I can't escape her," Ashley explained.

"You've got to. I've survived two of my husbands passing on, and it isn't easy. But think about Beau and India, she's worried sick about you. And your son needs you more now than ever."

"I don't care. I'm not ready to live again. My whole world has fallen down around me...Melanie was my last piece of the Old South. It's gone, now. It's truly gone." Ashley broke down. The tears streaked his face, as he sobbed uncontrollably.

Scarlett watched him helplessly for a few moments and then began to pick up the various garments lying about the room and tidy it up. She took the decanter of whiskey and placed it beside the door. When she turned around again, he was still crying quietly. His undershirt was soaked, and she could see the damp blond, wiry curls of chest hair at the top. That reminded her just how improper the whole situation was. She was alone with man who was not her husband in a bedroom. She pushed this thought aside. She wanted desperately to comfort him, it was what Melly would have her do.

Scarlett went to sit on his bed, she pulled his head to her bosom and stroked his hair for a while. Finally she said, "Ashley, you've got to get dressed. I'm ever so sorry about Melly. But I won't be here after Monday to keep coaxing you out of bed. Do what needs to be done. You have the mills to run on your own now, and you're responsible for taking care of Beau. Eventually the smile on your face won't be forced."

"That's my Scarlett," he said rising up away from her chest. "Always so brave and beautiful, ready to face the world head on."

"I'm really not, Ashley. I pretend until I find that I don't have to act brave anymore. And you musn't say things like that. Rhett, he," she took a deep breath, "wouldn't like it. I can't take care of you any longer, I'm leaving for Tara Monday morning."

"You can't leave me here!" Ashley exclaimed.

"Mammy's getting on in years, and she doesn't think she has that much longer. We've got to go to Tara. I'm sorry, Ashley, but the world hasn't got time for your glacial pace...it'll pass you by, if you keep on living in the past. Beau will grow up before your eyes, and you'll realize you've missed everything. Do you want that to happen to you?!"

"No, no I don't. Help me get dressed, please."

"What would Rhett think?" she whispered out loud accidentally.

"That's a very good question...why did he allow you to come here?"

"He's away on business," repeated Scarlett. She helped him put on a shirt and a dinner jacket. "You will be going down for dinner today. Promise me?"

"I promise, my dear," he said and then paused, "thank you, Scarlett. I know you ought not to have done this. But it means the world to me.." He looked at her earnestly, his blue eyes twinkling back to life as he gazed at her.

His palm came up to caress Scarlett's cheek, and unthinkingly she leaned into it. It was warm and soft, the hand of a gentleman, so unlike Rhett's hands that had held her face so long ago. His lips were treacherously close, so close that if she leaned in hers would touch his. Ashley tipped her chin up and leaned infinitesimally closer and that was all it took.

Scarlett froze momentarily, aware that if she didn't move she would be kissing Ashley. She had wanted this so desperately for so long, without Melly in the way. Such an idiot she had been, she realized. Melly...Rhett both names shocked her out of her reverie and she backed away from Ashley shaking him off of her. She had been about to betray her closest friend and more importantly her absent husband.

"I've got to go," Scarlett whispered opening the door. India was suspiciously pressed against the wall opposite the door. But Scarlett rushed past her and fled down the stairs, running away from her alter ego that had come so perilously close to ruining everything.

"Scarlett! Wait!" yelled Ashley running after her.

His voice made her freeze, but her hand was on the door knob, and her foot was over the threshold. Her head turned around against her will to look at Ashley.

"I need you," he pleaded, his voice breaking on the end.

"I'm so sorry." She climbed into the waiting buggy and disappeared from Ashley's sight as he watched it go down the road.

When Scarlett arrived at home, she locked her bedroom door and climbed into bed.

(Momma's Always Got the Answers)

"Hello, mother."

"Rhett! I'm so happy you're home again. Where's Scarlett?" Eleanor Butler asked her son.

"I would prefer if we never spoke of her again."

Eleanor waved her son into the parlor and motioned for him to sit. He sat down and sighed, while taking out a cigar from his holder and lighting it. The parlor was sunny from the light coming through the windows, and Rhett wished he could close them. The sun was hardly cheering him up at a time like this. Rhett had been chastised as a boy in this room so many times, his fathers booming voice echoed frightening the wits out of him. He had so many memories of this room, and not one of them was happy.

"Do you have to do that in here?"

"Mother, I can't talk about her without wanting to throw things," he elaborated, ignoring her earlier question.

"It seems to me as though you need to talk about her." She stated seeing through his pretenses.

"I can't even explain what happened. But I want to get a divorce."

His mother gasped in horror, "A divorce?"

"Yes, I want nothing to do with that witch ever again."

"She was the mother of your only child, might I remind you."

"And Bonnie was worth two of her."

"You don't mean that! You married Scarlett, after waiting for her for years, Rhett. There must have been something about her worth waiting for."

Rhett didn't answer for a good minute. "I was in love with her."

"You're still in love with her."

"I'm not. I want to be as far away from her as possible."

"Why don't I believe you?"

"She makes me miserable and now that she's realized she loves me, god help me. In fact, I bet that was a ploy just to get me to stay with her. She didn't want to lose my money...that bitch."

"Rhett! Don't you ever speak about a lady that way every again! Especially your wife, you're going to hell for that."

"Mother, I was already going to hell."

"There's a reason I pray for you every Sunday in church. Only God can help you, son."

"She's the biggest mistake of my entire life, and that's the end of it."

"Is it really the end? Will it ever be over for you and Scarlett?"

And Rhett didn't have the answer to that question. Maybe Charleston had been a worse idea than he had thought.

(The Bonnie Blue Flag)

Clambering out of her bed, Scarlett rubbed the sleep from her eyes. What was she to do? She was still dressed and suddenly she knew. Before she knew it, she was at the cemetery. She threaded her way between the graves, respectful of the dead. When she reached Bonnie's grave, a sense of calm settled over her.

"Is momma a bad person?" Scarlett asked directing her thoughts towards Bonnie. "What do I do, sweetheart? I'm not as perfect as you were. I'm not nearly as good at keeping your daddy wrapped around my finger."

She knelt on the grass beside the grave and traced the letters of her name again, the last fingers that had touched that headstone were her husband's. Scarlett drew her strength from the image of her daughter in heaven. The outline of the dark blue velvet riding habit framing Bonnie's lithe little body was visible to her, and the weight of the world lifted from Scarlett's shoulders for a moment.

Standing up, she felt solid again. As though all the pieces of her that had drifted away leaving her floating were back. It made a world of difference to Scarlett, and she remembered she had children that were alive. That was all the reminder she needed to leave the world of the dead and the past on the other side of the cemetery gate.

"Mrs. Butler?"

"Yes," answered Scarlett looking for the source of the voice. Upon locating it, it was a small, stout old man carrying gardening equipment.

"I just thought you'd like to know. There were other flowers on your daughter's grave...another bouquet."

"Who are you?"

"I'm the caretaker. I thought you'd like to know that someone else notices she's gone."

Scarlett smiled genuinely. "Thank you ever so much, I appreciate it."

Climbing into the buggy, Scarlett glanced back at the little gate and the old man beside it and smiled again. She felt alive as though today was electrified with new possibilities.

Rhett had been here.

There was hope.

A/N: I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy writing it. Don't stop reviewing! The box is the right there pleading with you on my behalf! Reviews are even better than a cold shower after hot yoga.

Review replies:

First of all at South681, GEMMAC, DADADADAD, Ann aspiring writer, Carol CR, Annapanag, and Iamstllinsane...you guys are rock stars for reviewing! I love you as much as Coldplay!(THAT'S A LOT.)

DADADADAD I can't read/translate the language your review is in. But I appreciate your feedback.

Carol CR: I fixed the wearing black error in the first chapter and changed some of the dialogue. Thanks for the heads up...but I can't change the Mammy thing. I need her to be with Scarlett for the purposes of this story.

BASICALLY TO EVERYONE ELSE: THANKS BUNCHES...the more reviews I get the faster and more I write.