AN: As you've noticed my chapters are short, but they are posted in bulk and there will be a lot. I would like to assure ScarlettLovesRhett that Ashley is indeed alive. the Mr. Wilkes from the chapter before was Ashley's father. No more chapters today, but you'll have at least three more next update. I've never written from Rhett tell me how I did please.

Trip Down A Rabbit Hole

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3.

Mourning and Charleston

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The next week passed by with Scarlett left in a numb state of shock and odd loss. On some level she was surprised by her strong response to Rhett's death. Even Ashley's capture didn't hit her so hard. The world around her felt unreal. Rhett seemed too vivid in her memories, too there to be truly gone and yet he was. Despite her not loving him as she had Ashley, she couldn't seem to function the same knowing he was gone. It made her feel so alone. Rhett was the only person who knew everything about her. He was the only person she could be completely herself around without receiving rejection. She didn't realize it until now, but Rhett was her friend. Her very best friend.

Dimly Scarlett knew that Atlanta discussed her reaction to his death amongst themselves. It was a welcome distraction from the siege and a bit of a shock to them also. Despite Scarlett's apparent welcome of Rhett into her home no one, excluding a heavy hearted Melanie, had suspected she could truly care for him. Yet here she was acting more distraught over what many considered a scoundrel than many young widows of the war had acted over their husbands. But they all were quick to note Scarlett's listlessness did not extend to her son or Melanie.

Around her sister-in-law she was suddenly timid and gentle, while around her son she made a visible effort to look more like a young woman and less like a corpse. Dr. Meade, concerned both because of Melanie's pleadings and his own surprise at Scarlett's behavior, had taken to stopping in on them when he managed free time. Scarlett refused to allow the doctor to worry over her and would insist on Wade and Melanie being checked instead. Reluctantly the man agreed, more than a little impressed, by the sudden maternal instincts four days in a grave had brought about.

Scarlett herself didn't care a wit about the concern, but did try to assure Melanie that she was alright so she would stop worrying. Being a good mother and kind sister was something Scarlett was trying her hardest at. Mothering Wade had become quite easier know that she had found she was rather fond of him, but being kind to Melanie was uncomfortable. Mostly because a certain amount of guilt and shame always reared their head around her. Scarlett was becoming more and more surprised when she realized that perhaps she'd judged Melanie wrong and it did not sit well with her. Usually she would push such uncomfortable thoughts away, but Scarlett was determined to keep her promises. Despite her dimming faith towards God's caring for any Southerner, the fact remind immediately after her promises she'd been saved. That was enough to force her obedience to them.

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Rhett Butler looked over his mother carefully. She was thin, too thin in his opinion, but nearly everyone was these days. Her appetite had returned and there was color in her cheeks at last. Eleanor Butler sensed her son's gaze and looked up. Meeting his black eyes she gave him a reassuring smile and straightened. Beside her, Rosemary looked at her brother with a mixture of fascination and awed fear. Rhett gave the girl a gentle smile, but she simply blushed and ducked her chin, eyes darting away like a scared bird's.

In that one split second Rhett Butler felt a complete consuming hatred towards his father. It had been one thing to treat Rhett with a cold harshness. Rhett had been able to give as good as he was given even when he was younger. Rosemary was an awkward child who had the sprit crushed out of her. If his father had been there in that moment Rhett was almost certain he would have killed him. The moment passed though and Rhett reached across the space that separated them to give Rosemary an affectionate pet on her dark head.

"I hear congratulations are in order sister." Rhett said with a wide smile as the girl's dark eyes flickered up at him. "Mother says the illustrious Julia Ashley paid you a compliment."

Rosemary blushed dark scarlet, but looked less afraid. In fact the look she gave him now was of blatant admiration.

"She said I have spunk." Rosemary told him quietly. Rhett smiled at her.

"I think she's right." Rhett told her and with those words forever gained to loyalty and love of his younger sister.

As the visit wore on Rhett began to notice that his mother was holding back as if she wanted to say something, but didn't know how. Rhett ignored this knowing she would tell in her own good time if it was important enough. Finally halfway through a deep conversations about Mr. Dickens, Eleanor gently informed Rhett that it was late and Rosemary needed her sleep. The girl seemed about to protest, but one look from Eleanor and the girl went quiet. Eleanor sent the girl to wait outside and turned to her soon face deadly serious.

"Rhett have you ever been involved with a young widow in Atlanta? She was an O'Hara before she married and she's Pauline's niece." Eleanor questioned eyes carefully avoiding her son's gaze. Rhett stiffened. He hoped to god the dread he was feeling was mistaken. He prayed that Scarlett was indeed alright.

"Yes." Rhett told her voice thin as he waited.

"Rhett you know that the train you original planned to ride was destroyed." Rhett nodded wondering where this was going.

"I have just received a letter from Pauline demanding you return to Atlanta immediately. The residents of Atlanta had not realized you were not on the train. Pauline's niece was quite distraught when she heard." Eleanor told him calmly, looking at her son intently to examine his reaction.

Rhett gave her a cool smile. Part of him wanted desperately to believe that Scarlett found somewhere in her childish little heart to care for him, but the practical part of him repressed this. Hope may spring eternal, but it was also painful.

Eleanor noted the hope in her son's eyes and wondered if she should mention that Scarlet had been trapped in a grave. She decided against it, something about Rhett right now made Eleanor certain he wouldn't hear anything she said right now. She was suddenly much more interested in Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton.

"I will be sure to return swiftly to spare you the badgering of your Robillard friends." Rhett assured her and stood to give her a gently kiss on the cheek. The entire time his mind was focused on Atlanta and a green eyed woman that inhabited it.