Rhett looked down at his hands. Had he heard right? He wanted to believe this was some misunderstanding. Then, his eyes caught sight of the red stain which covered the plush carpet Scarlett loved. Waves of guilt began to consume him. His only intent had been to bar Ashley from Scarlett's mind in a desperate hope she might forget. Jealousy had driven him to want her to feel the same hurt, the way she had broken him so many times. Scarlett had vehemently expressed she had not wanted anymore children. Now, he was facing the realization he had not stopped to think about any impending consequences of his actions. Here, Melly was speaking as though she had been accepting of this. Perhaps if he had been here things might have been different.
There was nothing to do now but face the truth. "Please go on." Rhett prompted. "Dr. Mead is in with her now. I think you should go and see her. She was asking for you." "Melly, its all my fault. She didn't want-. I had no idea." Mellie took his hand soothingly, "She didn't have to tell me, it was obvious by the way she was so happy. She doesn't blame you. There is nothing you could have done."
Rhett began the long walk down the corridor where he met dr. mead outside Scarlett's door. Seeing Rhett it was as though he'd glimpsed his own face in a mirror. It was the same look he'd had on receiving the news he had lost his son in Ghettysburg followed by his younger son during the siege. Dr. Mead had never thought highly of Rhett butler, but his love for Bonnie was undeniable. Rhett had also been helping him rebuild his stock of medical supplies and much needed morphia. The doctor lowered his eyes and his voice so only Rhett could hear. "I do not generally entertain idol gossip. She's had a hard few days. There is the fever which has left her very weak. Then there is always the chance infection could set in. it is up to her at this point. My advice, make the best of your time together. If she awakens and seems to be in pain give her the laudanum."
When Rhett entered the room he stood at the foot of the bed just looking at Scarlett who was sleeping. Her face was pinched and drawn in a look of pain. How could he have done this to her. He didn't know what had happened but he had not been there. Yes, they had fought like the confederates and the Yankees, but there had been those times.. Now, it looked as though he was too late. Rhett balled his fists and put them in his pockets. He wanted to take her in his arms and protect her from all of this. No matter how selfish he claimed her to be; he never would wish such a fate to come to her. She had already been through so much in her young life. Sacrificing her reputation just to clothe and feed her family. He had even encouraged her. In the beginning, he had introduced her to the very people he had turned her against; mocking her after Bonnie was born. He wanted to go back to the day of Ashley's party and stop her from going to that mill. he didn't know what had conspired, but she had tried to tell him something and he had not listened in his drunken state. Stepping closer to her he sat in the chair closest to the bed. "Scarlett, what have you done?"
He said outwardly. "Your future is guaranteed and yet that Irish pride keeps you slaving away and now look where it has gotten you." Rhett put his hand to Scarlett's forehead. He could feel the heat radiating from it. He took up the towel dipping it in the pitcher of water. . He put another towel on her chest to try and cool her. His efforts seemed to be in vein though and so he rang for prissy for her to bring more cool water. After going through several pitchers of water he sent for Porc. Rhett spoke in a brisk tone as he stood in the doorway, "A block of ice, cut it in pieces." "mista Rhett, what fuh?" Mammy questioned. "A new study in one of my books from London suggests a person with fever will benefit from a bath in ice water. It lowers the body temperature."
Dr. Mead had given strict orders only Rhett, Melly, and a few caretakers were granted access to Scarlett's room. So, mammy intercepted the ice. Mammy reported to Rhett she and Dilsy had to give Scarlett several of these ice baths because the ice seemed to melt right away. When Rhett entered the room again mammy was sitting softly praying to herself. She looked over at Rhett, "I don know what ma lamb would think bout being put in da ice bath." "It's only for her good" he answered trying to conjure a comforting smile. "She nevah did take non to anything fuh her good" mammy said exiting the room tears in her eyes. Rhett sighed to himself. He had to admit she was right.
Since Scarlett didn't show any signs of improvement over the night and next days Rhett continued to stay by her bed. The doctor had said she was in a semi-conscious state brought on by her fever and could be harmful if the fever did not break. She would need to eat something in the next few days. Rhett stayed by her constantly hoping she might call for him. She showed little signs of improving only her writhing fits and occasional mumblings that even he did not understand. Rumors began circulating among the old guard that Rhett had returned with a notification of divorce only to find Scarlett in her current condition. The rumors changed when the children were sent to stay with Mellie. Rhett was portrayed as the grieving husband who could not care for his beloved Bonnie. She reminded him too much of Scarlett now that it seemed certain she was on her death bed. They had little sympathy toward Scarlett even still and continued to side with Rhett although Melly called Mrs. Mead and Mrs. Elsing out one day because they were arguing about Bonnie and whether Scarlett had in fact been a good mother. on one of his visits to Scarlett, when Dr. Mead asked Rhett if he was prepared to care for Wade and Ella; Melly had quickly jumped in and offered to take the children so he would not have to think of the matter. "Dr. Mead. Melly lamented, "The captain has enough on him that he must consider right now. He has not left Scarlett's bed and I don't expect he is even capable of thinking about the matter right now. Captain Butler, if you will allow me, I will take the children home and while our accommodations are not so fine you can be assured we will see to all their needs." "Mrs. Wilkes, I leave it to you. Scarlett would not have anyone else see to her children." So, the arrangements were made and all three children were hustled off to stay with Beau.
A/n. I was overwhelmed by how many reviews and follows this story got me. Thank you so, so, much to everyone who has given feedback. I hope to have the next chapter up very soon.