The streets were chaos, people frantically trying to find a safe place as the after shocks continued, although weaker and not as close together as the first ones. Finally they turned the corner of their street to see that half their house was in shambles. Pausing as they took in the sight of the old house, Scarlett let out a deep sigh. "It's like…well, like when we went back to Tara during the war…so many houses in ruins. So much destruction…"
Rhett looked at her, alarmed by the note of defeat in her voice. "Yes, my dear, but we rebuilt from all of that and Charleston will rebuild from this. You'll see."
Scarlett looked at her husband and saw something his eyes that disturbed her. He didn't expect to see the rebuilding…he didn't expect to live long enough. "Oh, I'm certain they will rebuild Rhett. But we won't be here. As soon as a doctor tends to your leg, we're leaving. We'll go someplace fresh and new. Wade can stay in Atlanta if he likes…or go to Tara or come with us. But you and I are done with trying to rebuild. We're going to enjoy our life together in a new place without all the darkness casting shadows over us."
Flashing her a smirk that only Rhett Butler was capable of, Rhett replied. "Really my pet? You thrive on challenges like this…rebuilding…rising from the ashes. I would think this is a perfect setting for you."
"Maybe once, " she acknowledged. "But I'm not as young as I was and I'm tired. And we've wasted so much precious time, Rhett. I want us to worry about only each other…no more mills or stores or other businesses. We've made enough money and we're going to enjoy it."
"Alright, my dear….if you say so. But first, let's see what is left of the house and send Wade to fetch a doctor. My leg is really beginning to hurt."
The main part of the house was unsafe, Rhett declared after further inspection. But a wing in the back and the kitchen were reasonably safe so they settled there. Wade helped Rhett to a chair while Scarlett found pillows to prop his leg up and then searched for rags or cloths to wrap it. Then she sent Wade to find a doctor.
Scarlett ventured into the rest of the house to gather things they might need, more lamps, some pillows to sleep on, and other small items she thought would be useful. When she returned to the room, Rhett was standing, looking worriedly toward the door. "You shouldn't have gone into the main part of the house," he chided.
"I'm alright," Scarlett answered. "And I thought we might need a few things." She helped Rhett settle back in his chair after unloading her arms. Then she pulled another chair close to him. "Oh Rhett, this reminds me so much of the war after the Yankees came through. It's so dark and frightening."
"Destruction always is," he mused as he took her hand in his.
"Thos certainly isn't the way I hoped this night would end," she said, her green eyes glittering flirtingly at him.
"Oh? And what had you hoped for, my pet," he teased.
"A soft bed and a hard you," she taunted.
Rhett chuckled. "You've grown more brazen in your old age, my dear. The Scarlett I first knew would never suggest such a thing."
"The Scarlett you first knew wouldn't be sitting here talking to you. And she was a child, full of childish notions. You taught me how wonderful being a woman can be."
Rhett chuckled even more, his white teeth glimmering in the lamplight. "So glad to be of service," he nodded gallantly.
"Service…yes, that's what I was expecting; you to service me," she smiled and batted her eyes.
"Careful, my dear; you might get what you are so blatantly asking for."
"Really?" she replied with a twinkle in her green eyes. "Why Mr. Butler, how you do go on…" she teased. Rhett's laughter was hearty and deep, a sound Scarlett thought she would never tire of now, even though it had infuriated her so much in their early days. "But really, Rhett… all my plans for tonight are ruined," she pouted.
Rhett watched his wife appreciatively. "Scarlett, you are the only woman I've ever met who could tease and taunt in the face of a disaster like this and then worry about how an earthquake has ruined your plans."
Scarlett sighed. "It is a disaster for Charleston. But other than Rose dying and Wade's sorrow, it really doesn't matter much to me. You are safe, although injured, and here with me and …and…well, that's all I need to be happy, I've decided."
"Me and my money," Rhett chuckled again.
"Well," she replied coquettishly, "your money does make things so much nicer but…"
Rhett stopped chuckling and looked at her warmly. "But what, my dear?" he asked gently.
"I've plenty of money and have had for years. But those years without you, I was terribly unhappy. And I realized all the money in the world couldn't make me happy. I wanted…needed you. I was such a fool, Rhett…"
Rhett sat mutely, watching her as she spoke. Her words were not new to him but he still marveled every time he heard her say them. He smiled lovingly at her but remained silent.
Scarlett watched him, her cat-like eyes taking in his expression and the mixture of love and melancholy in his eyes. "I do love you, Rhett, so very much."
"I know, my pet; I believe you. And we were both fools. I was just so damned jealous… but we've said all of this before. Let's leave all of that in the past and concentrate on this future you are planning for us," he said with his customary smirk.
"Don't you want a future for us, Rhett?" Scarlett asked, suddenly unsettled by his manner.
Rhett chuckled at her gullibility even after all these years. "Of course I do," he assured her. "I'm just fearful of what your plans might include," he jested.
Finally Scarlett understood that he was teasing and relaxed. "Oh, well… if you have different thoughts we could discuss those."
"My dear, whatever you wish will be fine with me," Rhett offered in appeasement.
"Oh really?" Scarlett sparkled with mischief. "Are you certain, Mr. Butler that you are quite prepared to live up to my wishes? I plan to be very demanding."
"I will or I will die trying," Rhett laughed, enamored by her audacity.
But Scarlett wasn't laughing. "Rhett, don't say such things. You know that is tempting fate. And I couldn't bear to lose you…not yet, not for years and years."
Rhett stopped laughing when he saw her fear. "Alright, my pet. No more teasing about how you might hasten my ending with your wishes. Surely you understand, Mrs. Butler that it will be my greatest joy in life to fulfill your desires," he said dramatically.
Relaxing, Scarlett began to laugh at his cheekiness. Her response was halted by the sound of Wade returning with a doctor.
The doctor cleaned Rhett's wound and stitched it closed. "You'll need those removed in a week's time," he instructed. "And I wouldn't stay here," he added as he looked around the room. This place could fall in on you anytime. But then again, I don't know where you could go to be safe either."
Wade walked the doctor out as Scarlett helped Rhett settle back comfortably in his chair. "Do you think the trains will run tomorrow?" she asked.
"It depends on the damage to the tracks," Rhett replied.
"If they do, we're leaving. We can go back t ot Atlanta or to Tara or … anywhere else you wish to go. But we aren't staying in Charleston."
"What about Wade?"
Scarlett sighed. "I suppose he'll want to stay, at least until Rose's funeral. Perhaps we can find a hotel then. But we're only staying for that. Then we are leaving. I've had my fill of destruction."
"Alright, my darling," Rhett replied gently.
Scarlett looked at him oddly. Rhett smirked and asked "What is wrong, my dear?"
"Nothing…nothing is wrong. It just has been so long since you called me your darling…I had forgotten how wonderful it feels."
"Then I shall endeavor to correct that oversight," he answered. "You have no idea how wonderful it is for me to make you feel wonderful, my dear. Had I known it was so simple, I would have used the endearment more often.
Scarlett leaned in and kissed him, fully and appreciatively, as if they were safe in the bedroom instead of in a house that might crumble around them anytime. Once he was thoroughly kissed and he had thoroughly kissed her back, Scarlett poured a spponful of the laudnum that the doctor had left for Rhett and gave it to him. Then settling comfortably in her chair, she took his hand in hers as they both drifted to sleep.
So sorry it takes me so long between posts. Just too much RL going on, lol. I hope you find this posting enjoyable. With any luck it won't be so long until the next one, so keep your fingers crossed 'cause I need good luck;)
