Rhett stood in the foyer waiting, with the heavy lap blanket over his arm. Scarlett was thankful it had turned bitter cold that morning, and had tried to get out of going, but Rhett would not take no for an answer, and called Prissy to get her ready. It was well into late morning that Scarlett came down the stairs, in a woolen suit, with a hat, muffler and a gloves.

Rhett chuckled, and asked, "Is that you, Scarlett, under all those clothes?"

"Rhett, it's sleeting outside, do we have to go?"

"No, you have to go. Now, let's get you in the carriage."

It was a silent ride over to the store, Scarlett kept her eyes on her hands, and fiddled with her gloves. She did not bear look out the window, for fear of her spells returning, and trying hard to conceal her anxiousness. Rhett looked out the window, with one eye on Scarlett. He had never seen her so quiet or nervous before, and he didn't like it, at all.

"Stop playing with your gloves, Scarlett."

Her eyes met his, large and round, "I-I. Oh, never mind."

"What's wrong? You look terrified."

"Nothing, I'm just hoping, I don't have a spell, I told you that already." Scarlett whispered.

"There is nothing out there that's going to hurt you, the sooner, you realize that the better. Besides, I'm sure India WIlkes wouldn't be out in this weather."

"I didn't give two cents about her."

"Well, don't grow a conscience on me, now. We are here."

Rhett helped Scarlett out the carriage and walked her in the store on his arm. He noticed her darting eyes, and her hand was clutched to his forearm. He patted her gloved hand to reassure her, she was safe.

As they entered the store, Scarlett could see none of the Old Guard was there, but the store was bustling with customers. Mr. Harvey came from behind the counter to greet them.

"Mr. Butler, Mrs. Butler, what a surprise! You can see we are bursting with customers."

Scarlett looked around, and smiled, "Yes, how is the inventory?"

"Well, we sold out the ribbon and candles last week, but Dan is in the back, unpacking some stock right now. And, you got a shipment from Coo-ba?"

"Yes, Cuba. Mr. Lang got me a few luxury items try out in the store. I'll check the books and then fool with the inventory."

Scarlett made her way to the office, and Rhett shut the door behind them. He watched as her composure came back and she got to business forgetting her silly fears. Rhett leaned on the desk, and asked, "Tell me, what did you get from Cuba?"

"Oh, some luxury items, for women. Why do you care?"

"I was making sure you weren't selling cigars or rum at Kennedy's."

Scarlett laughed, "Really? How dare you ask me that? I know better-"

Rhett smiled, "Just asking is all. I'll leave you to your task."

Rhett went back to the store room and helped Dan and Hugh unpack the boxes of candles for the tree. The door had a constant ringing of the bell, and many people gathered around the shelves with toys and candy for children. Rhett spotted Pilar making her way towards the fabric bolts, and went over to assist her with a bolt of broadcloth.

"Hello, Mrs. Lang," smiled Rhett.

"Oh, Mr. Butler. I'm glad to see you're still here. How is my dear Scarlett?"

"She's doing better. My wife needed a rest, but now she's checking the books in the office."

"I'm glad, the poor dear was so upset and frail that day, I thought she was going to collapse. I see it does her good that you are back."

Rhett smiled, and nodded, "I can't take all the credit-"

"Oh, yes. I can see it in her eyes, she loves you so much."

Rhett just looked at her, and he could see the softness in her dark eyes, so much like Melanie.

Rhett hoisted the broadcloth on his shoulder, "Let's get your order cut."

Rhett left her in the capable hands of Mrs. Harvey to cut her fabric and headed back to the office.

"Mr. Butler," called Pilar, "I hope to see you tomorrow night at the ball?"

"Scarlett wouldn't have it any other way, she's been preparing all week."

Pilar smiled and nodded, "It will be a pleasure for you to meet my husband."

Just then, Scarlett's voice came from the back of the store, "Pilar, how wonderful to see you!" Pilar met Scarlett halfway and kissed her cheek.

"Your husband was helping me with some broadcloth, I'm buying for my housekeeper's Christmas."

"That's a nice weight, we have navy, too, it you don't want black."

"Oh, no. She's very traditional."

Rhett approached them, and was amazed, how Scarlett was so at ease with this woman, and how they chatted like old friends. It was the same way he and Scarlett chatted when they first knew each other, when they were friends, and Rhett was a little jealous.

"Well, ladies, I'm sorry to hurry Scarlett out, but if we want to make lunch at the National, we will need to hurry."

"Rhett? Lunch in this rain and cold?"

"Now, dear, don't fuss with your hungry husband. I told the staff we would be back for supper."

Pilar put her hand up, "Scarlett, you are looking so well, go and enjoy yourself."

Scarlett smiled, "Yes, I guess I should. We will see you at the ball, I hope this rain stops by tomorrow."

"We are looking forward to it, wait til you see my dress. Your ideas, really dressed it up!"

As Scarlett and Rhett made their way out to the carriage, Scarlett stopped, her mind racing, "Wait! I got distracted and didn't look at my shipment from Cuba!"

"Scarlett, I'm hungry and we both need to eat, it getting late. We will pass through here after lunch."

Rhett's hand went to her back and guided her towards the carriage, and feeling his fingers' pressure on her back, she allowed him to guide her inside the carriage and out of the sleeting cold. Rhett glided in behind her and sat next to her, helping her cover up with the blanket. Scarlett felt the warmth from his legs next to hers, and had forgotten her silly fear of coming out the house. She felt relieved that she was able to go to the store without a spell, and now she didn't put up the slightest protest about getting lunch, her stomach had started to growl.

Rhett's low laugh, became louder. Scarlett scowled at him, suspecting the reason.

"What's so funny?"

"You, you never disappoint."

"How so is that?"

"Your stomach is better than a clock, it's announcing it's lunch time!"

Scarlett blushed, "Well, you were the one saying you were hungry."

"And I am, but I'm gentile enough not to announce it."

Scarlett smiled, and sighed, "You never disappoint either, always a varmint."

Rhett smiled, "I think that's your pet name for me."

Very soon the carriage stopped outside the hotel, and soon the couple was sitting at a table near the window, looking over the menu. Scarlett looked around, the hotel was packed with people due to the terrible weather outside, and it was adorned with greenery, red bows and candles. The atmosphere was filled with excitement of the upcoming holiday and events, and busy with chatter.

Rhett asked, "What are you having?"

Scarlett was searching the room, "Yes, what did you say?"

"What do you want?"

"I-I don't know."

"Well, look at the menu and stop searching the room."

"I'm not searching the room, I can't believe how crowded it is today."

"Are you worried?"

"Worried? WHy?"

"ARe you afraid of India?"

"No indeed!"

"Then, the Old Guard?"

"No, why do you assume, I'm afraid?"

"Well, you looking around like a scared cat, your eyes are big as saucers. Maybe, it's Mr. Wilkes?"

"Oh, you do have to bring him up. No, I'm not looking for him!"

Scarlett dropped her head and started to read the menu. Ignoring the look on Rhett's face, and cursing him under her breath. The waiter came, and Rhett ordered for the both of them, Scarlett put her menu down, and sighed, "Whatever you're having is fine."

Rhett held up two fingers, "Two onion soups, and pork roast dinners."

Scarlett fiddled with her napkin, and avoided Rhett's face. Her mind wandered back to AShley, she started to wonder, what he was doing, and how the mills were, but didn't dare ask Rhett to ride over there. Rhett finally broke her thoughts with his booming voice, "Hello, Mrs. Merriweather!"

Scarlett sat straight up and glared. The fat, old woman came over to the table with her lanky tall grandson, Napoleon, who was close to ten years old. His monkey face reminded everybody of his silly father.

"Merry Christmas, Captain Butler, Scarlett."

Scarlett nodded, and concentrated on her napkin.

"Look at your fine grandson, how tall you have gotten, son." Rhett shook his hand.

"Thank you, sir."

"Captain Butler, " started Mrs. Merriweather, "It's good to see you back."

"Well, work cannot keep me from the holidays."

Scarlett coughed to stifle her sarcastic laugh.

"Well, just know that we are all thankful you are back, maybe things will be quiet now."

Scarlett felt her neck and cheeks rush with blood, and bit her lip, refusing to answer the old sow.

"I'm sure they will! Will we be seeing you at the ball?"

"Of course, I'm on the board!"

"Grand, just grand! It will be like old times, all of Atlanta's best families!" Rhett smiled a cheesy grin, and his foot kicked Scarlett's leg under the table, but she did not dare look up.

"I should say so, Captain Butler, we pride ourselves on the ball, and all of our generous donations."

Just as the waiter came with their soups, Mrs. Merriweather bid them a farewell and walked on her way.

Scarlett glared across the table as the steam of the soup wafted the air. Rhett was still smiling, as he felt Scarlett's heavy glare on his face, he didn't look at her, as he drawled, "That went well."

"You goad that old sow."

"Goad? No, I like to think stroke would be a better word."

"She all but told you to keep me in my place!"

"Who better to do so? As my "wife" you are my responsibility, and I thought I was helping-"

"Helping? I suppose this whole outing was to serve your promise of keeping up appearances with these old crows."

"Scarlett, eat your soup, you get so mean when your hungry, and do lower your voice."

"Well?"

"I suppose will go back and recount her seeing us, which will do your reputation good, but no, this outing was to get you out the house."

Scarlett wanted to get up and walk out, but the buzz of the crowd prevented her from causing and scene, and the day had been so calm, she hated to turn it into an argument. She stirred her soup, and started to eat. Scarlett wondered how long Rhett would stay, after the ball, and she also had the dread fill her chest, as Christmas day approached, without Bonnie. Scarlett had planned on staying in bed all day, and not even acknowledging the damn holiday, but Rhett was in town, and she knew it was coming, like an uncontrollable train.

Rhett noticed Scarlett's forehead knitted together and wondered, where her thoughts were.

"What's got your mind spinning?"

His voice was rough, and straight to the point, and Scarlett looked up with wet eyes.

"Scarlett, are you okay?"

Scarlett nodded, "I'm fine. I guess I'm just tired and hungry."

"Well, I think you need a nap as soon as we get home."

Scarlett didn't answer, but glared, "I'll take a nap, if I feel like it."

Rhett smiled a half smile, "Fine with me. I'll drop you off at the house, and then I'll come back downtown to take care of some business before supper."

Scarlett acted as if she didn't even hear him, but ate silently, with her mind racing and dreading the holiday.

As they pulled up in front of the Peachtree HOuse, and Pork rushed out with an umbrella, Rhett held the door closed on the carriage. He snaked his hand around Scarlett's arm, and looked her in the eye. Scarlett felt his stare, and bristled, preparing for an argument. He felt her body tense, and gently planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.

SHe pulled away, and stared at him, "What was that for?"

"I'm proud of you."

"Why?"

"Despite your fear of your "spells" you were a pretty good sport today."

"Is that all?"

"No, I want you to tell me about your nightmare, tonight."

Scarlett could not stop the tears from trickling down her face, "Rhett-"

The door swung open, and Pork stood there with the sleet covering the umbrella as Scarlett stood beside him. Rhett told Pork, "Miss Scarlett has had a long day, tell Mammy she needs some rest." Before Scarlett could protest, the door closed and the carriage drove away into the misting, freezing rain.