Author's note: First of I do not own Gone with the Wind and am making no money off of this story. Please do not post this story anywhere else without getting permission from me.
Second: Please leave reviews and feedback. I do not want to be one of those Author's who withholds chapters to get more reviews but if I don't get more then three reviews for this Chapter I will not post chapter 4 next Monday until I at least get 8 reviews for this chapter. So please review, if it's only I'm enjoying this story as a comment that's fine. It doesn't have to be a long review.
Third I want to give a shout out to those who did leave Reviews Thank You so much.
SW,
Chapter Three
The entryway looked even more rundown than it had the last time he was here, Rhett thought as he entered the house. He was unsure how Scarlett would receive him, so he put on his devil be there face. Trying to show no emotion as he entered the setting room. He could see Scarlett was on the sofa, she looked up and their eyes met.
She looked tired was the first thing Rhett noticed about his wife, she wasn't all dutied up like he knew she enjoyed being. The second was the look of anxiety on her face, well, at least he wasn't the only one who was worried about how this conversation would go.
Because if this conversation didn't go the way he hoped for, it would mean the end of their marriage. And Rhett did not want that, at the same time he wasn't really sure what being a married man entailed. He knew he could take care of Scarlett and her family financially, no it was more the emotion side of marriage Rhett was afraid he would not be any good at.
Scarlett and He were alike in that they both wanted their own way, and did not want to listen to others. But Rhett himself knew he had a cruel streak to those that hurt him or burned him. He did not like to be made to look the fool in his own eyes or other peoples.
Wasn't that one of the reason he had left Scarlett all those months ago now? Because he didn't believe she loved him. He couldn't believe she did, and he would not be led around by the nose by a wife would loved another man.
The few words he had with Mr. Wilkes outside on the porch had showed the man did not think highly of him, and dare he hope Scarlett as well? Rhett hoped that Mr. Wilkes thought of Scarlett as nothing more now than a burden on his good name. That he would take his family and leave as soon as it became appeared that Rhett would be staying.
Because one thing Rhett knew for sure, if he's going to live at Tara, Ashley Wilkes would not be. That was going to be his one demanded of Scarlett, that she would have to kick the honorable gentlemen out. If she truly loved him like she claimed that wouldn't be too hard to do at all.
Running his eyes over the rest of his wife's figure, Rhett stopped mid-step, noticing the enlarged middle section of her stomach. He opened his mouth only to close it as he looked at Scarlett then back towards the doorway. He tried to say something again, only to find his voice was lost to him completely.
Scarlett couldn't help but laugh at the look of shock and confusion written all over Rhett's face. It was the first time she had seen the confident Rhett Butler without words.
Hearing her laughter, Rhett forced himself to walk the few feet left, until he was standing next to the sofa Scarlett was setting on. He had never imaged his returning to find Scarlett with child. It just wasn't something his mind had pictured. Seeing her now, though, Rhett couldn't believe he hadn't thought of the consequences of their time together.
"Why" Rhett started but stopped, already knowing why Scarlett hadn't told him of her pregnancy. He hadn't left her any contact information, so how could she get in touch with him?
"How long until you give birth?" Rhett asked when he finally found he could complete a sentence. Knowing if the child was his, it could be anywhere from three months to any day now.
Scarlett was happy Rhett hadn't lashed out for her laughter, he seemed to be trying to comprehend her pregnancy. Which was good because one of Scarlett's deepest fears, of late, was Rhett not wanting a child of his own. Or worse yet, denying the baby was his.
"One can never exactly guarantee" Scarlett started with her answer to Rhett's question, noticing his left eyebrow raise with her words, "but I believe only two more months"
Scarlett herself wasn't exactly sure just how long until the baby came, two months was a close guess for how long she had missed her monthlies before she felt the baby move. She supposes it could be as long as three months. One truly was never sure when a baby would decide to come into the world.
"Yes one can never truly know" Rhett responded with trying not to sound cruel. Because more than likely with how big Scarlett was, this was indeed his child. But seeing how he had been gone from Atlanta and Scarlett for six months it was not impossible for the baby to be Ashley Wilkes, after all the man was living at Tara.
Of course, Rhett knew he couldn't accuse Scarlett of infidelity because he had no proof she had been. And if this was his child it was already going to have so much to live down, not adding her or his Father not believing they were these before birth.
Scarlett was remaining quiet because she did not want to get into an argument with Rhett over the baby. She needed him to accept responsibility for their child along with being open about their marriage. And she knew the more she talked, the more likely it was they would get into a fight. They always seemed to argue, sometimes Scarlett thought Rhett did it on purpose to get a rise out of her. He enjoyed it, she promised. Men, were such strange creatures, who could understand them?
"Are you happy about this, My Pet?" Rhett asked as he motioned to Scarlett's stomach.
"God's nightgown Rhett" Scarlett couldn't help slipped out at his question. "I would be happier about this if everyone knew you are my husband"
Rhett did laugh at her reply, so the baby itself wasn't the problem for Scarlett, everyone thinking she didn't have a husband was. She did have a point there though, it had to be hard being seen as a fallen woman, when you truly weren't one.
"Yes, well I'm here now, and we can take care of that little problem of yours" Rhett jestly spoke as if announcing their marriage was an everyday occurrence that needed little fanfare. Like, he hadn't forbidden Scarlett from telling anyone they were married before now.
Honey, thought Scarlett as she tried to keep her temper in check, you attraction more bees with honey than vinegar. Oh, but how she would like to give some vinegar, to Rhett right now. Instead, she smiled and sweetly ask. "When will you take care of that little problem of ours?"
"As soon as Mr. Wilkes finds other living arrangements" Rhett answered curtly, wanting to see if Scarlett would shield Ashley from having to go out into the cold world on his own to fend for himself.
"Fiddle-dee-dee, if it was that easy to get rid of him I would have sent him packing months ago" Scarlett came back with "He has no money to go anywhere else. And while I don't care if he starves to death, after the whole fuss he made of finding us together. I will not turn Melly and Beau out."
Rhett took a seat next to Scarlett on the sofa knowing she was right on the point of Melly and Beau, they could not in good conscience put them out. One really couldn't throw out the husband and keep his family, could they?
"What about Miss PittyPat's house? Couldn't they go live with her?" Rhett inquired, thinking he had found the answer to their problem.
"She can't afford to take them in" Scarlett counter "She wrote Melly that while she would love for them to live with her, she doesn't have the allotted funds at the moment"
Rhett found that answer hard to believe, how much more money would it cost for food for just two more people? Beau was too young to be eating much if not still breastfeeding at the moment. And wasn't that house half Scarlett's as well. So sending the Wilkes there wouldn't even need the older woman's approval.
Rhett gave Scarlett a look like he didn't believe the answer she had just given him, so she informed him "Pittypat doesn't want anything or anyone close to me around her. The scandal of our relationship is just too much for her."
"So she would rather her niece and nephew live with you and the scandal, then take them in?" Rhett asked, skeptical of Scarlett's answer.
"Yes," Scarlett mumbled back, "it seems out of sight, out of mind works well for Pittypat."
"Really?" Rhett questioned.
"That, and Melly has made it clear to everyone she will not be disowning me. Or hear anyone talk bad about me." Scarlett shyly smiled at Melanie's faith in her. "She says I'm her sister and she will not abandon me"
Hearing just how much Melanie defended Scarlett and wouldn't leave her made Rhett feel like a heel for wanting rid of the Wilkes family. Mrs. Wilkes truly loved Scarlett and would not allow others to treat her poorly, not even her own Aunt.
"We will have to think of someway to get rid of him" Scarlett stated, "Perhaps you know of someone who could offer Ashley a job?"
"Trust me My Pet, even if I did know someone your dear Mr. Wilkes would not welcome my help" Rhett unceremonious retorted knowing the man thought himself above the likes of Rhett therefore looked down on him for his tower of righteousness. It didn't matter if Ashley had to relay on the charity of his sister-in-law and her family, as long as he didn't have to accept help from a reprobate.
As a sly smile formed on Rhett's face, he could almost imagine the look on Ashley Wilkes' face if he had to thank him for his help once more. It would truly be worth helping the insufferable gentleman, just to see that look of contempt he had to swallow back.
"I think you mean Melanie's, dear Mr. Wilkes" Scarlett fired back with not wanting any claim on her former love, having outgrown that childish infatuation. Also, she tired of Rhett's insistence that she cared for Ashley when she did not.
"Of course, isn't that what I said?" Rhett posed, daring his Wife to correct him.
"You know what you said" Scarlett returned with as she noticed Rhett's lips forming a smile. He was enjoying this back and forth between them, she was sure.
"Well I'm sure I meant Mrs. Wilkes', dear husband" Rhett riposte. He then turned his head away from Scarlett, so she could not see the all out smile on his face. He loved to tease Scarlett, it was such fun to get her all worked up.
"I'm sure you did" Scarlett sourly replied, "forgetting all that. We still have no way to get Ashley out of this house. Unless you have money to give the southern gentleman"
"Money you say?" Rhett ask, turning to look at his wife once again. Rhett noticed how her face was rounder than when he was last in Atlanta, he supposed her pregnancy was the cause of that. It made her look softer than he remembers, as well as making her more beautiful.
If money was all it took to get rid of Mr. Wilkes, Rhett would give him buckets full to never have to see him again. And think every penny spent getting him to leave was worth it.
"Yes, money" Scarlett returned as she looked into Rhett's eyes wanting him to know she wasn't trying to trick him. "He had a job offer up North some months ago, but did not have the train fare"
"My Pet, didn't you have the money for fare for him?" Rhett asked, thinking of the funds he had given Scarlett for the upkeep of Tara.
"That money is for keeping everyone at Tara fed and clothed" Scarlett hotly defended her actions, "I didn't know how long you would be gone. I had to make sure it lasted until the cotton crop was in"
"And you didn't think using it for three train tickets up north for the Wilkes' would save you money in the long ran? Of not having to feed them?" Rhett fiery questioned.
"Ashley wasn't going to take Melly and Beau yet. He was only going and would have needed more than just train fare." Scarlett voiced, "He also needed money for a rented room and food. Besides, he never asked me for the money"
"Not that you would have given it to him" Rhett countered, "You're really mad at Mr. Wilkes aren't you?"
"Of course I am" Scarlett answered as she tried to stand up off the sofa, but her large stomach wasn't cooperating, and she slipped back down. Rhett stood up and then offered Scarlett his arms as support for her. She gave him a dirty look as she stood up with his help.
"He looks down on me," Scarlett continued with, "and the lecture I got on the way back to Tara from Atlanta."
"Was it very bad?" Rhett questioned as he walked with Scarlett to the window, both of them looking out to the front yard.
"God's nightgown Rhett it was awful, the worse talking to I've ever gotten" Scarlett admitted, "Don't think for a minute I've forgotten your part in all this"
"My part, I wasn't even there" Rhett justify thinking Scarlett was losing her mind.
"No, but if you hadn't had made me keep quiet about our marriage, I could have told Ashley to go to hell." Scarlett threw back at Rhett, seeing understanding in his eyes.
"I didn't really think you would keep quiet" Rhett admitted as he took hold of Scarlett's hand, "I have to say I'm shocked when you discovered your condition you didn't just tell everyone the truth"
"What good would that have done," Scarlett said as she smiled up at Rhett shyly, she could never understand how Rhett's mind worked. She did what he asked, and he was shocked, well what did he expect? He had threatened to take Tara away if she told anyone, plus she wanted to prove her love for him. "You weren't here, No one would believe me, they would think they were just words from a desperate woman"
Rhett knew Scarlett reasoning was right, no one without him there would believe Scarlett was actually telling the truth about their marriage. Even now, with him here, Rhett knew there would be some who would never believe they had been married this whole time. But they had a better shot that some would believe the truth with him there telling it. Also, Rhett knew he would have to talk to the Priest that married them, let him announce it in a service that he had married them last year.
'Oh what a tangle web we weave' Rhett thought, knowing this would follow Scarlett and him the rest of their lives. Hopefully it wouldn't blacken their children's lives too badly. People could overlook a lot of things if you were wealthy enough.
"Do you think Ashley's job offer is still available?" Rhett asked, deciding they need to get back on point of how to get rid of Mr. Wilkes. The last things they needed was to get into a screaming match about who had more fault in the situation they found themselves in. Because Rhett had a feeling that was one fight he would not win, as much as he wanted to be right.
"He got a letter a few days ago from that friend, so I think so" Scarlett informed Rhett, acting like she hadn't gone in search of the letter after Ashley had read it. It hadn't been that hard, she just waited until Ashley and Melanie had left their room and went in and found the letter in a bedside drawer. She had only to read a few lines to know Ashley's job offer still stood. If Scarlett hadn't been so worried about money, she would have given him the train fare that very day.
Rhett supposed that was a good sign that Ashley did have a job offer. Now all he had to do was get the gentleman there. Rhett just hoped once they told Ashley of their marriage, he would feel bad enough for his wrongful treatment of Scarlett that he would take the money Rhett would offer him to leave.
You just never knew with a southern gentleman, would his fallen pride not allow him to accept help from Rhett or Scarlett?
"Hopefully the job is still available" Rhett noted, wanting to get this whole Wilkes business over so that he could concentrate on his marriage to Scarlett. They needed to have a long talk about what they both wanted. Rhett knew once Ashley was gone, he would feel a lot better about Scarlett's attentions being solely for himself.
He could see Scarlett was angry at Mr. Wilkes, but once that past would she fall back into her infatuation with the man? No, it was better that Ashley Wilkes live far, far away. So they never had to see the gentleman again. Plus Rhett would be sure to remind Scarlett every chance he could what a judgmental man Mr Wilkes truly was, well perhaps not every chance it would be better if Mr Wilkes was just forgotten over time.
The only downside to that was they would have to cut ties with Mrs. Wilkes, which Rhett would have thought something Scarlett would rejoice to do. But her fuss about not turning Miss Melly and Beau out, that might cause a problem for Scarlett.
After all, Melanie Wilkes was little Wade Hamilton 's Aunt, and she most likely would want to keep in contact with her late brother's only child. If only Wade was older, he could correspond with his Aunt by mail. But the boy wasn't old enough to even read yet, at least Rhett didn't think he could, much less write a letter.
Rhett promised himself he would hire a tutor as soon as possible to learn Wade his letters along with his numbers. After all, the boy was about to become an older sibling, he would need to know those things to help teach his younger sibling.
'A baby' was soon to become part of his life, Rhett wasn't sure how to feel about becoming a Father. But he knew one thing for sure, he would not turn his back on his child no matter what. For that matter, he thought looking at Scarlett, he wouldn't turn his back on the Mother of said child either.
Author Note: This chapter took me weeks to write because it was so hard to get the dialogue between Rhett and Scarlett right. It had to be just right of a back and forth to seem like both of them would actually say these words. So Please let me know how I did if it works or not?
SW,