A/N: It's been a long time but I have an update. If anyone else is still reading this, I hope you like it. Let me know...

The Butlers were well on their way across the seas. Scarlett's aunts had been confined to their cabins, both suffering severe bouts of sickness. The ship's doctor had perscribed a simple gruel and plenty of water and lots of rest. The children spent most of their time in the fresh air, whilst Rhett's mother spent the odd afternoon with the aunts, keeping them occupied as much as she was able and willing. Scarlett and her sisters took their turn, as graciously as possible but they preferred to stay outside and enjoy the sun. To appease Mammy's sensibilities, they kept to the shade as much as possible.

Rhett and Frank spent the evenings at cards and Frank found that his game was improving rapidly, unaware that Rhett had fixed the game to allow him some victories. His money was serving the family well and he truly didn't mind being somewhat out of pocket. He had planned an extensive trip around Europe and was eager to reach their first destination. They were to start with Dublin, so that they could meet the O'Haras again. This time, they were not to stay with the relatives from their previous trip. He found them too boorish and he didn't want Scarlett to be uncomfortable.

Instead, he had conspired with Colum to purchase the old O'Hara place, leasing the land to Scarlett's relatives, so they would be able to improve their circumstances. The house had undergone severe repairs and Rhett had created a 'trust' that would allow ownership and governship of the property to any O'Hara that was in the vicinity. They other O'Haras would never venture into the house, but they would appreciate the land and the extra income.

Colum had gathered a fine workforce of local people to make the repairs and furnish it enough for the family's extended visit, maintaining full confidentiality. Which meant that the whole village knew of the scheme that very evening and spoke with pride how an O'Hara had caught herself a millionaire.

XxX

After a few days rest in Dublin, the family were on the road to Ballyhara. They arrived to find the few servants hired from the local village, ready to meet them and show them to their rooms. They were slightly worried about Mammy, Prissy, Pork and Dilcey but were assured that the wages they were offered would buy their politeness.

Tea was prepared in the sitting room and the family welcomed the refreshments.

XxX

Mornings began with walks about the estate, so that Rhett could show off what had been done and he was keen to make sure Scarlett enjoyed her time fully.

"Can we go to the horse fair whilst we're here?"

"Will it measure up to the one in Virginia?"

"Maybe not, but the children will like the horses. And we could see about getting horses for here, I do so want to ride."

Rhett stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Well, if you insist."

"You've done so much here Rhett, I could hardly believe it's the same property."

"Well, money does wonders..."

"Yes yes, but it's you as well Rhett. You've made the necessary repairs while still allowing the house to have its own charm. It looks how it should. Why, you remember Connie's home? That place was filled with the rafters of things and I know the children were worried about making too much noise. Here, they can run and be free. That's what I want for them. Always."

"We'll have to see them while we're here. They'll be expecting an invitation. We mustn't disappoint them."

Scarlett groaned and rolled her eyes.

XxX

The promised visit wasn't too painful. Connie and her husband were treated to the Aunts' very frank opinion of the country and their dislike of Gerald O'Hara. Rhett's mother was quite embarrassed and Rhett was his most graceful and charming host.

They were not afforded a return invitation, despite the generous pot Rhett had put forward as prize for the card game.

When the day of the Fair came, the sun shone brightly through the rain. There were plenty of horses available and Rhett took great pleasure in striking a deal. Scarlett couldn't decide between a pair of mares, so Rhett bought them both, along with more horses to work the fields. There were peasant clothes, which the O'Hara sisters thought would be comfortable for the children to play in.

During the time spent in Ireland, there were horse rides, picnics and long leisurely walks. It was good to see the O'Haras and talk of old stories about Gerald. Suellen and Careen had tales of life after the War, that put paid to their beliefs that the O'Hara sisters were pampered and privileged pets.

From Ireland, they traveled to Paris and divided their time between the museums, fine food and shopping. Then it was a pattern they repeated around other European countries...

Meanwhile, on the day the Butlers left New York, Rhett had arranged a meeting with a contact of his lawyers. He wasn't necessarily the most savoury of men and was known amongst the lower eschelons of society as a 'collector.' Rhett had hired him to find the stolen pieces of jewellery based on the descriptions obtained from Mrs Walker. The collector had also been given a detailed history of Solange O'Hara and was tasked with finding her.

He had been given a generous retainer and was instructed to liaise with Henry Hamilton of Atlanta and was to send communication monthly, even if there were no updates.

It was a cushy job and he began it the moment Rhett's footsteps could no longer be heard.

His first destination was Mexico, to track down what happened to Ashley Wilkes and Solange. He found the man who had brought the news of Ashley's death and talked with the people who had organised Solange's work placement.

His connections led him to Saratoga, where the trail halted.

He found where Solange had arranged employment, it was in the home of an old Southern family. The family were somewhat known to the O'Haras, in fact they had once hosted the O'Hara twins, two years prior to the War.

The collector spoke with the mother about the kindness that had been so rudely thrown back in her face. They had taken the girl in, remembering the connection and feeling sorry for her fall from grace, gave her a home and a job, only to be robbed blind. The Collector took descriptions of the missing pieces and forward the details on to Henry.

His first steps was to trawl the pawn shops and, leaving descriptions of the jewelry and of Solange for good measure. He found the people who had bought the pieces and noted how much she was paid and their re-sell value. It was more than the original owners could afford, hence why they had not been able to collect. He found himself waiting in Saratoga for instructions and it was a few days before the telegram came through.

He was to purchase them based on Henry's instructions. Rhett had set aside a fee for that purpose and the collector made it known just who was paying his wages. The name Henry Hamilton did not do much change, but his position as a lawyer was noted. Rhett's name had more effect. His pre-War reputation proceeded him, along with his penchant for violence and shady dealings.

He knew the danger money would be more than his lives' worth to risk losing it should he betray his benefactor. He wasn't about to screw this up.

XxX

On his first appointment at the home of Solange's former employers, he arrived dressed in his best clothes, his mind humble to the South's former gentry and unsure what reception he would receive.

The lady of the house, met him in what would have been the parlour.

"Please sit down."

After being served refreshments of sorts, she looked at him expectantly.

"Thank-you for agreeing to see me, Ma'am. I'll be sure to make my visit brief."

The lady could see the effort he was taking to make his voice more genteel than normal.

"Very well."

"I have been engaged to find information about a recent employee of yours."

"Oh."

"She is of some import to my client. She has been brought low in circumstances and has been caught up in some scandal." Here he paused.

"What kind of scandal?"

"My sources tell me that before she left her employ, that she stole certain precious items from the families that had been so kind as to take her in. Jewelry mostly. All pawned."

"Pawned?"

"Some of the families were unable to get it back."

"And the woman worked here?"

"I believe so. She has a sister, who happens to be married to my client. He is anxious to make reparation and find out where she is."

"I see."

"So any information you can give me would be much appreciated."

"Well, I, it's all so distressing."

He stayed silent.

"Of course, we felt it was our duty to house her, given she had been an acquaintance, however small. Her sister was my daughter's friend. It's been years, since we saw her. The sister, that is. We were glad to host her. Her sister on the other hand, one doesn't like to to speak ill of people, but that girl, was the complete opposite. She did not follow instructions, was rude to the other members of the household and finally, stole from us." She stood suddenly, walking across the room to a small cabinet. She pulled a small scrap of paper out and handed it to him.

"She left this. I meant to throw it away but I had to show it to the police. They weren't too concerned about a runaway charity case. But still, it was my duty to inquire. They traced the jewelry to the pawn shop but it had already been sold and there was nothing they could do."

He left soon after to make his own enquiries. They led him to the pawnshop owner, who was able to divulge the name of the seller, for a fee. Likewise, the new owners were persuaded to part from their new purchase for generous compensation.

So it was that less than a week later, the family were rewarded with another visit and the return of their stolen items. In their joy, the daughter of the house, who had been friends with Scarlett had asked if he would be able to forward a letter to her old friend.

"It would be my pleasure miss, though the family are overseas at present, I'm sure they will be glad to receive a letter."

The lady recalled how he even removed his hat, out of an attempt to show deference, she assumed. It was unfortunate that he had so little hair atop of his head. She was hard-pressed to recall her manners and not laugh at the man. Somehow she retained her composure, at least until she could be alone in her room.

XxX

The people of Atlanta knew of the Butler's penchant for travel and were perplexed when the family's stay exceeded three months. Then four, five.

When it reached six, rumours started to fly that they had in fact left America and would be selling their home.

Another two months passed and then quite out of nowhere, there they were, back again. At least Captain Butler had reclaimed his desk at the bank. He greeted them all pleasantly.

"Why Captain Butler, you have returned."

"Indeed I have Mrs Meade. We stopped in Charleston to return my mother and sister and the Ms Pauline and Eulalie."

"And the Kennedy's, are they at home?"

"Yes Ma'am, poor Frank had a bout of sickness this last few days but he should be well on the way to recovery."

"Oh dear, I hope it isn't serious?"

"Not at all. I think he was ready to return home and to his shop."

"Well he needn't worry, it's been thriving."

Rhett grinned, having received regular reports.

"Ah, but let's say some people grow weary over extended travel."

"And how is Scarlett? Now that you are back, I must call on her."

"Perhaps you'll do me a very great service?"

"Oh, if I can assist in any way?"

"Scarlett is not receiving guests at this moment. In fact, the family would take it as a kindness if you postponed any thought of visits for the time-being."

"Good gracious, what ever for?" Mrs Meade's voice was raised in her shock, it was only when she felt the stares that she realised her blunder. Rhett did not comment.

"The timing is inconvenient."