The Phoenix
By
Necole

Discalimer: I don't own anything.

Authors Notes: I hope everybody likes cheesy! I did try very hard! So be kind! Rhett and Scarlett are kinda hard to write. I plan to write more of this, I am a slow writer so be patient! Please tell me what you think! I love feedback!!


Chapter One: The Return

When Rhett had asked Scarlett if Charleston could be their next destination, she wanted to jump up and down like a child. She wanted to Scream “NO!” “NO!” Cry so hard that her face would contort and Rhett would have to suggest Rome, or stay in Paris longer. Anything to make her stop crying. Yet Scarlett had simply smiled and said
“Oh Rhett, that would be lovely. Cat needs to meet her grandmother.”
That had been over three weeks ago, Scarlett longed for those days back. She would cry, cry until she got her way. Charleston was miserable, at least for her. Cat and Miss Eleanor had gotten along famously. Miss Eleanor understood Cat’s need for independence. And nothing pleased Scarlett more then how within seconds of meeting Cat, Miss Eleanor had proclaimed “So much like Rhett at that age.”
There. She thought there, now she knows. She has to know for certain that Cat is Rhett’s daughter. No one could ever deny the resemblance.
Scarlett had been frightened when Rhett had received a letter their third day in Paris. It had been from Miss Eleanor.
Eleanor had stated she did not care a thing about what the people of Charleston would think. Bring her granddaughter to America so she could meet her. It had been written by a determined hand.
Rhett had laughed heartily,
“Look at what Mama sent.”
Scarlett had read the brief letter, thinking that seeing Miss Eleanor’s words would comfort her. They did not.
Scarlett was now more scared then before. This means that Miss Eleanor knows how they will react. Scarlett’s thoughts became more and more panicky. Miss Eleanor knows that those high and mighty Charlestonians will say nothing but bad things about my baby. Scarlett knew she could not protect Cat from the world, but Cat had already undergone abuse by the children of Ballyhara. The little girl did not deserve that same type of mistreatment by the nobility of Charleston. They would not be throwing stones this time. No the people of Charleston had much too vivid an imagination for that. They would throw words and parties, never accepting Cat Butler. She would always remain that “bastard child” Rhett had so graciously accepted as his own. After poor Anne had died leaving him with no heir. “Somehow,“ the hypocritical aristocrats would say, “Somehow that Scarlett woman tricked him, tricked him into marrying her again. Tricked him into adopting her child.” Scarlett heard the words in her head like they had already been spoken. But Rhett wanted his mother to know of Cat. He had written his mother within days of their safe arrival at Galway.
“Galway...” Scarlett sighed as she stretched as luxuriously as a cat. “Galway” she said again and giggled. Her face turned beet red just thinking about those wonderful nights spent in Galway. She laid on the wonderfully comfortable bed. She had not gone shopping with Cat and Miss Eleanor this afternoon. Scarlett had lied and said she suffered from a headache due to the heat.
“Miss Eleanor, you and Cat enjoy yourselves. I’m just not quite yet used to this heat. It’s so cool in Europe.”
Scarlett sat up her mood suddenly changing. For a brief moment her thoughts had floated back to Galway, and the start of she and Rhett’s new life together. Now her thoughts were flung back into reality. No she was not as happy as she had been in Galway or Paris. Yes she was happy to be with Rhett, she was happy Cat was happy, but Scarlett was truly miserable. She glanced out the window looking at the Battery below her. The water was blue and the sun was high up in the sky. She had refused the room Miss Eleanor had put she and Rhett in initially. She had tried to be sweet.
“Miss Eleanor, I would much rather look at the water then the garden. I do hope you understand, the breeze will be much more refreshing.”
Miss Eleanor had agreed and their things were moved to a smaller bedroom at the front of the house.
The truth was Scarlett could not imagine staying in the same room Rhett and Anne had stayed in. The thought made her grab hold of the quilt on the bed. Anger coming to the surface. No, she would not think of that now. She would not think of Anne and Rhett sharing a bed, sharing a life. She was Mrs. Rhett Butler now, and the past was still something she could not fix. She would not have been reminded of it, she told her self. If she was not back in Charleston. The place where everything had fallen apart.
Now she had returned to Charleston, her obligation to her future. She could survive this. If she had survived the War, and everything that had taken place afterwards. She could survive certain ostracism by Charleston’s finest. She was used to ostracism, but Cat did not need to suffer because of her mother’s mistakes. Scarlett relaxed her hands and place them on her temples. A real headache coming to replace her fake one.
Oh, she did not want to think about this all now, she wanted to think of good things. She would not be in such a state if Rhett were here. She said to herself. How absolutely terrible of that man. The boat had docked in New York prior to making it’s way down to Charleston. Scarlett had known that Rhett would be leaving she and Cat there. He had business to attend in New York. He had broken the news to Scarlett two days prior to docking in New York.
He had made love to her and then while she lay in a state of semi consciousness he had whispered. “Scarlett ? ... Scarlett are you still awake?“ He played with her hair and kissed her neck. Scarlett had been lying on her side enjoying his caresses “ummm... I’m awake.“ She said groggily. Rhett smiled at her, “I’m afraid this is the calm before the storm. Your going to hate me when I tell you this.“ Scarlett still layed their in complete bliss, her speech was slow, “What ever do you mean, I can’t hate you.” Rhett chuckled and kissed her cheek. “I’m not so sure my pet, You see I’m getting off the ship in New York. You will have to face the first few days of the Charleston blockade by yourself.”
Scarlett sprung up to a sitting position. A twisting knot of fear was being tied in her stomach. As long as Rhett was with her in Charleston she would be fine. Strong shoulders to place the heavy load on. He would fix every thing, just like he always did. Their new marriage was orchestrated by Rhett. The adoption of Cat and full title of heir to the Butler estate was of course fixed by Rhett. Rhett had even been responsible for purchasing Scarlett and Cat new clothes in Galway. Those things Scarlett could have handled herself, but Rhett had left her to do the hardest thing of all. She had to face Charleston alone.
“Your not actually leaving me to face all of Charleston alone are you? Oh you can‘t be serious! You just can‘t! How will I face your mother alone? How will I face her with Cat, she will have her doubts. Who wouldn‘t? Under the circumstances? ”
Rhett had sat up with Scarlett, he now placed strong arms around her and held her close to him. “ My dear, you need not worry. The second my mother lays eyes on that daughter of ours she will see the resemblance. I would gladly arrive in Charleston with you and Cat, but alas my business associate needs me. He assured me with that message I got during dinner that it is a true emergency.” Scarlett had pushed away from him, so she could look him in the eyes. He needed to see how scared and hurt she was.
“Well, Cat and I need you too! Surely this business associate can handle things by himself.” Before Rhett could retort a ray of hope fluttered in Scarlett’s chest.
“Oh Rhett! Let us come with you. We won’t be in the way. And I always have wondered about New York” The shimmer in Scarlett’s eyes made Rhett want to give in,
“My dear Scarlett, there is nothing more that I would rather do then show you New York. But my pet, my mother is awaiting our arrival in Charleston. She is most anxious to meet her granddaughter. So you will have to find that infuriating courage of yours and face the music without me. You can handle it, God help Charleston” The last was said with a great sense of mockery. Making Scarlett want to scratch his eyes out.
Slowly Scarlett realized that she was acting like a ninny. She could handle anything. She did not need Rhett. She had done just fine without him for over four years. Surely she could handle a few days. She called upon her infuriating courage as Rhett had called it. Yes she could handle this, Yes she could face Miss Eleanor with her darling Cat. Yes she could face all of Charleston if she had to. She was Scarlett O’Hara . . . Butler. She could do anything if she set her mind to it.
She snuggled back into Rhett’s chest, already missing him. Rhett chuckled viewing Scarlett’s closeness as her way of accepting his terms. “Don’t fret my dear, I’ll be gone for two days. Three at the most.”
“You better make it two.” said Scarlett and laughed.
A cool breeze blew in from the window filled with the smells of Charleston. In the breeze Scarlett could smell just a hint of lemon verbena. This awoke her from her recollection. She and Cat had been in Charleston for three days, three days without a single word from Rhett. She shook her head as if that physical act would rid her mind of her thoughts. She stood up and walked over to the window to look down at the street and the sea wall. People walking to where there lives would take them. Scarlett wanted Rhett to be there. He would put his arms around her and assure her that Charleston was not this evil place. That everything would be wonderful. She looked past the sea wall, out onto the water. The void that was constantly between she and Rhett had grown smaller. But it was still there. Rhett would come back to her here in Charleston, but would she have his full heart? Or would a large portion of it belong to his fellow Charlestonians. Scarlett could accept Rhett giving his affections to others, she was not a jealous child any longer. She just feared that Rhett would see what they saw. She was afraid he would change his mind again, and hate her. It was a silly fear he had pledged his love and loyalty to her, but doubt still whispered to her. She saw clouds building up in the west. A single tear fell down her cheek, a storm was coming. It would hit soon, and Scalrett would have to battle it alone. No! She thought angrily, not alone! She had Rhett! Rhett would help her! She brushed the tear off of her face and came back to her senses. She would just never give Rhett any reason to hate her again. He could never leave her, not like he did in Atlanta. She could not go through that again. All of her life had been full of tragedy and she felt weakened by it. She felt thin suddenly, like a ghost. If you looked you would see right through her. Her strength was failing her. This was what it is like to be dependent on someone. She had always been the one people depended on, now she was ready to give all that up. If it made Rhett happy. She would do anything to make Rhett happy, the strange thing was that she almost looked forward to the loss of her heavy load. She just had to make sure to keep Rhett happy, and Cat happy. They were the only things that mattered. Her life, her happiness could all be put aside. Yes, if she had to she would sacrifice everything for her husband and daughter. Though she had taken her oath, she was still frightened. What if another storm did hit? Would she be able to pick up and start all over again as she had in the past? Or would she finally diminish into this thin vaporous object that she seemed to be resembling. She did not know, but she would try, try to fight again. The storm would come and she would have to do something. She prayed Rhett would come soon. He had to come. She concentrated on the clear part of the sky and hugged herself with her arms. Rhett was coming, she could feel it. And he would bring his whole heart. At least she hoped he would.
She had to stop feeling sorry for her self. She needed to think about Cat! Cat was the most important thing in her life. That should be all she thought about! Think! She needed to think. Think about Cat and getting her completely accepted in Charleston. Her headache was now all but forgotten.
Scarlett knew her little girl wanted friends of her own age. There was no way in hell Cat would be accepted under the circumstances. And it was all Scarlett’s fault. Scarlett took the blame, before anyone in Charleston could place it on her. She had to think She already had a small plan in place, but more planning was needed. Scarlett started to pace the room. She really should have gone with Miss Eleanor and Cat. Still maybe, just maybe Cat’s appearance without either of her parents would allow Charleston to love her. Miss Eleanor certainly did. So if she was just seen with Miss Eleanor and then just with Rhett, then maybe Cat would be accepted. Cat could charm anyone or anything. Why it took her a solid second to win over Miss Eleanor. Rosemary was still in question, but that was a totally different matter.
It was late September and Rosemary was still in town. She was waiting for the first frost to come in October, so she could return to Dunmore Landing. She had greeted Scarlett at the dock with Miss Eleanor. Both had been expecting Rhett. Scarlett quite sheepishly had told them of Rhett’s departure in New York. Then before Scarlett could get another word out Cat had interrupted.
“My name is Cat. What’s your name?”
It had been directed to Rosemary. Rosemary had smirked
“umph... Scarlett you really should teach your daughter some manners.”
Then she looked down at Cat. “Little one, didn’t you know you are not to speak unless spoken to.”
Scarlett had been horrified and grabbed Cat away from Rosemary. Before Scarlett could blast Rosemary for being so mean to her dear precious baby. Miss Eleanor had stepped in. She bent down slowly to be at eye level with Cat.
“My name is Eleanor. You will have to forgive your Aunt Rosemary, she is not around children much.” Her eyes went disapprovingly to Rosemary then came back to Cat.
“Cat I am your grandmother and I am so glad to meet you.” Tears were surfacing in Miss Eleanor eyes while she spoke.
Cat examined the older woman in front of her with a great deal of concentration. Then she smiled her brightest smile. “Yes, I know. Momma and Daddy told me. May I call you Grand Momma?
Miss Eleanor blinked a few times trying to clear the tears away, but failing miserably.
“Yes Cat that would be lovely. Now that we know each other, may I hug you?
Cat always reluctant to be embraced, gave in.
“Yes, you may” The two embraced, Miss Eleanor was careful not hug Cat too close. Scarlett knew her daughter had only allowed the embrace out of politeness. The meeting of granddaughter and grandmother had pushed Rosemary from Scarlett’s mind. She would handle Rosemary later, when Rhett had arrived.
Yes her Kitty Cat could charm anyone in this entire town. Scarlett had to believe that. Scarlett had stopped pacing while she had thought of all that had occurred on the dock. She sat on the bed again staring at the door. Waiting for it to be opened, waiting for Rhett to enter. It remained closed.
Scarlett really did not know why she even was thinking about what the great people of Charleston thought of she and her daughter. They were not going to live in Charleston. This was a visit, a visit so everyone could get to know everyone. Really it did not matter what anyone thought. Yet Scarlett, a woman who only a few years before never thought past the next day had grown up. She worried about the future, worried about her daughters future. This like Ireland and Tara were Cat’s roots, whether Scarlett liked these roots or not. So everything was important. Miss Eleanor had been an easy victory, everyone else would not be. Plus it looked as if this visit would last longer then expected. Miss Eleanor had already mentioned them staying for the Season. Which was coming rather soon. Scarlett was certain Rhett would not turn down his mother’s proposition. And she would like to dance. Oh yes to dance with Rhett so all of Charleston could see how much they loved one another. She would count the days until the first ball of the Season. Maybe all her worries were just as silly as they felt right now.
Just then the door swung open and a bright happy little girl burst through.
“Momma, are you feeling better?”
Scarlett smiled brightly at her daughter. “I am now precious! Did you have fun at the Market with Miss... I mean Grand Momma?”
Cat shook her head with vigor, “Oh yes!”
Cat sat on the bed and told her mother of her adventures and the people she had met at the Market. Scaring Scarlett more and more with every new name that came up in her excited chatter.
Supper was uneventful, though Cat had a lot to discuss with Miss Eleanor about their next journey to the Market. Scarlett had remained quiet during the meal, only speaking when she had been spoken to. Rosemary made her nervous, especially the way she glared at Cat. The plates had been cleared and Miss Eleanor had suggested they have their coffee out on the second floor porch. It had grown cooler so coffee would be very good. Though Rosemary would probably ruin it, She could really ruin anything.
Scarlett’s thoughts of coffee and dislike of Rosemary were interrupted by Cat.
“Momma, Cat is sleepy” Dinner had been late because Miss Eleanor had insisted they wait a little longer to see if Rhett would be arriving tonight. The clock had chimed a rather late hour when the Butler women had sat down for their supper. Scarlett picked up Cat,
“Of course you are Angel. It’s very late and you have had a very busy day.”
With Cat in her arms she walked out onto the porch.
“Miss Eleanor, Cat is getting very tired. I’m going to help her with her bath, then we’ll be back to say our goodnights” Mother and daughter walked back into the house and back to Cat’s quarters and her bathing area. When the water was right and the right amount of bubbles had been added to satisfy Cat, only then did Cat get in the tub without any assistance from Scarlett. Scarlett on her knees bathed Cat’s back, happy to be alone with her daughter. Cat played with the bubbles and enjoyed her bath immensely. She had bubbles in her hands and was about to blow on them, then she stopped and looked up to her mother.
“Is it wrong that I do not like Aunt Rosemary?” Scarlett dropped the wash cloth into the water. Laughter grew in Scarlett’s throat and finally she allowed it to escape. She and her daughter were so much alike.
“No Kitty Cat is it not wrong that you don’t like your Aunt Rosemary. In fact I don’t much like her myself.” With that said Scarlett felt like she needed to explain more, without changing Cat’s views. She needed at least one person on her side when it came to Rosemary. And Scarlett knew Rhett would not be on her side. Scarlett leaned back on her heals and looked long and hard at her daughter. She was trying to find the right way to explain everything.
“Cat, you know you can like or dislike anyone you choose. That is something you can do all by yourself. But I think you and I should keep our dislike of Aunt Rosemary to our selves. We might change how we feel about her. Plus she is your Daddy’s sister and he loves her very much. We would not want to hurt his feelings now would we?”
Cat with her forehead crinkled in concentration, thought about what her mother said. “I had not thought about what Daddy would think. Yes, I think we should keep a secret.”
Scarlett dabbed bubbles on Cat’s nose. “Your a clever little girl my precious Kitty Cat, and Momma loves you very much.”
“Momma, my bath is over. I have wrinkles on my fingers”
Scarlett laughed as she helped Cat out of the bath tub.
Hand in hand mother and daughter made their way back to the Porch. Scarlett thought her daughter looked just precious in the little green robe that covered her night gown. With darling little green slippers to match. Cat had picked them out herself and seemed pleased every time she put each item on. They had walked past the doors which led out unto the porch, they had been closed. Scarlett figured that Miss Eleanor and Rosemary had gone to the library They trotted off to the library, Scarlett matching her step to Cat’s. Both of them enjoying the quietness of the house right before bedtime. Cat started to hum one of own little tunes. Scarlett’s heart beat with joy, such a lovely sound. Pure happiness is what Cat’s humming was. Pure happiness.
They entered the library, Scarlett was surprised to find Miss Eleanor alone.
“Did we take that long? Did Rosemary give up on us?” Miss Eleanor put her tattering to the side.
“No dear, Rosemary was tired. I told her it was fine if she wanted to retire. I am glad you found me. The wind had picked up so I moved the coffee into here. I think a storm is moving in.” Scarlett smiled at Miss Eleanor, glad to be rid of Rosemary. Her thoughts went briefly to the gathering storm. Causing her to catch a chill, she shivered. She took in a breath and shrugged off the bad feeling that had been lingering all day. She had definitely spent too much time with the Irish. She was starting to get superstitious.
“I figured you moved to the library, we spent so much time here when I was here before.”
Miss Eleanor smiled brightly at how clean and warm Cat looked in her night clothes. “You look like a little princess in that robe and those matching slippers. May I have a hug goodnight? I feel like I will not sleep at all if I do not have one.” Her voice was like velvet, and Scarlett was envious. You basically had to make Cat hug you. And Miss Eleanor knew all the tricks. These three days had been full of lessons on how a mother could coax an independent child to give affection. Without making the child feel caged.
Scarlett looked down at Cat, expecting her to grant Miss Eleanor with an embrace. But Cat did not respond to Miss Eleanor. Cat’s attention was on the large window on the other side of the room. “Kitty Cat? What’s the matter?” Cat did not answer Scarlett. Instead she went over to the window and pulled the large heavy curtain back. She giggled when the mysterious object behind the curtain was presented.
“I found you” said Cat to her father.
Rhett gave a loud burst of laughter, “Yes! Yes you did Cat!” He bent and scooped her up with one arm. Father and daughter both laughed when they looked at Scarlett. Miss Eleanor joined in the laughing when she too noticed Scarlett.
Her eyes were wide with fright and her mouth was hanging open. She had her hand on her chest, trying to calm her fast beating heart.
“You scared me to death Rhett Butler!” Miss Eleanor stopped laughing
“Oh poor Scarlett. I couldn’t resist he wanted to surprise you both. If it makes you feel any better he did the same thing to me when he came creeping in here as quiet as an Indian.”
Rhett walked over next to his mother’s chair. “Well I wanted to surprise you, it’s been sometime since I saw you last.” He bent and kissed his mother’s cheek. Miss Eleanor swatted his stomach with the back of her hand.
“Oh you always liked to sneak up on me! Even when you were little.” She pointed to Cat
“You two are so much alike, I fear for Scarlett.” To confirm what Miss Eleanor said Cat and Rhett looked each other in the eyes. They shared a nod of agreement. They were alike and they both knew it.
Rhett turned his attention to Scarlett once again.
“Have you recovered yet Mrs. Butler? Or are you turning out to be like that Aunt Pitty of yours? Do I need to fetch some smelling salts?”
Scarlett’s face colored in anger, “No I do not need smelling salts! Thank you very much Rhett Butler. I have fainted once in my life, with good cause. And I do not plan to ever again.” Her voice was angry, but her eyes where full of happiness. She was so happy to see him. Even if he did nearly kill her with his surprise appearance.
Rhett chuckled, “Good to see you too my love.” He winked at her then his attention was drawn back to Cat who was poking his chest.
“What is behind your back?” Rhett looked at his daughter with a shocked expression. Then reconciled that he could not fool her. He removed his arm from behind his back and presented Cat with a stuffed lion.
“I believe lions are your favorite.” Cat squealed with delight as she snatched it from Rhett‘s hand. She missed all her stuffed animals that had been lost in the fire. One being a lion she had called Larry. That had been the name of the lion at the Dublin Zoo. She hugged the lion close. She finally had a proper tea party companion.
“Yes, Cat likes lions best” Rhett was very pleased that Cat was happy. Cat squirmed, wanting down. Rhett set her down and she went running over to Scarlett.
“Momma may my new lion sleep with me. My other animals will be happy to have a new friend.”
Cat had taken to arranging all her stuffed animals around her pillows. She had never gave a reason why she was suddenly so attached to her new stuffed animals. But Scarlett thought it was because she had lost all her other animals in the fire. This way if she had to, Cat could gather them up quickly and run. Scarlett felt a pang of guilt, that should not have happened to her young daughter. Scarlett shook off the memories and smiled at how adorable her daughter was.
“Yes of course Kitty Cat. He is a very lovely lion. Speaking of sleep. I think you need to go to bed, it’s very late.” As if on cue Cat yawned.
“Yes Cat is sleepy.” Cat walked over to Miss Eleanor and hugged her. “Good night Grand Momma. I can’t wait until tomorrow!” Miss Eleanor smiled a secret smile at Cat, then she winked and Cat giggled. Rhett and Scarlett shared a look, both realizing they were completely in the dark. Miss Eleanor and Cat had very secret plans for tomorrow, and they planned not to share them with anyone.
Miss Eleanor let go of Cat, “Good night Cat, sleep well. Rhett, you go with Scarlett. You both should tuck Cat in. Shall I get Manigo to warm up some supper for you?” Rhett kissed his mother again on the cheek. “Thank you Mama, that would be wonderful. You’ll stay up for awhile longer won’t you? I’d like to visit with you, if you don’t mind?” Miss Eleanor shook her head, “Yes, of course Rhett, I’ll be up a little longer. I am sorry about Rosemary.” Her apology about Rosemary seemed to hint at more then simply Rosemary’s early departure this evening. Scarlett thought Rhett looked annoyed. Maybe Rhett was going to be on her side after all.
Scarlett helped Cat under the covers. While Rhett helped his daughter in the arrangement of her animals. “No he gets to sleep with me, not around me.” She was speaking of her new lion. Rhett laughed as he place the lion in her arms again. He was standing very close behind Scarlett, she could feel the heat from his body. She wondered if he wanted to kiss her and much as she wanted to kiss him.
“What are you going to name him?” Rhett asked Cat. Scarlett turned to look at him in the face. His eyes gleamed at her. Yes she thought he wants to kiss me. He missed me as much as I missed him. Her attention was drawn back to Cat who was still concentrating on a name.
“Momma do you have any names? Scarlett thought for a moment, her thoughts were not on names though. All she could think about was how close he was, if he touched her she would attack him. She would lose all control right here in front of her daughter. She had to ignore her thoughts.
“Oh Kitty Cat how about Leo? That’s always a good name for a lion.”
Cat’s eyes were beginning to droop. “Yes, Leo is a good name.”
Scarlett smiled and tucked the covers a little tighter around Cat. She kissed her forehead,
“Goodnight my precious Cat” Scarlett moved to the side so Rhett could speak his goodnight. He caressed his daughters cheek with one finger. Then said a very solemn
“Good night Cat” She was already fast asleep.
Rhett put a hand on Scarlett’s waist to escort her out the door. He closed the door quietly then turned to Scarlett. Her arms went around his neck and their lips met in a hard frantic kiss. Rhett’s mouth traveled down to her neck, then to her ear. He kissed any piece of flesh he could get his mouth on. “Oh I missed you so much” said Scarlett breathlessly. Rhett moved down her neck again, then kissed her tenderly on the mouth. His mouth went to her breast where he kissed the fabric of her dress. He wanted to rip it off of her, to expose more flesh. Scarlett ran her hands through his hair then she kissed his forehead. She wanted him to tear her dress off. She needed more, Scarlett captured his head in her hands and moved him back to her mouth. They kissed, and kissed until both knew they must stop. Rhett gently separated them. “I’m glad we did not greet each other in public” Scarlett laughed quietly, she stopped suddenly. “Oh Rhett we must look just aweful!” Rhett smiled a roguish smile.
“Not too bad, my pet. You look good enough to eat.” Scarlett giggled and with her eyes she gave a seductive look. Rhett pushed some shorter whisps of her hair behind her ears. Then he re buttoned a few of her dress’ buttons. Her expression changed to thoughtful as she went to work on his untied tie. She then re buttoned his vest, and smoothed his jacket with her hands. He kissed her on her forehead in appreciation. Scarlett started to fan her very red face with both hands. While Rhett combed through his hair with his fingers.
“Your mother is going to wonder what happened to us.”
Rhett looked at her with mock seriousness
“She’ll understand that Cat was too excited to sleep. And we had to calm her.” Scarlett laughed.
“It’s more like we were too excited.” Rhett grabbed her and gave her a quick hard kiss before setting her free again.
“Yes, we were the ones excited. Weren’t we? And I plan for a lot more excitement later on. I do hope your feeling up to a late evening.” Scarlett batted her eyes and smiled a smile that showed all her dimples. “We’ll see,” then she faked a yawn. “I am mighty tired. And I am mad at you.” Rhett’s eye brow went up and he smirked,
“Mad at me? What for?” Scarlett looked hurt, “You promised you would be gone for only two days, it’s been three. I should just go right to slee . . . . . A loud roll of thunder sounded outside. Scarlett squealed and grabbed hold of Rhett.
Rhett held her close, “Don’t worry my love, it was just thunder, I shall protect you.” She swatted at him. “It just surprised me that’s all.” Rhett laughed heartily, then presented her his arm. “Shall we?”
They settled in the library, Miss Eleanor never asked why they had been gone so long. Scarlett and Miss Eleanor were sharing stories about Cat mostly, sometimes Rhett would be mentioned. Rhett ate his meal quietly, occasionally putting in a remark when he felt it was necessary.
“Scarlett tell Mama about when you first told Cat about me.” Scarlett laughed
“Oh Miss Eleanor it’s the most adorable story.” Miss Eleanor seemed pleased, she did want to know how the little girl had reacted. Seeing that she had no idea that Rhett was her father until a little over three months ago. Eleanor listened intently to Scarlett’s story.
“Well, I had no idea how I was going to go about telling her. So finally when I was telling her goodnight I just blurted out. Kitty Cat, Rhett is your father.” Scarlett covered her laughing with her hand. “It’s sounded just as silly then. Well, Cat just looked at me with that serious expression, that she got from you” Scarlett pointed at a chuckling Rhett.
“Then do you know what she said Miss Eleanor? Scarlett’s voice went into a higher more child like voice. “She said . . . I know, we look alike. I think I shall call him Daddy.”
All three of them laughed very hard at how Cat had taken to Rhett so quickly. Scarlett grew serious.
“ I was so glad, I don’t know how she knew. And I don’t care. She was so adorable.” Tears were welling up in her eyes until she could not hold them in any longer. “I’m so glad she has Rhett. I was so sorry for not telling her sooner. I’m so sorry for how much time they have already missed . . . I’m so sorry” She placed her face into her hands and started to sob uncontrollably. Everything had come back suddenly and it had overwhelmed her. Rhett went to her and kneeled in front of her chair. His eyes were full of emotion. He rested his hands on her knees. Scarlett removed her hands so she could look at him.
“Oh Rhett! I am so sorry . . . For everything! Everything you missed, and . . .” She was silenced by Rhett who embraced her. “Shh Scarlett. I’m the one who should be sorry.” Rhett held Scarlett and allowed her to cry.
Eleanor snuck out of the room unnoticed.
Later that night Rhett and Scarlett’s love making was slow and tender like young lovers. Rhett had kissed Scarlett’s scar on her abdomen, whispering “I should have been there. I should have been there.” He had said the same thing their first night together in Galway. He had worked his way down her entire body, leaving a trail of kisses. He stopped when he reached her scar. His eyes had met hers. Tears were rolling down her cheeks, she couldn’t find the words she needed to tell him.
“Cat.” was all she could choke out. Rhett had understood immediately then his mouth was on top of her trying to kiss her pain away. Then he had pulled back and he had kissed her scar three times “I should have been there Scarlett, I’m so sorry. I should have been there.”
Scarlett awoke to lightning still flashing outside the windows. She got out of bed, putting on a night gown and a robe. She laid Rhett’s dressing robe out at the foot of the bed for him. She went to the window and looked at the storm. She was embarrassed about the way she had just cried her eyes out in front of Miss Eleanor. Miss Eleanor probably thought she was terribly unstable, and a cry baby on top of that. She turned and looked at Rhett’s sleeping figure. She was so happy they were together. It made her feel whole. She had apologized to him for crying like she had. He had comforted her tonight by telling her the story of the Phoenix. How it catches on fire then out of it’s own funeral pyre is born again. From the ashes it rises and lives again. He compared her to the Phoenix. That had made her feel strong and happy. But now as she watched the tempest that had Charleston held captive, she shivered. She could feel a new fire burning, burning slowly and turning everything into ashes.

Thisis grate I lovewhenpeople write where Scarlett ends. Iwounderwhat it is goingto belike for them, returning to Charleston will thetruth come out that Scarlett didn't run off with another man will it make Rhett look bad for divorcing his wife or will everyone blame Scarlett for everything like they always do. Will Rosemary tell the truththat she burned the note. will everyone understand that Rhett didn't love Anne after seeing him and Scarlett together?