The Phoenix
By
Necole

Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Authors Notes: Thanks to Laura, Susan, and Carol for their feedback!! Carol I hope this chapter answers some of your questions! Thanks again for reading! CHEESY Warning!!! I think I make Scarlett cry WAY TOO MUCH!! SO I have to put the cheesy warning on this chapter yet again! Other Fic writers out there I have a question for you, Is Rhett Butler not like the hardest man to write. I mean I think I know what he would say, but then I always question WHY? Why would he say that??? I don't know maybe I complicate things WAY too much!! Anyway ENJOY!!!


Chapter Two: Polite Torture

Many days had past since Rhett’s arrival. Scarlett was still feeling uneasy about everything. She tried to hide it from Rhett, and Miss Eleanor. Cat had known something was wrong with her mother. She was more affectionate to Scarlett, hugs and kisses were her gifts of understanding. Scarlett marveled in how observant her daughter was. They did truly understand one another. Cat had lost a little bit of her independence with the loss of Ballyhara. She no longer had woods to run and play in, nor did she have her tower. Rhett had promised that they would go to the Landing, when it got cooler. So Cat could romp and stomp the way he had as a child. Scarlett prayed for cold air to set in. She needed Rosemary to leave. Her persistent stares and cruel remarks were getting to Scarlett. Rhett had supposedly spoken to her. Though Scarlett had seen no change what so ever in Rosemary’s behavior. If she could only put Rosemary in her place, but Rhett would not like that.
Scarlett finished buttoning her ugly drab dress that she had purchased to please all of Charleston. The window was up this morning and she relished in the smell of autumn. The air was cool, but not too cool. It was a perfect fall day. Scarlett’s full attention was on the window and the cool fall breeze. She longed for the wetness of Ireland; she wanted to feel the cool earth under her feet. Sadness had crept in again, with her longing for Ireland. She closed her eyes not wanting them to open again. Not until this day was over. Her gaze went again to the mirror she was sitting in front of. She smiled at seeing Rhett’s reflection standing behind her. Watching her like a cat.
He came up behind her and kissed her cheek then his lips went to her neck. His breath was warm. He kissed her neck gently. Then his grip tightened around her arms and he whispered in her ear,
“What’s wrong Scarlett? What is going on in that pretty little head of yours? Are you wishing now, on this day of reckoning. That you had married Fenton instead of me.” It had sounded like his usual mockery. Something cruel so she could get her claws out. But his comment stung, in fact it wounded her quite deeply. She had been enjoying the way his lips felt on her skin. He had been taking some of the fear away. His kisses were tempting, tempting enough to make her stay upstairs all day. But his words were too nasty.
She looked at his reflection with eyes full of sorrow. She exhaled with a defeated sigh. “No Rhett.” She closed her eyes and furrowed her brow. How could she make him understand. Couldn’t things ever just be happy with the two of them. She had known when they had reconciled that all was not going to be flowers and moonbeams. They had too much vigor to allow bliss to bore their world. They liked challenge, just like Rhett had said, but Scarlett did not like arguing. It reminded her of the old days. That was something she did not want to be reminded of. She had paid enough for those dark times. A tear escaped and she looked down at her hands. With one hand she wiped the tear away, but her gaze remained down. Rhett would think she had turned into a some sort of gentile crying ninny. She’d be needing those smelling salts soon. How dare she cry, and in the earliest part of the day. How would she be by mid afternoon when Miss Eleanor’s committee was coming. She’d be sobbing by then, she just knew it. She sniveled a little, and in a quiet voice she spoke.
“I do love you -- so much.” Rhett made her turn to face him. He looked confused and his eyes were sad. “ I shouldn’t have said that. That was too cruel. Wasn’t it?” Scarlett shook her head yes, a sobbing laugh escaped. He placed a handkerchief in her hand. She continued to cry and laugh at the same time. She dabbed her face with the handkerchief.
“Oh Rhett, I’m such a silly goose. I’m shaking in my boots, just thinking about all of those women coming today.” She pointed at herself, “Me Scarlett O’Hara, who would have ever thought that a bunch of old spiders would make me turn into a such a stupid ninny.”
Rhett had a very concerned look on his face, “No Scarlett. Your going to have to forgive your Old Fool of a jealous husband!” He enunciated each word carefully, “I had promised, not so long ago not to hurt you intentionally. That’s exactly what that comment was. I just saw you thinking and you looked so thoughtful . . . I thought . . . Christ only knows what I was thinking. It’s October tenth and I figured since you had planned a September wedding,” He hesitated again as if ashamed of his thoughts. “I thought you were longing to be a countess right now.”
Scarlett stood and embraced him, she pulled back quickly and kissed him.
“The cool air made me think of Ireland. That’s all! I swear! That’s all I was thinking about. I never, never want you to think that I’m longing to be married to anyone except you. I love you Rhett Butler with my whole heart. I don’t know why you won’t believe me.”
Rhett laughed more at his own foolishness then at what Scarlett had said. Scarlett smiled at his laughter. He kissed her hands and then held them in his.
“So your frightened of the old spiders are you? Well, how about after this little meeting gets under way, I’ll come and rescue you. I’ll beat them away from you with Mama’s best pillows if I have to.” Scarlett giggled
“You always have been my knight in shining armor.”
“Yes, and I’ll continue to be my Queens champion” He kissed her tenderly, blotting out the anguish of the earlier events.

Cat had been restless during breakfast, she had eaten her food very quickly. Then she sat and watched with anticipation as her father, very slowly ate his eggs. Scarlett’s mouth had twitched with a grin as she watched her daughter. Cat was never rude, but she wanted to be. Rhett was reading his newspaper. He would occasionally peak an eye above his paper to watch Cat and her anticipation. She watched him with the eye of a hawk, awaiting some movement, some sign, that he was ready to leave. Finally Rhett decided he had tortured his daughter long enough. It was time to leave. Cat was hurrying Rhett to the door, pulling his hand with her. Scarlett followed laughing at the sight that they made.
“Have fun my two pirates, I shall be awaiting news of your adventures.” Rhett stopped at the threshold of the door, jerking Cat slightly with his sudden stop. She turned and gave Rhett a rather annoyed look. Rhett laughed,
“Ahoy there mate, full stop!” Cat had giggled at Rhett’s words, her glare disappearing.
Rhett turned to Scarlett he brushed her cheek with his lips. “Be kind to the natives, I hear their cannibals.” Scarlett’s eyes filled with shock, then they slanted in annoyance. “Oh Just go and look at those precious horses of yours!“ Then her face turned into a smile and her voice changed in pitch.
“Have fun Kitty Cat!” Rhett laughed heartily at Scarlett, then turning his full attentions to Cat.
“Cast Off! My dear Cat!” And with that Rhett and Cat set off on their adventure. Leaving Scarlett behind to defend herself against the restless natives.

The bells told of their arrival. It was well past lunch and Scarlett’s face wore a grimace. Her eyebrow was up, her eyes cold, she was ready to do battle. Rosemary emerged from up stairs when the first signs of ringing had been heard. Scarlett was shocked to see her wearing a black dress. She looked over to see if Miss Eleanor had changed since lunch. No she was still wearing her brown outfit. Then why had Rosemary changed. The bells had grown closer, closer, then they stopped.

So it began.

Scarlett, curious to see who all had come, peaked out the window. Her eyes widened in shock. God’s nightgown! she proclaimed to herself. There they all were wearing black, just like Rosemary. They were in mourning! And Scarlett would bet her life that they were still mourning Anne Hampton . . . Butler, whatever her proper name was. It would always be Anne Hampton to Scarlett she would never under any circumstances be Anne Butler! Scarlett put on a smile, this was going to be the battle of her life. Scarlett thought the women of Charleston were mighty clever in their forms of polite torture. Let them come, Scarlett said to herself. Let them Come! She could handle their torture. If she could handle the fat old cats of Atlanta, she could handle anything!

They entered one by one, Sally Brewton (their obvious leader) entered first. She was the nicest of them all. “My dear Scarlett, it has been such a long time since we have seen you. So good of you to come see Eleanor.” Next to enter was Mrs. Anson, Emma Anson was not as friendly as Sally. “So good to see you again.” She took Scarlett’s hand in hers, held it. Looked her in the eyes then with a sigh of sorrow patted Scarlett’s hand and then released it. The third and final participant in the battle of East Battery entered with a slight clumsiness about her. Her brown curly hair was untidy and her tanned face was something very far from beautiful. It was not that she was ugly, ugly was too harsh a word. Nor was she simply plain, plain had a gentleness to it that this girl did not have. Scarlett thought the most unpleasant thing about her appearance was the large nose that covered every inch of her face.
She stepped away from Miss Eleanor and extended a bony hand to Scarlett.
“It is so nice to finally make your acquaintance Scarlett. I’m Sarah Thomas”
Scarlett smiled and took the rather limp bony hand of Sarah’s
“I’m so pleased to meet you.” Scarlett felt sorry for the homely little creature in front of her, she didn’t even have good bone structure.
Sally interrupted Scarlett’s thoughts,
“Scarlett, Sarah was Anne’s best friend from the Confederate Home. They graduated together. Sarah has rejoined Charleston society. She had moved off with a teaching position.” Sally’s voice was heavy with emotion. “Now that she’s back, she can help us. Since we no longer have Anne.” Sarah hung her head in sadness, and the other women followed suit. All except for Scarlett, she stood their gawking at them. This was going too far! Still she held her peace. She could do this. And besides Rhett would be coming soon, he had promised to rescue her. She hoped he was on his way right now.
They all sat down to tea and started discussing business. They left Scarlett out of most of the conversations, since she was not an official member of the committee. Time ticked away so slowly. Minutes seemed to last for decades. Scarlett’s tongue hurt from biting it so many times. She had told herself if she seemed meek and scared they’d tear her to pieces. But if she seemed flippant, acted aloof about their comments; then they would be the ones intimidated instead of her. She had to pretend nothing affected her. She just had to smile and agree.
Great Balls of Fire! They had been there an hour! Scarlett thought she was going to scream! Why couldn’t Rhett come? He had promised. Oh it was just like him to be nasty. He really was a terrible man! Leaving Scarlett to face the old crows, just like making her go to Ashley’s birthday party. Scarlett’s thoughts were thrown back to that night, Rhett’s voice echoed in her ears “Get out, darling, and let me see the lions eat you . Get out.” That’s how she felt, like these lionesses were staring down their prey, waiting for the right moment to pounce. And Rhett would be watching, just like in Atlanta, always watching her like a cat watches a mouse hole. She had deserved it then. Why was he punishing her this time.
What nonsense she was thinking, Rhett was not punishing her, the time must have gotten away from him. Scarlett was happy that he was enjoying his time with Cat. He would come. He always did, he always rescued her when she needed rescuing.
Suddenly Sally put her cup and saucer down with a very loud clank. That was it, thought Scarlett, the pounce. They would soon begin feeding.
“Why Eleanor! I just noticed. Your not wearing your black! Are you no longer in mourning?” Scarlett knew they were out to get her, she did not imagine that they had waged battle against Miss Eleanor. Eleanor looked down at her hands for a moment, as if to compose herself. Then she looked Sally in the eye.
“No, Sally I am no longer mourning Anne’s death. I shall miss her always, but my son has moved on. So I will do the same.” Scarlett had no idea, but Eleanor had just defied all of Charleston with her words. She had sounded defeated, and that was because of how Charleston had decided to handle this situation. Eleanor was not going to fight, she was simply going to ignore the whole thing. Hopefully the people of Charleston would allow her to do so.
“You know . . .” interrupted Sarah “I wish Anne was here to see this new wing being added to the Home. She would be so happy!” Emma Anson was the next to speak,
“Well, my dear Sarah, you do know we plan to name it after Anne. We plan to name it the Anne Butler wing. Since it was her husband who donated the money.”
Scarlett’s tea cup hit it’s saucer very loudly. That was it! She would be needing those smelling salts! How dare he, how dare Rhett Butler do that to her! She could kill him for this. He’d never donate anything in her honor. Tears were coming and she fought them away. They must not see her cry. She breathed, she would have to think about Rhett later, when he came and took her away from these terrible women. But for right now she had to hide her true feelings, they could not see her anger.
She smiled her sweetest smile that showed every dimple. Her voice was like honey. It was the voice she used when silly boys from the county were around.
“Oh I’m terribly sorry for my loud china. I’m just so mad at Rhett. I didn’t know he had given such a gift. He told me of course about giving a small little donation, but I had no idea it was of such a large sum. Of course it’s not like we can’t afford it or anything. I’m just surprised, that all!” Scarlett was no fool, she new that the discussion of ones own financial affairs was off limits with these ladies. She was glad she could annoy them with her airs. She wanted to do more. She wanted to show them that they had not won, not yet anyway. This was the beginning of the war. Yes, she would fight, fight until the death.
“ And I must tell you all that I think it is simply wonderful that you all are going to name it after Anne.”
She put her cup and saucer down on the small table in front of her. Then she folded her hands and placed a contented smile on her lips and continued,
“I’m sure Rhett meant to share with me all this new information. But he’s been so busy with our daughter, that I’m sure it just slipped right out of his head.”

The time passed away, the guests of the house left, so the victims of their attack could lick their wounds. Miss Eleanor went upstairs for a rest before supper. Rosemary followed her mother without explanation. There, alone, sat Scarlett still waiting for Rhett.

Scarlett could still here the faint sound of bells as Sally’s carriage traveled further and further away from the Butler house. She felt stupid, made a fool of once again. Charleston had a way to humble her, even during her best moments. Before arriving in Charleston she felt she was beginning to understand her husband. Rhett was complex, this she had known always. Yet since that night he had returned to her in Ireland; things had been different. They had been simple, Rhett’s moods were not ever changing. In fact he seemed happy, loving, and jovial laugher seemed to surround every moment. Of course there had been times just like this morning, when he or she had said something. Something that made the other remember this other life that had once been. Making them realize that the dream was not so far away from becoming a nightmare. She had grown very comfortable with her husband in those last few months. They did understand one another, in this more adult version of marriage. They were alike and glad to have one another.
All of that stability which had been built in the previous months had fallen. As if someone had dropped a tea cup. It shattered with the news of Rhett’s donation to the Confederate Home. It was not the fact that the Anne Butler Wing would be staring Scarlett in the face for ever more. No that did not bother her. It was that Rhett had not wanted to tell her, he obviously feared her reaction. He still felt like she was a child that could not handle such things. She felt betrayed by Rhett, so many secrets had been shared. So much trust had been given, and now he had destroyed all that had been so hard to build. She clenched her fists tightly until her fingernails dug into her palms.
“You should have told me! You should have told me!”
Scarlett heard Rhett’s deep laughter at the door, it out weighted Cat’s tiny giggle. Scarlett walked slowly to meet them. Cat greeted her mother with a large grin,
“Momma, you should have gone! The horses were very fun. And they were very nice! I got to ride one.” Scarlett’s eyes shot up to meet Rhett’s
“Don’t worry my pet, she rode the horse with me. Not by herself.” Cat shook her head no
“That horse was too big for Cat. But Cat would like to have another pony!” Scarlett smiled at her daughter
“Well, some ones very big Birthday is practically right around the corner. I don’t know if a we can have a pony right now precious. Since we really don’t have a place to put one where he would be happy. And remember we are only staying in Charleston for a little while. Maybe you’ll get a new kitten. But I do promise to keep a pony in mind when I start looking for you a special birthday gift” Cat smiled up at her mother,
“I would like to plan my own Birthday again please.” Scarlett held out her hand to her daughter.
“That’s a fine idea Miss Cat. How about you and I go and plan your party while we have some tea. I’m sure your friend Leo is dying for another one of your spectacular tea parties.” Cat accepted her mother’s hand and up the stairs they went. Leaving Rhett downstairs by himself.
Scarlett always felt revived when she spent time with Cat. Cat’s happiness could always take Scarlett’s pain away. Her daughter was truly a miracle. Cat had decided that individual cakes were fun and necessary for her fifth birthday. She also wanted to go to a zoo. Plus her father had mentioned something about sailing and dolphins. Cat had never seen dolphins before, though they were in one of her animal books. That sounded simply delightful to the little girl. Sailing and dolphins on her birthday, and Scarlett had mentioned a possible kitten. Her fifth birthday would possibly be her favorite!
There was a knock at the door, Rhett peaked his head in.
“I’m sorry to disturb you Miss Cat, but I was wondering would it be alright for me to steal one of your guests away? I only would like to speak to Mrs. Butler for a moment.” Cat granted Scarlett permission to leave, saying that all the plans had been made. Cat was perfectly happy to simply have tea with her lion.

Scarlett had followed Rhett down the long hall to their bedroom, her head held high. She was silently preparing for battle. Rhett opened the door for Scarlett, she glided by him then turned to face him while he closed the door. Her face held no emotion, though her eyes were on fire. Rhett looked at her with his roguish grin in place.
“Well, Scarlett, what is the matter? I know your angry so you might as well tell me. I know when I am uninvited to my child’s tea party that I must have done something dreadful.” He was mocking her as usual. Still she said nothing, nothing was what he deserved. Rhett took a seat in one of the chairs next to the window and lit a cigar that had emerged from one of his pockets. His face fell into it’s old dark lines, he seemed older now. The age difference suddenly very evident to Scarlett. His mouth twisted down and Scarlett was saddened that she had brought this upon him. NO wait it had been him, this was his fault not hers. She hated herself for sounding so childish, but if he had only told her. This unpleasantness would not be occurring.
Rhett set the wheels in motion,
“Surely this is not about my lack of appearance this afternoon? Frankly my pet, I thought you could handle yourself.” His gaze was directed to the window, he appeared to be completely uncaring. Scarlett was more angry at his old trick then she was at his words. She took two very determined steps in his direction,
“No this is not about your lack of appearance as you call it!” Her voice betrayed her, even she could hear herself trembling. “I can take care of myself! This . . . This is about - - Anne.” Her voice had grown quiet, but her eyes never left their concentration of his face.
“I take it then that the committee discussed my anonymous donation?” Scarlett didn’t know how to react,
“Yes, Rhett why didn’t you tell me?” Rhett stared at her with cold eyes,
“Why these sudden interests in Anne? Scarlett? Surely your not jealous?“
Scarlett’s knees felt weak, she grabbed hold of Rhett‘s chair for support. She couldn’t believe her ears. He was being so cruel! Why was he being so mean? Was she supposed to be jealous, is that what he wanted? So she could feel how he had felt all those years ago, is that what he wanted?
“Jealous? No! Well, . . . Yes! But only because I know you would never do anything so respectable for me.” Rhett’s eyes burned with that statement. Scarlett seeing his anger wanted to explain better.
“Oh! Rhett, that was terrible! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it! Why are you being so nasty? I only meant that . . .” She stopped her ramblings for a moment and caught her breath. Rhett still had that cold impassive look upon his face.
“Maybe I was wrong about you my dear. Maybe you are still a child. Your still longing to be the center of attention. Your even jealous of the dead. I don’t think that’s very adult do you?
Scarlett stumbled back in shock, she did not believe her ears. Fury soon replaced her shock, “How dare you! How dare you say such a thing to me Rhett Butler! It’s fine and dandy for you to throw Charles, Frank, and Ashley in my face. You even threw Luke in my face this morning! But I can’t throw that imposter of a saint . . . I can’t throw Anne in yours! No! I can’t do that. She’s too much like that other saint, she was too much like Melly!” She just stood there for a moment seething, wanting to hurt him. She wanted to steal Cat away and run, run as fast as she could. How dare he say such a thing to her, after all they had been through. Then when the blinding light of her anger had dimmed slightly she looked at Rhett, really looked at him. He was truly her beloved, and she did not want to leave his side for a moment. She would die without him. She new of the happiness that they could have, she had seen it. She did not want it to be demolished as it had been in the past.
Rhett very deliberately put out his cigar and stood. Scarlett didn’t know what to say but she knew she must speak. She reached out her hand to stop him,
“No Rhett please don‘t go! We still have things to talk about. We need to clear the air about Anne. Surely you don‘t think . . .”
Rhett‘s face was hard “Think? I will be quite frank with you my dear about what I think. I think that how I handle my deceased wife’s affairs is none of your business.”
What on earth did he mean by that? Could he have lied to her, did he really love Anne? Was she Scarlett, a second choice to a long happy respectable life with Anne? Was Anne’s early death the only thing that kept Rhett away from what he truly wanted? Surely not! Rhett loved her, only her! She was lost in her thoughts for a moment, then she noticed Rhett was opening the door. He was leaving! Running away like he always did. Scarlett ran and closed the door, she stood in front of it. Looking him square in the face. And with a mix of determination and anger she spoke
“Oh No you don‘t Rhett Butler! You are not going to leave me, not now! Not like you always do! I don‘t care if you beat my face into a bloody pulp! I don‘t care! But if you walk out, you will be walking out on everything!
Rhett grabbed her by her wrist, his grip was hard, making Scarlett cry out in pain. He flung her out of his way. Scarlett fell on the floor, catching herself with her hands. Scarlett’s defiance was gone, she collapsed on the floor in tears.
“Why are you doing this?” she sobbed.

She sat up slowly, giving slightly to the wrist he had seized so painfully. She sat up and folded her legs under her while she brushed some of the tears away. She was somewhat composed, but she did not look him in the eye when she spoke.
“Rhett! I was just so upset with you for not telling me! I know you must have been worried about my reaction. That I would be doing exactly what I’m doing now. Tearing the memory of Anne to shreds. I don’t mean anything unkind, she was a saint. And she had you for those four years that I did not. And for that I am jealous! Jealous to my very bones! If you had told me before . . . before Mrs. Anson or that Sarah Thomas had told me, then I would have reacted better. I’m just beside myself Rhett, we said No more secrets! No more lies! That way there wouldn’t be any of these silly misunderstandings. Why? . . . I don’t understand?”
When she did finally looked up he was leaning over her, silently he picked her up in his arms like a child and sat down on the bed with her upon his lap. She latched on to his neck, her arms almost choking him. She buried her face into his shoulder, never wanting to be out of his arms again.
“I’m sorry Scarlett” Her whispered into her hair
“I was afraid of how you would react, that is why I didn’t tell you.” He petted her hair and kissed her neck, trying to sooth her.
“There now my love, your going to have to forgive your damnable husband once again today. I can’t believe I’ve managed to apologize twice in one day.” His usual mockery had returned. Scarlett gave a small laugh, and raised her head from his shoulder.
Her eyes searched his. She saw his love for her there and that was enough. She kissed him on the lips in between sniffles.
“Rhett I forgive you. Do you for give me?“
“Yes Scarlett I forgive you.”
“ I thought you were on there side for a minute. That you wanted me to undergo Charleston’s polite torture.”
“No my pet, I only want you to be happy. That is my only concern, I am sorry for making you so miserable today. How shall I make it up to you?”
Scarlett smiled, though it was not her most honest smile. Rhett was still hiding something from her, she could sense it. He was not telling her the truth about why he had not told her about the donation. Why was he hiding things about Anne? Could it be that he had loved her? Maybe what she had feared when she had first arrived in Charleston was coming to pass. Rhett had seen her the way the people of Charleston saw her. Now maybe he regretted being with her. Surely not! But she would have to be careful, no more arguments! No more petty misunderstandings, she would have to be on guard all the time now. Even if she had to become a meek little thing, there would be no more misery during their stay in Charleston.
Her thoughtful expression disappeared. She kissed his nose and widened her smile,
“I will have to think long and hard on that one Mr. Butler. I just don’t know how you can possibly make this up to me.” He laughed and kissed her tenderly. She pulled back from him and biting her lip in a thoughtful gesture, “Ummm . . . I think I might have a few ideas after all, but I warn you we might be late for supper.”

You were wright, I cried I thought Sally likedScarlett but she is just as mean as the rest of them. I love the way Miss Eleanor takes up for Rhett marrying Scarlett. Rhett is being a jack ass I can see in a way he feels guilty about marrying Anne but he has hurt Scarlett and leaving her to face everyone alone.Is he still getting even with her for not telling him about cat and leaving. Oh please make Rosemary tell Rhett about the note write more fast!!! Carol

Now-Know
Your-You're

Learn to love them

WOW!! I've never gotten corrections on Fanfic before! Sorry that my bad grammar and terrible spelling offended you SO much! I do not have a beta, and I usually write very late at night. Those are just excuses though aren't they! I am sorry that they ruined your fanfic reading. Once again did I mention it was FANFIC!!! I write it for fun! You should have left your name and e-mail, I would have checked with you before posting my next chapter! Since you seem to be such an expert! I really hate perfect people, or those who pretend to be perfect. Your corrections do not offend me as much as your lack of courage! Post your name next time! And stop ruining my fun! I'll be more careful next time JUST FOR YOU!!!!!

Necole

Good ideas about Charleston society and the ghost of Anne popping up to haunt this new marriage. You are right that it is hard to get a handle on Rhett's character. I wonder why he is reacting this way to Scarlett but I think you may clarify this later in your story. They don't seem to be a very united couple at the moment.

I'm not the person who posted previously, but I also noticed the grammar errors. Easy to make and none of us is immune to them, sadly. Also look out for there, their and they're. Tricky buggers, they always elude the darned spell checker too. You could run future parts by me for a once over if you like. My e-mail is available at the group site. I don't like to publish it all over the place.

Scrapper

I have reread this chapter a few times. and I am writting without my glasses they are upstairs.
I think that Rhett feels regret that he married Anne in the first place but I don't think he wants Scarlett to know it and he then would lose control. I don't like the way he abuses her. In some ways he still has not forgiven her for leaving but if Rosemary were to tell the truth abouth the note and howshe burned it it would help so much.

I belive that Scarlett has to forgive herself. I belive it is heard fo Rhett to see how Scarlett has grown and her love for Cat is so true and he knows she can go on without him, and he is afarid that maybe he will never have cat's love like he had Bonnie's and yes he is JEALOUS!!! Carol

P.S. HURRY AND WRITE MORE

Poor Scarlett...I don't understand Rhett either. All I can think of is he feels guitly for being happy and married to Scarlett again. In his mind he might blame Scarlett and himself for Anne's death that if they had worked out their troubles before hand she never would have died. That if only Scarlett hadn't disapeared on him that Anne wouldn't have ever been his wife.

I also think that if Rosemary told Rhett about the note that he would stop blaming Scarlett about her leaving and put the blame on who desevred it Rosemary.

I love this please write more soon and don't let spelling error stop you. All my stories have a few and I hate when I reread them and find them. It always seems to me I miss them when I'm writing or when I proof read lol. Though I guess it just happens to the best of us doesn't it?

Sw

Oh, please. I meant in no way to "ruin your fun" but only to bring to your attention that reading stories written with bad grammar is distressing to some. I know you don't have a beta, it's painfully obvious. Maybe you should look into finding one. I know there's a list somewhere of people more than willing to help.

Oh please write more real soon. I love this srory
Carol