Okay, here is the next chapter, I hope that you like it.

Luck of the Irish—Chapter 2

While Rhett was home, he would have dinner with Scarlett and the children. Rhett would question Wade and Ella about how their day went, then he would politely but disinterestedly ask Scarlett the same, but he would never delve into anything more personal. As soon as the children asked if they could be excused, he would politely excuse him self and then leave for the evening. Scarlett suspected that he went to Belle's place but was afraid to ask him for fear that he would reveal more information then she cared to know. On these nights she would wait up for him to make sure that he came home safely leaving her bedroom door slightly open and hoping that he would take the hint but to no avail. Rhett didn't seem interested in Scarlett at all.

To appease the gossiping pea-hens of Atlanta, Rhett and Scarlett would frequently take walks around the neighborhood. During these walks Rhett would put on his happy mask, but all of the ladies of the Old Guard knew it was just that—a mask. Scarlett and he would talk about the weather or how Atlanta was growing, or if the children needed anything, but that was all. Once their parade was over, he would again leave the house and return late in the evening. While in public Rhett would be the pinnacle of the doting husband, helping Scarlett in and out of their carriage, opening doors for her, and even feigning a kiss on the cheek when he would leave her side, but his lips never made contact with her skin. As for Scarlett, she would smile enough to show her dimples, but the smile never reached her eyes. Her green eyes that were once the shade of an emerald were now the same hue as moss, where once was the happy go lucky belle of three counties, now stood a woman who had seen too much death and sadness. Scarlett now looked like a woman who walked in a dreamlike state who for a moment would wake up temporarily then revert back to her dream.

As the month wore on, the Old Guard of Atlanta was going to give a ball, one that would celebrate their veterans and also help make money for the surviving men that were injured and had limited abilities to support their families. Many of the men came home injured and without a cent to their names. The disabled veterans were the ones that had the hardest time making a living and supporting their families. This ball would be a way to thank them for their services and sacrifices. It would also provide needed funds for low interest loans. Of course Rhett and Scarlett would be expected to attend, it was common knowledge that Rhett had served in the army toward the end of the war. The good ladies of Atlanta were excited to see if the Butlers would attend, so that they could give them enough gossip to make it worth their while for inviting them.

During the week, Scarlett made a visit to Aunt Pittypat's home-where Ashley had been living since Melanie died-so that she could make good on the promise that she made to Melly. She wanted to make sure that Beau wanted for nothing. While during this visit she found out some very unsettling news. Scarlett had knocked and knocked on the door until her knuckles were becoming bruised. Exasperated she called out, "India Wilkes, if you do not open up this door, I will call a policeman and have him bodily remove you from these premises, after all it is still half my house and you are living on my charity!" The door slowly opened and India reluctantly let Scarlett in. With venom India hissed, "What do you want Scarlett?"

In a matter of fact tone she said, "I've come to see about Beau and Ashley."

Instantly India spat back, "You leave my brother alone you trollop!"

Scarlett hissed back, "India Wilkes, you hush your mouth! Do you want Ashley to hear you?"

"I don't care if he hears me, I don't want you any where near my brother!"

With barely held back anger Scarlett lowered her voice and said, "India, I am not interested in your brother, now or ever, but I did promise Melly that I would look after Beau and also Ashley, and I will not go back on that promise."

"Well what do you want?" India said reluctantly.

"I have a plan on how I can keep my promise and not let Ashley know that it is me…"

After the details of "Operation Ashley" were finished Scarlett had started to chat about the things that Ashley would need for Beau, India interrupted her, "Since you are finished, will you please leave now Scarlett."

"India Wilkes, are you throwing me out?" asked an incredulous Scarlett.

"No but I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave because Beau is due home soon and I would like it if you were not here when he arrives." India sniffed stiffly.

"Well, India, I would like to see how Beau is and also to ask Ashley if he can come over to keep company with Wade."

"Shouldn't you be going home to be with your husband?" dripped India with unveiled sarcasm.

"Home with Rhett? He is not home, he's out this evening with some of his business associates," stated Scarlett.

"Hah! Is that what he told you?" India made a short incredulous laugh.

With a suspicious note in her voice Scarlett asked the woman she detested more than anyone, "What are you getting at India Wilkes?"

"Your husband does not have a business meeting tonight. Your husband is meeting with his mistress." Dripped India with all the sagacity in her being.

"His mistress?" asked Scarlett. "Do you mean that he is with that creature? That Belle Watling?"

"No, you fool I mean the mistress that he brought with him from Charleston! Do you mean that you didn't know?" laughed India.

"India Wilkes, you must have been sipping from Aunt Pitty's swoon bottle. Rhett doesn't have a mistress." Scarlett choked out.

"Oh no?"

"He has been seen having late night dinners with her at the hotel restaurant, and has been seen going with her upstairs to her room, and seen coming out hours later with a large smile on his face!" India concluded triumphantly.

"You are lying to me India, you are just trying to punish me for stealing Stuart from you all those years ago," she cried.

"You stupid fool. Everybody knows except you. What is it they say? 'The wife is always the last to know.' What I hear, is that she is the complete opposite of you, tall, blonde, beautiful, intelligent and more of a lady than you'll ever be. Obviously your husband wants no reminders of the mistake that he made in marrying you!" India stated with unadulterated glee.

Swallowing with great difficulty the lump that had formed in her throat, Scarlett croaked out "You are a liar India Wilkes." And turned around and covered her mouth in order to stifle the sob that wanted to break through. As she walked hurriedly to the sidewalk, she could hear India laughing all the way to her carriage.

No it can't be true Scarlett thought on the ride home. Please God, don't let it be true. Oh Rhett, please don't humiliate me like this. Hardly able to breathe, Scarlett quickly went into her home and ran up the flight of stairs and to the safety of her bedroom.

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