It had merely been a whimsical suggestion to distract herself from her feelings of unease. However the idea of hosting a party began to grow on Scarlett. What better opportunity to celebrate her reunion with Rhett and simultaneously put an end to the wagging tongues of Atlanta's matrons?

She would host an enormous evening reception and serve an array of rich dishes reminiscent of the New Orleans cuisine Rhett had introduced her to on their honeymoon. Gumboes and shrimp Creole, jambalaya and crawfish etouffee… Her mouth watered, just thinking about it.

She would invite everyone they knew from the Old Guard – yes, even that horrid busybody India Wilkes! She would hold her head up high, Rhett by her side, and show those interfering peahens that she didn't care a whit for their whispered gossip. Her party would be the talk of the town.

Scarlett's lips curved into a faintly smug smile as she pictured India's rage. India would rail with all her might against attending a party hosted by the Butlers, but she would have no other choice. Any other response would be impolite and poor India would rather wear sackcloth for the rest of her life than be deemed impolite by Atlanta's genteel society. How she wished she could see the look on India's face when she opened Scarlett's invitation…

Her pleasant reverie was interrupted by the soft voice of her sister-in-law.

"How are you feeling today, dear?"

"Just fine, Melly," Scarlett replied, happy to have someone to share her plans with. "In fact, I'm planning a party."

As she excitedly outlined her ideas for the menu, the music and the décor, she could not fail to observe Melanie's obvious lack of enthusiasm.

"Melly, you look like a goose left out in the rain!" she chided. "Do try and look a little more excited or I shall remove you from the guest list."

"Oh, darling, it's not that I don't want to come," Melanie said hesitantly, a slight frown furrowing her heart-shaped face. "But, Scarlett, do you think it is wise to plan such a big event whilst Captain Butler is still recovering? Surely we should postpone it until…"

She trailed off, unable to name a more suitable date. Would Captain Butler ever be ready for a party of this extravagance and scale again?

"How you do run on, Melly!" Scarlett exclaimed dismissively with a careless wave of her hand. "Why, Rhett is as fit as a fiddle."

The docile Melanie said nothing to contradict her sister-in-law but she worried inside. Little did she know that Scarlett's cool dismissal was merely an attempt to veil her genuine anxiety.

Scarlett O'Hara Butler was no fool. She intuitively knew that something was… different about Rhett. She understood he was still recovering from his injuries. But there was something more. She could tell that his tumble down the stairs had caused damage he was too proud to reveal.

"Damn his pride," she thought savagely. Oh, for two cents, she would storm into the library right now and demand that he tell her the whole truth! But every time she had made up her mind to do so, she had been impressed to draw back. He must have his reasons.

Perhaps it was nothing to worry about. Perhaps she was being paranoid.

Or perhaps Rhett was dying and trying to conceal it from her.

It was the first time Scarlett had allowed herself to put that thought into words.

A chill came over her heart. Now that they had finally confessed their love to each other, would he be taken away?

"You look pale, dear," Melanie said anxiously, observing her sister-in-law's ashen complexion. "You should rest."

Although Scarlett wanted to protest, she was feeling exhausted. She didn't know just what the cause was – whether it was worrying about Rhett, her pregnancy, or simply too much planning – but suddenly an afternoon nap sounded like an excellent idea.

She obediently allowed Melanie to guide her towards her bedroom. As her eyelashes fluttered sleepily, she caught a glimpse of Melanie bending to kiss her forehead, and was vaguely reminded of her mother.

Within a matter of minutes, Scarlett was sound asleep, and Melanie tiptoed quietly out of the room. Wanting to make sure that Scarlett had her much-needed rest, she sat in a rocking chair just outside the room, and took out her knitting.

"What are you doing, Aunt Melly?" Bonnie asked curiously, eyeing the soft wool on Melanie's lap.

"I'm knitting a blanket for your mama's new baby," Melanie said gently, holding out the wool for Bonnie's inspection. "What do you think of it?"

"It's pretty," the child commented, reaching out to stroke the soft wool. "Aunt Melly, will the baby be a girl or a boy?"

Her innocent question amused Melanie. "Why, I don't know, sweetheart but I'm sure we'll be happy with whatever God chooses to send."

Her reply did not please Bonnie, whose black eyebrows slanted into the characteristic frown so reminiscent of Gerald O'Hara.

"But Aunt Melly, it has to be a boy."

"It has to be a boy?"

Bonnie nodded solemnly. "Because I'm Daddy's little girl," she explained. "Mother always says so."

With a sudden flash of insight, Melanie realised that Bonnie was jealous of the upcoming new arrival. And it was little wonder, she thought ruefully, thinking of how much Captain Butler had always petted and spoiled the child. It was no surprise that Bonnie viewed the coming baby as a competitor for her father's affection.

"But your daddy already has another little girl," she said patiently. "Your sister Ella. And he loves you both, doesn't he?"

Bonnie nodded. "But he loves me best," she declared stubbornly.

Melanie sighed. It was no secret, of course, that Captain Butler adored Bonnie to a degree that some might consider idolatrous, but it was the first time she had ever heard the child allude to that fact. And it grieved her.

"Darling, your papa has enough love for all of you, no matter how many of you there are," she said gravely, not wanting to acknowledge the truth of the child's statement. She felt sad for Wade and Ella, wondering how they coped with being the silver to Bonnie's shining gold.

"Now, it's a lovely day outside. Far too lovely to spend in here! Let's collect Wade and Ella and have Pork take us to town," she suggested, wanting to distract the child.

Bonnie's frown instantly turned into a sunny smile. Aunt Melly always knew how to make things better. She immediately pushed her fears aside and started looking forward to the unexpected treat instead.

"Can I get some rainbow drops, Aunt Melly?"

"You may get some rainbow drops but you can only have one before supper," Melanie said firmly.

"I love you, Aunt Melly," Bonnie said brightly, burying her head of black curls against Melanie's shoulder.

"I love you too, darling," Melanie murmured, holding Bonnie close. As she did, she felt a familiar stirring in her heart.

She wouldn't trade her Beau for anything in the world, but she did so long to have another child. A girl, to be precise. She thought hungrily of what it would be like to have her own little girl to dress up and play with. While she loved Ella and Bonnie, they were no true substitute for her heart's desire. And how Ashley would love a daughter!

Melanie had always intended to have more than one child. She had many happy memories of her childhood with Charles and the joy that came from having a sibling. Her dreams had been shattered when Dr Meade had bluntly advised her not to have another child. She still remembered the look of despair in Ashley's eyes that undoubtedly reflected her own expression.

"It's not worth the risk, Miss Melly," Dr Meade had warned her again at the end of her examination.

But perhaps it was worth the risk, she thought, a wave of certainty washing over her as she gently stroked Bonnie's black curls. Perhaps it was. After all, Dr Meade didn't know everything. She'd already had one child. Surely she could have another.

She smiled to herself. Her mind was made up. She couldn't wait to tell Ashley.

Author's Note: Yes, I'm FINALLY back! Virtual brownies, hugs, and grateful thanks to everyone who continued to read and review, even when they thought I'd abandoned this story. I especially liked how Casset90 put it – they had a soft spot for lost causes and if they didn't, they wouldn't be reading about Scarlett and Rhett!

Special shout-outs go to PrincessAlica and Sparxes for their encouragement. You have no idea how much it means to me. Extra big brownies for you!