Gone With The Wind: Chapter 15

Chapter 15 Summary: Ashley comes home to the open arms of his family for Christmas.  Scarlett completely changes her holiday plans so she can stay in Atlanta and get a moment alone with her heart's desire.  She begs a hat off of Rhett Butler and turns it into a gift for Ashley, as well as repurposing a scarf so Ashley can have a sash.  He accepts these gifts with grace and enthusiasm before asking Scarlett to take care of Melanie.  She isn't able to let him go so easily and after promising to look after his wife declares she still has feelings for him.  Scarlett can't let him leave without a kiss goodbye and he obliges.

KatieBug's Response: We see that Scarlett doesn't quite understand Melanie is Ashley's wife until they go into their room that first night and shut the door.  It's also sad to see that Scarlett hasn't moved on from this heartbreak just yet.   I am quite angry with Ashley for kissing Scarlett at all.  He is sending her terribly mixes signals and even if he thought he was going off to die that is no reason to string her along like this.  On the other hand, Scarlett is doing what a typical young girl in love would do and is filling in the blanks of everything Ashley doesn't say to her.  If he were to tell her that he is absolutely in love with his wife and has no feelings for her whatsoever, Scarlett might be able to eventually move on.  But kissing her like that is all the proof she needs that he's married to the wrong person.  God, and then to ask her to "take care of" Melanie.  That is an awful lot of advantage he's taking right there.  Scarlett, you can do better.