Gone With the Wind: Chapter 19

The beginning of the siege finds Scarlet jumping at the slightest sound and cursing both Ashley and Melanie for keeping her in Atlanta when she should be at Tara. Prissy assures Scarlett that she learned how to be midwife from her mother so even if the Doctor can't make it they'll be okay. The ladies do their best to help any soldiers who come knocking at their door.

One night it's Uncle Henry Hamilton they find on their porch, visiting on a four hour furlough. But they soon find that his two hour walk to town and back was not just to let them know his company was moving out, he came to tell them that John Wilkes had died in the siege. Uncle Henry leaves Mr. Wilkes' gold watch, his cuff buttons and a small portrait of his dead wife with Scarlett while charging her with the duty of telling Melanie the news.

Rhett Butler arrives later and is surprised to find that Scarlett has stayed behind with Melanie. They have a conversation about Melanie's condition and how odd it is that Scarlett isn't being selfish for once. Scarlett believes she has finally beaten Rhett and he will confess his undying love to her, but he asks her to be his mistress instead. Caught off guard and completely insulted Scarlett demands he leave the property and storms back into the house.

Katiebug's Response:

It seems that everyone is overly concerned about Melanie but can't really take on the duties of caring for her themselves.  Ashley asked Scarlett to look after Melanie, Aunt Pitty-Pat asked Scarlett to look after her, the Doctor asked Scarlett to look after her, and now, Uncle Henry Hamilton has thrust one more Melanie responsibility upon Scarlett's shoulders.  Seems he couldn't bring himself to tell Melanie the terrible news about her father-in-law in her delicate condition.  I find it just a little bit cruel that everyone is asking Scarlett to do the things they can't or won't do themselves.  But, for all of her supposed selfishness, she is willing to take on these burdens and truly sees them through.