Gone With the Wind: Chapter 20

The city of Atlanta is completely cut off from the outside world and the only news they've received is of fighting in Jonesboro. Scarlett worries that Tara has fallen victim to the war until a courier finally delivers a letter from her father. She learns that her mother has fallen ill with Typhoid and Scarlett frets that she will never see her again.

In the midst of this dread, Melanie illicits yet another promise from the already put-upon Scarlett. Melanie isn't afraid of dying in childbirth, she's more afraid that her child will be born an orphan with no one to look after it. Melanie makes Scarlett promise to take care of her child should something happen. As Scarlett reluctantly agrees, Melanie reveals that her labor pains have already started.

Katiebugs Response:

I am starting to wonder if maybe Scarlett doesn't hate Melanie as much as she claims.  Obviously, doing anything for Melanie will win Scarlett favor with Ashley, but it seems that she is taking on an awful lot of responsibility for just the possibility that Ashley will show her a little affection.  Maybe her love for this absent man really is that strong, but I can't help but feel there's a little more to it.