CHAPTER 7

Summary 

Scarlett marries Charles and is a widow within two months. Trying to steal the show from Melanie, she sets her wedding for the day before that of Melanie and Ashley. On her wedding night, however, she refuses to allow Charles to sleep with her as that part of marriage had not occurred to her. She spends two weeks hoping for a word alone with Ashley, but without success. Ashley and Charles both leave to join the troops, and five weeks later Scarlett receives word that Charles has died of an illness. Before a year is out, Scarlett gives birth to Charles’ son, Wade Hampton Hamilton. Although she has an easy birth, she becomes despondent and ill which those around her attribute to her grief over the loss of Charles. Actually, it is boredom, confusion over her sudden motherhood and continued anguish over the absence of Ashley.

Finally the family decides to send her to Savannah to visit relatives, but she returns after only a month of absence. Then she receives a letter from Aunt Pittypat asking her to come and stay with them in Atlanta, as the two women are alone Scarlett decides to go in spite of a lack of affection for either Aunt Pittypat or Melanie. Any change from Tara and the memories associated with the neighborhood seems welcome.