Chapter 15 Summary

Ashley returns home for the Christmas Holiday. The Confederacy has been driven back into Virginia, and things look ominous. However, none of that matters to Scarlett, for Ashley is home. Immediately upon his return, Scarlett notices something different about him. Ashley no longer has a lazy elegance, but a harder edge about him. No matter, she still loves him and cannot believe that she was even interested in other men.

During his entire visit, Scarlett longs to get him alone, but Melanie never leaves his side. Even Ashley's own father does not get a chance to speak to Ashley alone. After his first night home, Scarlett's joy is turns to horror when Ashley and Melanie head into their bedchamber alone.

The day Ashley is leaving, she finally gets her chance to visit with him alone. Ashley asks Scarlett to look after Melanie if...