Chapter 51 Summary

Scarlett decides to head out to the mills now that she is well enough to leave the house. Scarlett has Lou lace her into her stays, but Lou cannot get her waist any smaller than 20 inches. Scarlett decides that she is not going to have any more babies.

At the mill, she is going over the books with Ashley, who begs her to let him use freed slaves rather than convicts. Ashley blames Rhett's influence for her ruthlessness in the business. Ashley stumbles over his jealousy for Rhett, and Scarlett leaves determined to tell Rhett that she will no longer share a bed with him.

Rhett tells her that he could divorce her for refusing him her bed and says that there are other beds out there that will welcome him. Scarlett is offended, but Rhett just reminds her what a child she...