Chapter 2 Summary

Scarlett, clearly upset by the thought of Ashley's impending engagement, heads to the end of the drive to wait for her father's return from Twelve Oaks. Scarlett hopes he brings better news. Just when she wonders if he will ever return, she sees Gerald riding quickly and recklessly toward home, jumping the fence on the way. Scarlett is reminded of her mother's reproving words the last time Gerald was jumping fences and injured himself, and teases him about it when he dismounts. Yet, Gerald and Scarlett were always good at keeping one another's secrets, as Gerald often regarded Scarlett like the son he never had.

Though Scarlett tries to maneuver the conversation toward Ashley's engagement, Gerald sees right through it and questions Scarlett's motives for questioning. Gerald questions Scarlett if Ashley has taken advantage of her, but Scarlett assures him that he has...