Chapter 40 Summary

Scarlett looks at Tara the next morning and is grateful for Will's efforts to keep Tara from returning to wilderness. Though not the plantation it once was, Will tells her that she will no longer have to send money after this season, as the crop will pay for the upkeep of Tara. Scarlett owes him so much, and knows that it is Will that kept Tara going, not Ashley, which saddens her.

At the funeral, Ashley does the service, starting off with the Catholic reading and then going into a Protestant service - lost on Scarlett and Suellen, but very apparent to Careen and Melanie. Ashley defers to Will to say a few words, and he shocks everyone there by announcing his engagement to Suellen. Will then reminds them that the Yankees can push them down, but it is holding on to old...