Chapter 6: Goodbye Mellanie Wilkes... Goodbye Atlanta

The priest has listed all the qualities and good deeds that Mellanie Wilkes practiced in her life. Reiterated, especially the care for the wounded during the war; the example of a mother and wife to the whole community. At that moment, during the speech of the priest, two young gravediggers began to bring wreaths and place it stacked next to the open grave. There were so many wreaths with tributes of respect, esteem and affection, that would not fit all on top a single grave. The priest went on to cite passages from the Bible, but Scarlett was distracted for his words. As a child, she never paid much attention during family prayer, taught by her mother Ellen; her mind was always in the air and pretended to pay attention only to not take an earful. She passed the focus the her attention on young gravediggers, bringing wreaths non stop .

"May the Lord, all merciful, receive the soul of our sister and gives comfort to your husband, your son and your family, who today suffer your loss ..." continued the priest, reciting the final words.

Scarlett continued to watch the two young gravediggers. A speech of nearly 20 minutes and they were still bringing wreaths to the side of the tomb. Mellanie received in death, most of the gifts that she never had received while was alive. Melly never cared much with material gifts, jewelry and expensive dresses; she was disengaged; was only a heart in the form of a woman.

After the end of the speech of the priest, Scarlett heard the noise of the shovel and the echo that the earth caused in her ears, falling on the coffin. At that moment, she was in despair, and her eyes filled with tears. Were burying Melly. Her Melly. Her guardian angel. Soon, she would be covered by earth and Scarlett never would see her again. Breathing deep, she was about to go crazy. Her protective suits gestures, her pure heart and her gentle smile, was leaving forever. She heard the shrill cries of Ashley. At that moment, Uncle Henry, dr. Meade and Mr. Merriweather struggled to hold Ashley Wilkes, who was desperate, screaming and crying, trying to shake all those arms that prevented him from accompanying his wife in the grave. Scarlett was shocked. It was the first time she saw him completely mad. the first time that morning, she felt pure pity for him, without traces of contempt and aversion. Ashley, who always kept a level head, with courteous and polite, honest and incorruptible gentleman gestures, as dictated all generations and the creation of Wilkes, was not enduring the pain. He struggled as a bear caught in a trap.

"Melly! Melly! Please do not leave me! Take me with you!"

The last part of the past of Ashley Wilkes, that was so cherished, was being covered by earth and lost forever. Scarlett felt will of approach and try to talk to him. She remembered of her promise for Mellanie; had to take care of him, even if it was from afar. Had not the slightest desire to babysit for Ashley Wilkes, but had promised the Melly. She regretted have made that promise. Although she have pity him at the moment, did not want to further approximations. Always that look for Ashley, she would remember how was cruel, unjust and blind with Rhett Butler. She realized that at that moment, it was impossible to approach him and scream in his ear, that he had to be strong because Beau needed the father. He was surrounded by the old guard, which would not allow an approach of Scarlett. Once that they managed to control Ashley Wilkes, everyone heard a sharper and annoying scream from close. It was Aunt Pittypat that just screamed and fainted, while Uncle Peter held her so she would not fall on the ground. The gossipy old chicks ran to help her.

The burial of Mellanie ended and the gravediggers began arranging the wreaths, placing them on top of the little grave. Most people present, proceeded to the exit of the cemetery, while Scarlett decided to stay there, for a few more minutes looking for the newly formed tomb, which was now decorated by various wreaths, one more beautiful than another. A young gravedigger, arrived with the last wreath that had just been delivered. It was the most beautiful of all the wreaths that were there. Scarlett's heart beat wildly.

"Joseph ... this one has just been delivered ..." he said for the gravediggers who were there, arranging the tomb of Melly.

Scarlett was curious to know who send deliver a crown of flowers so expensive. And soon as, the digger straightened the crown chic flowers on the grave, she went to find out. With golden letters, written in the small range, which diagonally crossed the crown, she was able to identify the buyer.

"Rest in peace ... A simple tribute to the great lady of Atlanta ... Ass:. Rhett Butler"

"Rhett? Yes! How not thought of this before? Only, Rhett Butler, would have sufficient money to order a wreath of flowers so expensive! " she thought with herself.

Scarlett began to tremble and look at all sides. Was he there? Does he arrived to attend the funeral? The anger came upon her. If he was there, albeit distant and hidden, why did not appear to protect her and comfort her? How could he allow her to be treated with complete disrespect by old cats? A reminder of the last words of Rhett, made her spine chill.

"Frankly, my dear, I do not give a damn ..."

She tried to expel those words of her thought. "Oh, Rhett!" Murmured softly, completely disconsolate.

Realized that Rhett Butler was not there. Probably, he was on the train on the way to Charleston, but remembered to honor Melly, before leave Atlanta.

Looking to the side, Scarlett realized that Ashley was calmer. He was still crying, but now could mumble a few words to Dr. Meade. India Wilkes, was embraced with Beau and looked intently at his brother, fearing a new attack. Tia Pittypat was standing after other of her usual fainting. Some did not notice the presence of Scarlett because of the suffering, and others noted but purposely ignored.

"I will not talk to anyone right now. I don't have the head for it. 'm going to the Tara ... then when I return to Atlanta with Rhett, I will make a visit to Ashley and Beau, to fulfill with the promise I did to Mellanie ... but not today ... I do not want talk to nobody! ... I have no structure "

Scarlett turned away and headed toward the exit of the cemetery. Her presence there was no longer necessary. She was free to go back to Tara .