Chapter XLVI

Summary

Rhett and Belle Watling create a convincing story before the provost court and all the men get off. Melanie sends a note to Belle to thank her. Then Belle has her carriage driven near the house and sends for Melanie. Belle tells Melanie that she should not have sent the note as she was risking all their safety by doing so. Belle explains that in spite of their stories, Ashley has never really been at her place before. However, she expresses contempt for Scarlett and says that if it had been Frank Kennedy alone, she would not have lifted a finger to help.

Notes

The seriousness of Scarlett's behavior is highlighted by the fact that even Belle, the "bad woman" of the town, has too much class and decency to do the things Scarlett has done. It is ironic, however, that prostitution is more acceptable than building a business on the back of one's enemies.

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