Chapter 53

           ItwasAshley’sbirthdayandMelaniewasgivinghimasurprisereceptionthatnight.Everyoneknewaboutthereception,exceptAshley.EvenWadeandlittleBeauknewandweresworntosecrecythatpuffedthemupwithpride.EveryoneinAtlantawhowasnicehadbeeninvitedandwascoming.GeneralGordonandhisfamilyhadgraciouslyaccepted,AlexanderStephenswouldbepresentifhisever-uncertainhealthpermittedandevenBobToombs,thestormypetreloftheConfederacy,wasexpected.

           Allthatmorning,Scarlett,withMelanie,IndiaandAuntPittyflewaboutthelittlehouse,directingthenegroesastheyhungfreshlylaunderedcurtains,polishedsilver,waxedthefloorandcooked,stirredandtastedtherefreshments.ScarletthadneverseenMelaniesoexcitedorsohappy.

           "Yousee,dear,Ashleyhasn’thadabirthdaypartysince—since,yourememberthebarbecueatTwelveOaks?ThedayweheardaboutMr.Lincoln’scallforvolunteers?Well,hehasn’thadabirthdaypartysincethen.Andheworkssohardandhe’ssotiredwhenhegetshomeatnightthathereallyhasn’tthoughtabouttodaybeinghisbirthday.Andwon’thebesurprisedaftersupperwheneverybodytroopsin!"

           "Howyougoin’tomanagethemlanternsonthelawnwithoutMr.Wilkesseein’themwhenhecomeshometosupper?"demandedArchiegrumpily.

           Hehadsatallmorningwatchingthepreparations,interestedbutunwillingtoadmitit.Hehadneverbeenbehindthescenesatalargetownfolks’partyanditwasanewexperience.