Chapter 5

           Itwasteno’clockinthemorning.ThedaywaswarmforAprilandthegoldensunlightstreamedbrilliantlyintoScarlett’sroomthroughthebluecurtainsofthewidewindows.Thecream-coloredwallsglowedwithlightandthedepthsofthemahoganyfurnituregleameddeepredlikewine,whilethefloorglistenedasifitwereglass,exceptwheretheragrugscovereditandtheywerespotsofgaycolor.

           Alreadysummerwasintheair,thefirsthintofGeorgiasummerwhenthehightideofspringgiveswayreluctantlybeforeafiercerheat.Abalmy,softwarmthpouredintotheroom,heavywithvelvetysmells,redolentofmanyblossoms,ofnewlyfledgedtreesandofthemoist,freshlyturnedredearth.ThroughthewindowScarlettcouldseethebrightriotofthetwinlanesofdaffodilsborderingthegraveleddrivewayandthegoldenmassesofyellowjessaminespreadingfloweryspranglesmodestlytotheearthlikecrinolines.Themockingbirdsandthejays,engagedintheiroldfeudforpossessionofthemagnoliatreebeneathherwindow,werebickering,thejaysstrident,acrimonious,themockerssweetvoicedandplaintive.

           SuchaglowingmorningusuallycalledScarletttothewindow,toleanarmsonthebroadsillanddrinkinthescentsandsoundsofTara.But,todayshehadnoeyeforsunorazureskybeyondahastythought,"ThankGod,itisn’training."Onthebedlaytheapple-green,watered-silkballdresswithitsfestoonsofecrulace,neatlypackedinalargecardboardbox.ItwasreadytobecarriedtoTwelveOakstobedonnedbeforethedancingbegan,butScarlettshruggedatthesightofit.Ifherplansweresuccessful,shewouldnotwearthatdresstonight.Longbeforetheballbegan,sheandAshleywouldbeontheirwaytoJonesborotobemarried.Thetroublesomequestionwas—whatdressshouldsheweartothebarbecue?