Atlanta,1873.Itsanotherday(Melaniesfuneral,infact),andScarlettisdeterminedtowinbackRhett(whosspendingalotoftimewithBelleWatling).First,shegoestoTaraandspatswithSueEllenoverTara.ThenshegoestoCharleston,presentingherselftoRhettsmotherandfriends,toRhettsdismay.ButwhenshescaughtinacompromisingpositionwithAshely,sheretirestohermotherspeopleinSavannah,andheroverbearinggrandfatherRobelard,whileRhettcourtsanewbride.ScarlettalsoseeksoutherOHararelativesandmeetshercousinColum,apriest(andgunrunner).Andknowingthem,shegoestoIreland.ThereshemeetsthehandsomeEarlofFenton,whoownsBallyhara,theancestralhomeoftheOHaras.AndwhenScarlettbuysitfromhim,shebecomesthefinancialandspiritualheadofthefamily.Buthernewfoundhappinessisshort-livedasdisastersstrike,andshemustrelyonRhettsloveforhertosaveherfromthegallows.