'if only' could break your heart

"ashley.  he was the center and the symbol of scarlett's ruined life.  for love of him she'd ignored the happiness that had been hers for the taking.  she'd turned her back on her husband, not seeing his love for her, not admitting her love for him, because wanting ashley was always in the way.  and now rhett was gone, his only presence here a spray of warm golden autumn flowers among all the others.  she'd betrayed her only friend, scorned melanie's stubborn loyalty and love.  and now melanie was gone.  and even scarlett's love for ashley was gone, for she'd realized--to late--that the habit of loving him had long since replaced love itself." {scarlett, alexandra ripley}

"'miss scarlett, you done what you had to do.  can't nobody do more than that.  the good lord sent you some heavy burdens, and you carried them.  no sense asking why they was laid on you or what it took out of you to tote them.  what's done is done.  don't fret yourself now.' mammy's heavy eyelids closed over tears that glistened in the dim light, and her ragged breathing slowed in sleep."  {scarlett, alexandra ripley}

"no woman can be truly beautiful who is not also sometimes truly ugly"  {scarlett, alexandra ripley}

"secrets.  they keep their secrets, she thought.  except from each other.  everyone pretends about everything.  {scarlett, alexandra ripley}

"'if only' could break your heart." {scarlett, alexandra ripley}

"life goes on.  a mighty good life, too.  i made up my mind i was going to be happy and i guess i am.  i've just got to notice it."  {scarlett, alexandra ripley}