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1. How does the author reveal which one of Penelope's children is closest to her?

Penelope's feelings for her children are outlined when she tries to determine which child she should call to let know she is out of the hospital. Her choice of Olivia will become the obvious choice as the novel progresses, as it becomes clear to the reader that Olivia is the only child that truly understands Penelope.

2. What is life like for Penelope's daughter, Nancy?

Nancy is a stay-at-home mother and woman who runs the household at the old Vicarage. She has spoiled, disagreeable children and a housemaid that she dislikes, but is a weak individual and thus allows herself to be bullied around. Her relationship with her husband George is cold and distant, and he essentially ignores her.

3. Describe the pretentious lifestyle that Nancy and her husband have.

For Nancy, it is all about appearances and living as though she and her husband have a great deal of money -- even when they do not. The obvious symbol of their foolishly extravagant life is the house that they live in, the old Vicarage. Although they cannot afford the place, owning it is extremely important to them to the point where they even answer the phone "The Old Vicarage" and have custom stationary with their address on it to reinforce its prestige. Unfortunately, Nancy and her family do not have the means to support this lifestyle and none of their friends truly care about their situation.

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