Summary

Rainey responds to Patricia’s letter. She begins by explaining how she met Dominic.

After she and her husband bought a country house, Rainey discovered that their property “ran adjacent” to Dominic’s (239). Dominic and his son Jaimie, “a squat, square boy with Down syndrome,” were constantly in the yard (239). Although Dominic was retired, he had the same boyish, openness Patricia described in her letters.

Dominic and his wife, Ellen, invited Rainey and Doug to a cocktail party. Rainey was delighted by Jamie, who served the drinks. Dominic explained that Jamie had had tenuous health throughout his childhood. He had exceeded their expectations since.

Later, Rainey and Doug wondered at Dominic and Ellen’s relationship with Jamie. They were surprised that such a couple had such a son (244). Then the couple argued about dinner. Rainey guesses that Patricia understands such marital disagreements. However...