Chapter 2 Summary

Julia Durnford, Claudia's neighbor, is remembering the first time she had seen Claudia. She remembers how Claudia looks glamorous and careless, but isn't beautiful. Julia catches her first close-up glimpse of Claudia when Julia brings Claudia some of her homemade marmalade. Julia vows to make it her job to make Claudia to feel comfortable, since Julia lives in the most important house and was born and raised in the village. Star Bishop is Julia's cleaning lady.

Julia is very involved in the committees and goings-on in the village. She is also very busy during the holidays when her son comes home from college and her daughter comes home from boarding school.

Julia decides to have a party. She'll have her husband think of a single man to invite and Julia plans to invite Claudia. That night, when Peter gets home, they eat and...