Chapters 10-12 Summary and Analysis

In London, Jessica finds that Esmond has opened a center for runaway boys at a left-wing bookstore. He is publishing a magazine, Out of Bounds, which is basically anti-Fascist. The magazine is successful. Jessica wants to meet Esmond but is busy planning her debut, part of which is being presented at Buckingham Palace. To Jessica, the best part of being a debutant is the opportunity to meet people. She is no longer confined to Swinbrook House.

The London season is a series of parties, teas and other social events that keep Jessica busy. Jessica can't remember the names of the people she meets at these events, much to her mother's consternation. She finds most of these events to also be boring since they are with people who had the same kind of upbringing as she. At the end of...