Summary

In Chapter 16, “Jacqueline,” Jackie attends the annual Heart Benefit, a charity event that she and Bill always attended together. She hopes she and Bill can “present a united front” (150), eliminating the rumors that Bill left her for another woman. A friend ensures that Jackie is seated across the room from Bill, but she sees him come in with Daisy. Jackie believes the woman is too brassy and notices that her dress is made from cheap fabric. She flirts with two men seated beside her, but their wives obviously do not approve. Actually, one is vocal in her disapproval. Jackie leaves early and is even more determined to make Bill pay financially.

In Chapter 17, “Faith,” Faith and Bitsy go home after a long Saturday at the market, the second since the reopening. Curtis's friends are present but they leave soon after Faith's arrival. Curtis...