Book 1: Chapter 12 Summary

In chapter 12, we learn why Bertha Dorset was interested in reconciling their differences and becoming friends with Lily again. She has a new lover, and needs a distraction for her husband so that he will not become suspicious or jealous of her activities. George Dorset is extremely ill tempered, and Lily is one of the few people whose company he sincerely enjoys, so she is the logical choice of distraction. Suddenly, after months of isolation, she returns to the social scene she used to frequent. Even Judy Trenor, whose wrath she'd incurred with Mrs. Trenor, learned of Lily's agreement with her husband, is polite to her once again.

The Welly Brys are a newly rich family trying to make an entrance into the exclusive social circle of which Lily and her friends are members. They are being helped by Carry Fischer...