Summary

Chapter 6 takes place in Venice around 10 years before the present-day events. Zachary, Lydia, Christine, and Alex, along with another friend called Nathan were on vacation, taking in the sights. Alex had recently been made headmaster of his school, but he and Christine were quarreling with “uncharacteristic rancour” (220). One of these quarrels unfolds in front of the three others, as Christine accused Alex of being angry all the time and spoiling everyone else's happiness. Christine compared her marriage to Lydia and Zachary's in her mind and wondered how they managed to get along so well. She discussed this matter with Lydia, who responded, “It's easy to be nice to Zach” (226).

Zachary and Alex went out together and discussed Sandy, Alex's father's writing, and women in the creative fields. Zachary was surprised to discover that Alex did not seem to think much of Christine's art...