Part 3, Finale: Chapters 1-2 Summary

In chapter 1, the Christmas season is upon her, but Irene is not much in the spirit. Irene returns home from a shopping trip and climbs into bed instead of preparing for a tea party she is throwing that afternoon for Hugh Wentworth. At four, Brian wakes Irene and tells her that Clare is downstairs. Brian says that he invited Clare to come to the tea party because her feelings were hurt that Irene did not invite her. Irene explains that the party is for Hugh and Hugh dislikes Clare which is why she did not invite her. Brian becomes defensive, however, when Irene says this. Suddenly Clare realizes that her husband is having an affair with Clare.

Irene slowly prepares for the party, dazed and unsure how to react to the information she thinks she has learned...