Summary

In Chapter 21, Jean received a letter from Brenda regarding her time at St. Cecilia’s. She confirmed that Jean and Martha were friends. Martha often convinced Gretchen to do things she would not normally have done, like “take triple the dose of sleeping pills” (205).

Jean referred to Alice’s diary to corroborate Brenda’s story. She wondered if something had happened to Gretchen while on the pills.

In Chapter 22, Howard visited Jean at home. They took a drive. Howard said Gretchen had “run away” (209). He had yet to tell Margaret. Since seeing the Tilburys last, Gretchen had begun visiting Martha. She had left Gretchen her address on the painting. Howard revealed that Gretchen and Martha had been in love. Upon leaving him, Gretchen said “she had never really stopped loving Martha” (211). Jean felt bad for Howard, but “her heart bounded with selfish joy...