Summary

In Chapter 21, Yale invites Rebecca to a conference. She arranges to leave Andrew and Jacob in Judith’s care during her absence. Rebecca considers how difficult managing her boys has become recently and feels excited for the brief break from their chaotic lives. Rebecca finds herself contemplating every black man she encounters, wondering whether he might be Andrew’s father. When Rebecca arrives at Grand Central Station, she internally thanks Jackie Kennedy for saving it. Rebecca’s thoughts segue into Princess Diana’s recent meeting with Barbara Bush to discuss AIDS. Rebecca aspires to gain Diana’s compassion. She notes that James Merrill, the man responsible for awarding Rebecca the Younger Poets prize, has AIDS. Rebecca hopes to hold his hand in an act of solitude. But the Yale conference keeps Rebecca so busy that she barely interacts with Mr. Merrill at all. When...