Summary

In Chapter 27, Olivia noticed that Amy-Rose was distant and preoccupied. She knew that “in her rush to grow up, she’d left her friend behind” and missed their former intimacy (226). At lunch, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport directly asked Mr. Lawrence and Olivia if a proposal was forthcoming. Olivia was mortified, recognizing her own disinterest in the match and Jacob’s discomfort with the question. Olivia excused herself from the table and Mr. Lawrence followed. As they spoke privately, she asked him if they could “let [her parents] believe [they had] arrived at an understanding” (230). He attempted to confide his feelings for Helen but Olivia put him off before he could reveal his true feelings and made him promise not to tell anyone about their agreement. In Chapter 28, Helen struggled to focus on her dancing lessons with Mrs. Milford. She was surprised when...