Prologue and Chapter 1: Nancy Summary

Penelope is sitting in the back of a taxi, on her way home from the hospital. She is happily settled back in her house and contemplates which child she should call to tell she is back home. She settles on calling Olivia. After hanging up, she feels grateful to be alive and living, as if given a bonus chance at happiness.

Nancy is starting her day in her only occupation—as a stay-at-home mother and woman who runs the household at the old Vicarage. She thinks about their house and lifestyle, both of which exceed the financial means that George, her husband, brings in. She clearly is a woman for whom appearances are of the upmost importance, no matter the cost. She has spoiled, disagreeable children and a housemaid that she dislikes, but is a weak...