One of those lame jobs, said Tommy Lattimore, and his earlobes went red.

I would love to live in Paris, said Irene Minter dreamily.

He was such a flirt, that Wally Vail, said Clare. Her giggle was having a torturing effect on Chip Cunningham.

Lilian shut herself in the Crooks’ downstairs bathroom, praying no one would find her. Running water in the sink, she didn’t hear the soft knock. The door opened. It was that younger Finch brother, the one who’d looked at her in that ridiculous way.

I’m so sorry … His head ducked down, and he shut the door quickly.

The surprise brought Lilian back to herself. When she came out into the hall the Finch brother was still there, regarding her with the bold awkwardness of a child.

Are you all right? he said. I thought you might be …

No, said Lilian. I’m fine. She gave him a tight look and fled.

20 • A round of weddings

20 • A round of weddings

DOLLY CUSHING never exhibited a moment’s depression until the day after she was married. She hadn’t wanted the wedding to end.

Yes, Freddie Vernon was successful, people whispered in the pews of King’s Chapel, but Freddie Vernon was also a jerk. At the reception he danced Dolly around, his eyes protruding to glimpse the important guests. He showed the same expression when surprised, or if someone offered an opinion which did not correspond with his own. Lilian had grown used to him, thinking that Dolly loved him, and had never seen evidence, though she did hear stories, of him snubbing those not in the Social Register.

Dolly was a fright to Freddie Vernon on their honeymoon till he got her on a camel; they rode out to the pyramids, and she felt herself again. She was the first of Lilian’s intimates to marry.

Marian Lockwood came next, within the year, marrying Dickie Wiggin — lost Dickie who had the air of a man who’s just missed his train. He was a dapper dresser, by Boston standards, always with a colorful bit of handkerchief in his pocket, wearing a straw boater in the spring. Marian led him about, happy to take charge. She always knew the smartest place to buy curtains and which florist had the biggest lilies. She was wonderful at spending money and Dickie Wiggin had a great deal of it. While Lilian could not imagine Marian’s marrying a poor man, she did feel they genuinely liked one another.