Lilian noticed in the tiered configurations on the page that there were many people who did not marry.

Died young, Winn said. Or the Finch madness.

Lilian looked alarmed.

Oh, it’s just what we call it, the eccentrics of the family, Winn said. His voice lowered. Though they have been known to shoot their wives. You won’t find that in here, though. He tapped the book.

At dinner they talked about the crash. The Cunninghams were hardly touched since Mr. Cunningham didn’t believe in investing. Cap Sedgwick had been hurt, but they still had the property in Milton and in Maine. Gilbert began talking about an ivy plant his secretary had let die, trying to illustrate, one assumed, that morale was down everywhere.

Edith blinked with interest. She offered more Newburgh to her guests.

It was so dark in the back of the house, Gilbert said. Everyone exchanged glances. He was drunk.

He began to tell again about the secretary’s ivy plant, describing it word for word in the same way. His shoulders sloped in a crestfallen posture, and his eyes looked haunted. Even Winn with his robust spirit dared not interrupt him.

Edith tried to steer the conversation to another subject, asking about the children. Gilbert looked at her with an open, matter-of-fact gaze and said she was just like their mother. Except that Mother was more beautiful, he said. And amusing.

More than his silences, more than his evening irritations, it was this unkindness which made Lilian realize that Gilbert was sick. While Edith saw to the coffee tray and Winn answered a phone call from a patient, Lilian sat with Gilbert on the window seat.

Would you like to go home? she said in a cold voice, having lost sympathy with him after his attack on Edith. His eyes met hers, blank, then he hiccuped. He looked at his knee resting on the cushion, hiccuping again. It was only when she noticed his cheeks were wet that Lilian realized what the hiccuping was. By then it had quite taken him over.

38 • A cure in England

38 • A cure in England

THE DOCTOR advised a trip. He’s worn himself out and needs a rest, he said. He knew of a splendid place in England.

Cap Sedgwick came to say good-bye. He shook Lilian’s hand, tipping aside his long head so as not to meet her eye. Sis Sedgwick had said her good-byes earlier.

Do send him our love — if it seems wise to, said Cap Sedgwick, and he bowed away. There was a hushed aspect to the departure.