Part 1, Chapter 12 Summary

Alone in the silent house, Emily is reluctant to deal with reaching the constable and does not know what she would tell him. The twins will probably be back before Vockins could arrive. Emily smolders again at sister Hermione, who like Lola and Briony always stole scenes with histrionics. Emily is convinced that Lola sabotaged Briony's play, causing Briony to sulk. Emily's husband Jack will probably call soon to announce he must sleep at his club. He does this regularly and Emily finds comfort in the lies he tells. She is determined not to lose him. Emily thinks about being a wronged child and a wronged wife. She watches two moths circle the lamp above her unused harpsichord, recalling a science professor once telling her moths only appear to be attracted to light. They instinctively seek the darkest place beyond it...