Epilogue Summary

As the epilogue begins, Iris is having her third fitting for the wedding dress previously worn by Mrs. Savage's mother on her wedding day. In just two days, on September 12, 1964, Iris will marry Alan Savage and obtain the family she has always wanted.

Iris had made a trip back to Hammond in May to visit Uncle Leslie and to find Duke and his new wife. In character, Duke is impressed with the size of Iris's antique engagement ring while Uncle Leslie shares Iris's thoughts that Persia would be so proud. After the trip, Iris determines to withhold wedding invitations from Duke and Aunt Madelyn, whose recent religious fanaticism would certainly repel the stoic Savages. The only family member Iris wants to attend is Uncle Leslie because Iris can trust that he will exhibit some sense of decorum.

During Iris's trip to Hammond, Uncle...