Summary

The novel jumps forward a few years. Marian Churchill and her son, Freddie, look at art at the Met in New York City. They rush outside to witness Cecil’s proposal to Lucie. She is surprised and slightly embarrassed by the huge scene, but Lucie accepts the proposal. The family goes for afternoon tea at the Carlyle.

In Chapter 2, Consuelo Churchill hosts Lucie’s engagement party. Lucie’s family is impressed with Cecil’s high status and they ask her how they met. They met five years ago in Rome. The guests fawn over Cecil’s wealth while Lucie tries to be diplomatic about it. Lucie’s cousin, Caroline Churchill, who goes by Cacky, feels competitive about the advantageous marriage Lucie has secured.

Cecil and his mother, Reneé, circle the block before going into the party despite already being late. Cecil makes...