Summary

In Chapter 1, anticipating the Christmas rush, Patty Williams and Fay Baines complained about their bosses, Mr. Ryder and Miss Cartright, at Goode's Department Store. Goode's was established by F. G. Goode "at the end of the last century" (2). Patty and Fay both worked in the Ladies' Frocks Department with Miss Jacobs.

In Chapter 2, Patty and Frank got married 10 years ago. Everyone wondered why they did not have children. Their marriage was dull and predictable.

Patty had gotten a fertility test, but Frank had not. Patty told the doctor they rarely had sex. Patty's mother, Mrs. Crown, and Patty's sister, Joy, gossiped about Patty's marriage.

In Chapter 3, each morning when Patty, Fay, and Miss Jacobs arrived at work, they changed into their unflattering, issued black frocks.

Patty and Fay frequently wondered about mysterious Miss Jacobs, who wore the perfect size. No one knew her...