Summary

In 1984, Julia appreciates that her life in New York “[offers] no reminders of her old life” (233). She misses her sisters and eventually convinces Emeline to visit. During the trip, Emeline informs Julia that Sylvie and William are in love. Julia calls her mother to express her anger; she feels as if her sisters “have given me up” (241). She tells Rose that she will lie to Alice and claim that William is dead. Julia becomes more ambitious at work, eventually becoming head of her company’s New York office. She corresponds with Rose and the twins via postcards. In 1988, she learns that Sylvie and William have gotten married.

William feels lucky that, despite his relationship with Sylvie, Emeline and Cecelia continue to be in his life; he often completes odd jobs in Cecelia’s new house. Although William believes that “he didn’t deserve...