Part 3, 1954-1956, Chapter 17 Summary

Britain goes to war in Suez on the day the O'Connors fly home and Eileen is upset, remembering young Sean. Aisling tells Ethel that Tony is drinking again and his behavior towards her is worsening. Ethel is in denial. Eileen confides to Aisling that she has gone to Dublin to have two benign cysts removed and insists that all is well. A variety of people mention seeing Tony driving under the influence. Aisling suggests that Ethel cancel Christmas, since Joannie and Fr. John are busy and Tony does whatever he wants. Niamh is depressed over losing her lover Tim. Reading Aisling's calm letter about the prospects of a horrific Christmas leads Elizabeth to warn Henry against turning to drink. She would leave him, something not done in Ireland.

George adjusts to life without Elizabeth, who invites him for three...