Part 4, 1956-1960, Chapter 18 Summary

Elizabeth has her happiest Christmas ever, despite her father's discomfort at being a guest and approval of Henry bringing work home over the holiday. Harry is delighted and asks to make a cradle. Elizabeth invites him to visit as a nursery consultant. She denies to Henry that Harry is a villain, because everything has worked out well.

Father passes Eileen's odd request to phone her at 10 PM at the shop. In order not to be overheard by the snooping postmistress, Eileen speaks in code about the break-up. Aisling arrives in London badly bruised, tells the story without melodrama, refuses to meet her mother, but agrees to phone. She wishes that things were different. Eileen reports that Tony is sober for twenty-four hours, regrets hitting Aisling, and wants her back. Adamant that she is gone forever, Aisling finds a job...