Summary

Chapter 22 opens in the spring of 1954. Hillary turns four years old that spring. Barbara attends parties meant to advertise new beauty products and fashion, but she never quite feels she fits in. Barbara's ex-husband, Mac, remarries and introduces his new wife to Hillary. Barbara is depressed and cries at work one day. Her tears are for her life in general rather than for any one person. Sidney calls at that moment, inviting her to lunch. She agrees. He announces that his divorce is almost final and that he loves her. She begs him not to hurt her again.

In Chapter 23, Caroline is now making 90 dollars a week, which is less than Amanda made for the same job. She is resentful but loves her job. She has a secretary of her own now, a young woman named Lorraine, who seems very young to Caroline...