The House of Mirth Summary

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Here you will find a The House of Mirth summary (Edith Wharton's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

The House of Mirth Summary Overview

Lily Bart, an unmarried woman of 29 with significant social and familial connections, resides with her aunt, Mrs. Peniston, following the demise of her mother. Frequently, she finds herself at the Bellomont, a lavish estate owned by the affluent Gus and Judy Trenor, where grand soirees dominate the social calendar of the New York elite. These events often involve high-stakes card games, a setting that exacerbates Lily's debilitating gambling problem, sending her spiraling into financial ruin. Lily's chief ambitions are marriage and affluence, hoping to wed a wealthy man to cement her societal status. Despite numerous opportunities, she consistently holds out, convinced she can attain more. Lawrence Selden, her one true love, is economically inadequate for her marital aspirations. Lily develops an interest in the stock market during her time at the Bellomont. Gus Trenor, who harbors a secret fondness for Lily, agrees to invest on her behalf. As the investments succeed, Lily begins to live a life of opulence. However, she soon discovers a shocking truth: Trenor has been using his own funds, expecting her companionship as repayment. Mortified, Lily vows to settle her debts, though she is uncertain of how she will accomplish it. Lily embarks on an unplanned Mediterranean trip with George and Bertha Dorset, along with young Ned Silverton, only to discover she is merely a diversion for George while Bertha carries on an affair with Ned. As Lily mingles with European elites, a jealous Bertha ousts her, starting a scandalous rumor about Lily and George, leading to Lily's social ostracization. On her return to America, Lily learns of her aunt's death and a meager inheritance of $10,000, enough to clear her debts to Trenor, but inaccessible for a year. Lily struggles to restore her tarnished reputation and takes up humble jobs to survive. She moves into a boarding house and starts using sleeping pills to escape her desolation. Once her inheritance arrives, she settles all her debts, and later, she overdoses on her sleeping pills, possibly deliberately. Lawrence Selden visits her apartment intending to propose, only to find her lifeless, her debts cleared.

book 1 chapter 1

In the early 1900s, Lawrence Selden runs into Lily Bart at Grand Central Station in New York City on a September Monday. With two hours to kill before her train, Lily asks Selden to accompany her. They head to Selden's apartment, The Benedick. While having tea in Selden's place, Lily expresses her wish to have her own space. She's aware that Selden's cousin, Gerty Farish, lives alone, but she knows society tends to think it's only suitable for widows, governesses, or unmarriageable women to do so. They discuss why Selden doesn't come by Lily's place at her Aunt Mrs. Peniston's house. Selden admits he doesn't visit because he knows Lily isn't romantically interested in him. Lily scolds Selden for assuming he could pursue her romantically. She sees him as a confidante and is well aware that her peers find her tedious and think she should get married. As they smoke and discuss collecting rare books, Lily inquires if Selden ever wishes he had more money to buy books. He admits he'd like more money. They then discuss marriage and the economic implications that vary for men and women. Lily and Selden talk about the upcoming weekend party at the Trenor's country estate, Bellomont. Despite finding these parties dull, Lily realizes she must attend them to meet potential suitors. She declines Selden's offer to walk her back to the station and leaves the apartment alone. She feels the cleaning woman is curious about her presence in Selden's apartment but shrugs it off. Upon leaving, she encounters Simon Rosedale, described as "a plump rosy man of the blond Jewish type." He questions her about her visit to The Benedick. Lily lies, saying she was visiting her dressmaker. Rosedale, who owns The Benedick, knows this to be untrue. He offers her a ride to the station, but she prefers to hail a cab instead.

book 1 chapter 2

As Lily travels back to Grand Central Station, she reflects on her actions, realizing she has made three mistakes. Firstly, she regrets her spontaneous visit to Selden's apartment. Secondly, she acknowledges that lying to Rosedale, though she sees it as a lesser evil than admitting to her unsupervised visit to Selden's bachelor pad, was a fault. Finally, she wishes she had accepted Rosedale's ride offer, as she believes he would have helped her cover up her inappropriate behavior. Wharton discloses that Rosedale once harbored romantic feelings for Lily, but she rejected him due to his brash entrance into New York's high society. Rosedale leveraged a coworker's debt to gain social event invites, but both he and his coworker, Jack Stepney, faced social ostracism. Despite Judy Trenor's harsh judgment of him and his failed attempts at fitting in, Stepney persisted in introducing Rosedale into their social circles. During her train ride, Lily spots the rich, bachelor Percy Gryce and strategically positions herself to sit with him, since they're both headed to the same house party. While she finds him utterly dull, she engages him in a discussion about his collection of historical artifacts, which he enthusiastically talks about. Gryce is a newcomer to New York's high society, arriving with his domineering mother from Albany after his father's death. His wealth, thanks to his father's patented invention, combined with his single status makes him a highly sought-after bachelor. The pair is joined by Bertha Dorset, an annoying, self-absorbed woman who is physically less imposing than Lily. When Bertha asks for a cigarette, Lily pretends she doesn't smoke, in an attempt to appear more appealing to Gryce.

book 1 chapter 3

Spending the evening playing cards at the Trenor residence, Lily notices Bertha's easy interaction with men, particularly Gryce, and feels envious because her single status doesn't allow her the same freedom. Lily then contemplates her own life compared to Gerty Farish's, feeling ill-suited for the latter's lifestyle which she perceives as filled with the "ugly drawbacks of poverty". She starts recognizing the personal costs of depending on others' hospitality, including being obliged to play expensive card games. Lily has developed a penchant for bridge but lacks skill and fortune. Her winnings, when any, are wasted on luxury goods rather than saved for future losses. That night, she lost all but twenty dollars, unlike Judy and Bertha who made significant gains. Getting ready for bed without alerting her maid, she justifies her rudeness as retaliation for being subservient to others' whims. She notes that both she and her maid are similar, save for the fact the latter gets a regular salary. Examining her face, she notices lines that remain even in softer lighting. She attributes this to her financial and relationship troubles, wondering whether they're a result of her own actions or fate. She recalls her past, characterized by living lavishly despite limited means. Lily's nineteenth birthday, a lavish event, reveals her financial naivety as she chastises her mother for not having fresh flowers for lunch. Her father's sarcastic response reveals their financial ruin. After his bankruptcy and death, Lily and her mother stay with wealthy relatives. This experience strengthens Lily's determination to marry rich, by enhancing her beauty and social skills to draw wealthy suitors. Yet, Lily isn't as materialistic as her mother, viewing her attractiveness as a means to bring about cultural refinement. Following her mother's death, Lily lives with her affluent widowed aunt, Mrs. Peniston. Despite being a wealthy relative, Mrs. Peniston is stingy, only providing irregular sums of money to Lily. Lily views this arrangement as temporary until she marries, while realizing that her aunt's infrequent financial help won't cover her lifestyle expenses, further affirming her decision to marry into wealth.

book 1 chapter 4

The next day, Judy asks for Lily's help with some clerical tasks. They chat about Carry Fisher who's been married twice and Lady Cressida Raith, a woman married to an English priest who splits her time between gardening and charitable work in London's poor areas. Judy had been proud to bring Lady Cressida into New York's social scene, but was let down when Lady Cressida proved to be morally upright, or in other words, dull. Judy reveals that Bertha is upset with the Trenors for not persuading Selden to come to their gathering. Judy suggests Gryce could be a good diversion for Bertha, a suggestion Lily doesn't agree with. Judy replies saying Gryce was invited for Lily. They then discuss the dynamics of the Dorsets' marriage and plan how Lily can win Gryce's affection and wealth. Lily watches her cousin, Stepney, trying to woo Gwen Van Osburgh, a wealthy, large woman with a dull personality, whom Stepney finds as predictable as roast meat. Lily sees similarities between Gryce and Gwen - his plain personality and her plain looks. Having decided she will charm Gryce, she is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Selden. Their meeting is cut short by Bertha.

book 1 chapter 5

Lily strategizes to get Gryce's attention by heading to church with the Trenors' girls. She presumes her appealing appearance and humble grey attire will make Gryce fall hard for her. But in a rebellious move planned to stir Gryce's desire, Lily intentionally skips the bus taking everyone to Sunday mass. Instead, she comes across a private chat between Selden and Bertha, to Selden's amusement and Bertha's shock. Following this, Lily treks towards the church, hoping to encounter Gryce after the service. Selden crosses paths with her and deduces Lily's plot to win over Gryce. When Gryce does come back from church on foot, he's part of a group with Lady Cressida and the Trenors' girls. A conversation about Americana prompts Selden to understand Lily's motive of ensnaring Gryce, so he offers to continue his guidance that afternoon.

book 1 chapter 6

Lily and Selden decide to step outside for an extended chat. She compares the delight she experiences to a past romance with Herbert Melson, a handsome but poor man who eventually wed Gwen's older sister. However, she is aware that Melson has aged, gained weight, and become a man who often shares stories about his children. Selden is portrayed as a tall, dark, intellectual figure with a sense of superiority over rich people's customs, a quality Lily appreciates. He confesses that he attended the Trenors' party specifically to see her. Lily plans to exploit Selden's presence to further her agenda with Gryce. She believes spending time with Selden will either demonstrate to Gryce that she isn't desperate for his proposal or might provoke him to jealousy. Earlier, Lily pretended to have a crippling headache to skip an afternoon drive to the Van Osburghs' estate, a ruse aimed to gain Gryce's sympathy, much to Selden's amusement. Their conversation focuses on their differing interpretations of success. Lily's definition is "to get as much as one can out of life," while Selden values personal freedom. They discuss money and Selden likens it to air for the rich; without their lavish surroundings, they would be like fish out of water. Lily points out his hypocritical behavior of criticizing the wealthy while socializing with them. Selden believes Lily is too good for many upper-class men. She retorts that she could do great things with the wealth from a rich husband. He warns her that she's chasing a wealth that won't bring happiness. Although she agrees with him, she finds his outlook too bleak. Their discussion saddens Lily and she questions why Selden is criticizing her aspirations when he has no alternative to offer. He confesses he would gladly provide an alternative if he had one, which makes Lily cry. But Selden isn't sure if she's acting. He tries to smooth things over by saying it's natural for him "to belittle all the things" he can't offer her. Lily feels that Selden is belittling her by criticizing her desires. She asks him if he wants to marry her, stating, "I shall look hideous in dowdy clothes; but I can trim my own hats." Just as their conversation gets serious, they spot a passing car. Realizing it can't be the Trenor party, they use it as an excuse to lighten the mood. In response to Lily's query, "Are you serious?", Selden playfully suggests that he had nothing to lose by being serious, hinting that Lily would never entertain a marriage proposal from him.

book 1 chapter 7

Lily arrives back at the Trenor's to find Gryce gone. Judy reveals that Bertha sought revenge on Lily for charming Selden, spreading damaging tales about Lily to Gryce. These included Lily taking loans to settle a gambling debt and stories of her past love interests. Judy requests Lily to fetch her husband from the railway station. At the station, Lily encounters Trenor, whom she loathes. Trenor shares news of a profitable business transaction with Rosedale, whose wealth he anticipates will soon surpass his own. As they journey back to his residence, Lily implores Trenor to assist her in investing her wealth, hoping to secure a consistent income. He assures her he can generate a sizeable fortune for her without any risk.

book 1 chapter 8

Lily obtains a thousand dollar dividend from Trenor's investment for her and learns that she's earned five thousand dollars more from Rosedale's tip. She maintains a friendly rapport with Trenor, thinking this suffices for his help, a relationship his wife Judy supports, seeing Lily as a positive influence on her husband. Judy favors Lily more than Carry, who she detests as a "vulture." Lily, however, remains oblivious to the hazards of the stock market and the source of Trenor's initial investment. She assumes he took loans from her securities and considers the profits made through Trenor her own. At Lily's cousin Stepney's marriage, she encounters potential suitor Gryce and Selden. She gets introduced to Selden's cousin Gerty, who is plain and modest in her means. They appreciate the wedding gifts, especially a large diamond pendant from Rosedale. Gerty informs Lily about Gryce's impending engagement to Evie Van Osburgh, the least desirable of the Van Osburgh siblings in Lily's opinion. An inebriated Trenor tells Lily he sold her rising stock and hands her a four thousand dollar check. However, Lily is more focused on usurping Evie's position with Gryce. Trenor, feeling neglected, expresses his discontent, which leads Lily to agree to keep Rosedale company as a token of gratitude for Trenor's assistance. Later, Lily meets Selden and expresses envy towards Gerty's romantic perception of the wedding gifts. She confesses her loss of self-respect after Selden's earlier criticism of her ambitions, to which he replies they were her top priority. Their conversation is interrupted by Trenor and Rosedale. Facing a potential snub by Lily, Rosedale reminds her of her previous lie about her dress and fictional dressmaker. Lily then allows Rosedale to escort her as she investigates Gryce's engagement to Evie. Upon running into Evie's mother, Mrs. Van Osburgh, she confirms the engagement.

book 1 chapter 9

Lily's aunt, Mrs. Peniston, comes back and Lily has to decide if she should live with her aunt or the Trenors during fall. She chooses Mrs. Peniston to avoid owing Trenor anything. When Mrs. Peniston's house opens, Lily meets the cleaning woman she had seen at the Benedick again. But this time, Lily is impolite to her. The cleaner, Mrs. Haffen, informs Lily that she and her husband were let go from the Benedick, and she has letters for Selden that she can sell to Lily. Lily understands that Mrs. Haffen thinks the letters were sent by Lily, but they were actually sent by Bertha. Lily buys these letters with a plan to destroy them. Mrs. Peniston asks Lily about the Stepney–Van Osburgh nuptials, mentioning that she's heard Bertha is claiming to be the reason Gryce and Evie got together. Lily goes to her room, where she safely stores away the letters Bertha sent to Selden for potential future use.

book 1 chapter 10

Lily relishes the autumn season in Mrs. Peniston's company, satisfied with the earnings from Trenor's investments. She donates some of her wealth to Gerty's charity, demonstrating a sense of pride in her generosity. Post Thanksgiving vacation in the Adirondack Mountains, Lily encounters Rosedale. Not only does he invite her to an opera, hinting at Trenor's potential presence, but also insinuates about Trenor's possible ill-intentions towards Lily and past indiscretions. When he inquires about her investments, Lily is taken aback, realizing that Trenor has disclosed their deal. However, she hopes Rosedale could provide financial assistance and agrees to accompany him to the opera. At the event, Lily, adorned in new attire, is striking. Trenor, under the influence of alcohol, confronts Lily, accusing her of using him for financial benefits. He expresses a desire to meet her privately, and she consents to a meeting in Central Park the next day. Dorset interrupts their conversation to convey Bertha's request for Lily's presence at their home the following Sunday. Lily, privy to Bertha's letters to Selden, feels she has an advantage over Bertha.

book 1 chapter 11

During the holiday downturn on Wall Street, most investors, with the exception of Rosedale and Wellington Bry, experience significant financial losses. Rosedale is believed to have doubled his wealth, aiding his acceptance into New York's high society. Carry Fisher has been instrumental in this process, introducing him to the elite and educating him on societal norms. However, Rosedale craves a more distinct woman, setting his sights on Lily Bart. A festive gathering hosted by Mrs. Peniston to celebrate newlyweds Jack and Gwen Stepney is detailed by the author. Grace Stepney, Mrs. Peniston's cousin, believed she was invited but was taken off the guest list. Seeing Lily as the reason for this, their relationship grows tense. Grasping a chance for retaliation, Grace shares with Mrs. Peniston the gossip surrounding Lily and Trenor. Grace informs Mrs. Peniston of a supposed fallout between Lily and Judy, which is attributed to Lily's flirtation with Trenor. She also suggests that Trenor has been covering Lily's expenses, including her gambling debts, revealing Lily's involvement in card games for cash, something Mrs. Peniston finds shocking. To emphasize her point, Grace explains that Lily's gambling habit scared Gryce away. Moreover, Grace tells Mrs. Peniston about rumors of Lily spending time with Dorset, a married man. She mentions that Evie noticed a number of costly clothing items being delivered to Lily, suggesting that Lily is living beyond her means.

book 1 chapter 12

Lily attempts to make peace with Bertha Dorset, finding satisfaction in winning over an enemy rather than defeating them. She spends a lot of time keeping Dorset happy, an easier task than dealing with Trenor, whose financial situation has suffered due to a stock market crash. Lily worries that Judy Trenor may have heard about her supposed flirtation with Trenor, which could explain Judy's newfound coldness towards her. The Brys, newly wealthy, host a grand party with Lily and Carry Fisher's help. Among the guests are Selden and Gerty, who were invited by Lily. Gerty shares with Selden that Lily donated three hundred dollars to her Girls Club charity and had also persuaded other high society women to donate generously. One of the highlights of the party is a tableau vivant, where participants pose to recreate famous art or historical scenes. Lily portrays Mrs. Lloyd from a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Her portrayal, emphasizing her beauty and figure, stuns the audience. Selden, seeing her in this light, realizes his deep appreciation for Lily, unfiltered by societal trivialities. He thinks that he is seeing "the real Lily Bart, divested of the trivialities of her little world, and catching for a moment a note of that eternal harmony of which her beauty was a part." While some guests find Lily's display scandalous, Selden is captivated. He finally talks to Lily after purposefully avoiding her since the Stepneys' wedding. In their conversation, he declares his love to her. They share a kiss, and Lily responds, "but don't tell me so" before leaving him alone. As Selden departs, he overhears Trenor and Ned Van Alstyne commenting on Lily's appeal.

book 1 chapter 13

Lily wakes up to two notes. She thinks both are due to her triumph the night before. The first is from Selden, asking to meet her, which makes her nervous as she believes he might propose again, but she agrees to see him the next day. The second is from her old friend Judy, asking for a meeting that evening, which makes Lily happy. At the Trenor home that night, she finds Trenor waiting for her in Judy's study. He admits to tricking her into the meeting—Judy is not at home, which irritates Lily. He begs her to hear him out, blocks the exit with a chair to prevent her from leaving, and accuses her of making him look stupid and exploiting his good nature. Lily reminds him of the social etiquette of an unaccompanied woman visiting a man, but Trenor says he knows she visited Selden alone. He wants some kind of return for the financial gains he's brought her, and she suggests repaying him similarly. She insists that Trenor acted as any real friend would. However, he contends she must have received similar favors from many men and confesses he's "mad" about her. After his outburst, Trenor accepts Lily's indifference. The narrator clarifies his reasons for letting go of Lily: "Old habits, old restraints, the hand of inherited order, plucked back the bewildered mind which passion had jolted from its ruts." Lily leaves and takes a carriage home. En route, she spots Gerty's place and decides to drop in for a visit.

book 1 chapter 14

Gerty, having realized her love for Selden, has a dream-filled night in her apartment. Selden, who was raised in a home where happiness was valued more than riches, dislikes the pursuit of material wealth, calling it "aimless profusion." Following a meeting with Lily, he is sure of his love for her and believes she expects a proposal. After receiving a note from Lily about a future rendezvous, he is excited, anticipating her acceptance. Having dinner with Gerty, Selden talks about Lily, leading Gerty to conclude that Selden loves Lily. Despite her own feelings for him, Gerty stays silent and mentions that Lily was dining at Carry's. Selden, in turn, leaves to find Lily there. On arrival, he learns that Lily has departed, with rumors that she headed for the Trenor residence, where Trenor is alone. Upon leaving Carry's, Selden walks with Ned Van Alstyne towards the Trenor house. They spot Lily exiting, with Trenor at the open door. Van Alstyne requests Selden's discretion, reminding him that "appearances are deceptive." Gerty, feeling betrayed by Lily's actions, harbors resentment towards her for the first time. Post her encounter with Trenor, a distraught Lily unexpectedly visits Gerty. Despite an initial repulsion, Gerty comforts Lily when she realizes her distress. Lily, emotionally distressed, calls herself wicked. As Gerty attempts to understand the source of Lily's distress, she mentions Selden's visit to Carry's. Lily responds by questioning whether Selden would ever think highly of her again to help her. Gerty, conflicted, assures Lily that Selden would indeed help her.

book 1 chapter 15

Lily wakes up at Gerty's place the next day. The bond they shared the previous night seems to have faded. Gerty has called Mrs. Peniston, letting her know where Lily is. Lily goes back home to Mrs. Peniston, deciding that she needs to return around nine thousand dollars to Trenor. She arranges a private meeting with her aunt before seeing Selden. Lily admits to her aunt that her financial trouble stems from overspending on clothes and gambling but omits the actual size of her debt. She hopes her aunt will offer her enough to pay Trenor back. However, Mrs. Peniston is not pleased to hear about Lily's gambling habits, especially that she gambled on a Sunday. She agrees to give Lily only $1,000, enough to cover a dressmaker's bill. Feeling dejected, Lily waits for Selden. She was hoping to find solace in his presence if she managed to repay Trenor with her aunt's help. Now, realizing her aunt won't be helping her, she hopes that marrying Selden might be her way out of trouble. But Selden is nowhere to be seen. Instead, Rosedale comes to see Lily. He brags about his wealth and hints that he wants a wife to share it with. He promises Lily everything she needs and more. When Lily realizes that Rosedale is proposing to her, she insists that she never intended to give him the impression she was romantically interested. Rosedale acknowledges this but believes that her love for luxury and social status will eventually make her see the benefits of their union. He also hints at her recent clash with Trenor. Lily tells him that it would be "selfish and ungrateful" of her to accept his proposal just to solve her financial problems. She requests more time to think about the offer, and Rosedale leaves. Lily, disappointed that Selden didn't show up, writes him a letter. However, she then learns from a newspaper that he has gone on a long cruise to Cuba and the West Indies. She tries to write a letter to Rosedale, presumably to accept his offer, but she can't finish it. Then, she gets a letter from Bertha inviting her to join the Dorsets for a Mediterranean cruise leaving the next day.

book 2 chapter 1

Selden finds himself in Monte Carlo with the Stepneys, Brys, Lord Hubert Dacey, and Carry. He learns that Lily, who is vacationing with the Dorsets, has turned into quite the sensation in Europe. Carry indicates that Lily looks almost a decade younger and has gained favor with the Crown Princess of Macedonia. This information stirs up Selden's latent feelings for Lily, a realization that takes him by surprise. Carry informs Selden during a stroll about Lily's early chance to marry a wealthy Italian prince. She discloses that wedding plans were in motion between the prince and Mrs. Peniston until Lily began showing interest in the prince's stepson. Furthermore, Carry suggests that Lily's current European visit was planned by Bertha to keep Dorset occupied while she flirted with Ned Silverton. Shocked by the frank discussion, Selden takes his leave. On his train journey back to Nice, Selden resolves to stay away from Lily. But upon boarding, he crosses paths with Lily who is travelling with the Dorsets, Silverton, and Dacey to dine with the Duchess of Beltshire in Nice. He notes that Carry was right about Lily's beauty flourishing in Europe. In Nice, Silverton discloses to Selden that Lily's artful manipulation prompted the trip to Nice, all under Bertha's watchful eye, who staunchly defended Lily. Yet, Silverton intimates that Bertha's pride must have taken a hit. Concurrently, Bertha's flirtatious dalliance with Silverton climaxes as Selden sees them hailing a carriage, hinting at an impending romantic escapade.

book 2 chapter 2

Lily wakes up on the Dorsets' yacht, the Sabrina, and asks to see Bertha, who rejects her. Opting to leave the yacht instead, Lily heads to breakfast with the Duchess of Beltshire. On her way, she bumps into Carry who suggests that Lily take her place as the Brys' social escort. Carry warns Lily of an impending scandal, as social commentator Dabham has been spreading rumors about Lily being seen with Dorset late the previous night. Lily denies any wrongdoing, explaining that they were waiting for Bertha and Silverton at the train station, but the pair didn't show up. Next, Lily comes across Dorset, who reveals that Bertha and Silverton didn't return until early morning. He shares Bertha's implausible explanation involving a slow carriage. Dorset, suspecting Bertha's infidelity, follows Lily's suggestion to consult Selden, a lawyer. Lily later confronts Bertha, who shares a different story than the one she told Dorset. When Lily points out the discrepancy, Bertha accuses her husband of having a nervous "attack". The ensuing argument reveals that Bertha is blaming Lily for seducing Dorset as a cover for her own unfaithfulness.

book 2 chapter 3

Selden gets a telegram from Lily, asking him to help with the Dorsets. He chats with Dorset and begins to worry about Lily's good name. Despite the tough situation with the Dorsets and Bertha's harsh attitude, Lily stays on the Sabrina yacht. In town, Selden bumps into Lily and shares his worries about her standing in society due to Bertha's hostility. He urges her to leave the Dorset's yacht at the Brys' dinner event. Lily insists she's safe, but Selden's concerns come true when Bertha tells everyone Lily won't be coming back to the Sabrina. After the dinner, Selden decides to help Lily find somewhere to stay. Stepney allows Lily to spend the night at their hotel on the condition she won't wake his wife, Gwen, and she'll leave the next morning by train.

book 2 chapter 4

Lily departs from France for London, under the protection of the Duchess. Meanwhile, the Dorsets, Brys, and Stepneys head back to New York, each spinning their own tales about Lily's adventures in Europe. Once back from London, Lily learns of the death of her aunt and patron, Mrs. Peniston. At the will reading, she is taken aback to find that Grace has inherited most of Mrs Peniston's wealth, leaving Lily a mere $10,000. Determined to pay off her debt to Trenor with this small inheritance, Lily confides in Gerty about her social banishment by the Dorsets and her disappointing inheritance. Instead of sharing the exact circumstances, she tells Gerty that in their society, being accused is as damning as being guilty. Carry joins them for lunch and is pleased to see Lily. During her meal with Gerty, Lily meets Judy. She notes that although Judy is friendly, she makes no effort to inquire about Lily's plans or express a wish to meet her again. In a state of financial desperation, Lily approaches Grace to ask for an advance on her inheritance. Grace declines, stating the estate won't be settled for some time and that Mrs. Peniston was against borrowing. She further suggests that the small bequest to Lily was Mrs. Peniston's way of reprimanding her for her behavior.

book 2 chapter 5

After departing Mrs. Peniston's home, Lily reunites with Carry who has resolved her disputes with the Brys and regained her position as their social consultant. Carry proposes that Lily could take up a similar role for Sam and Mattie Gormer, a wealthy couple ignorant of Lily's history and keen on ascending in society. She informs Lily that the Gormers appreciate the presence of creative minds like actors and artists. With the Gormers planning an Alaskan voyage, Lily gives her consent to join as Mattie's social guide. Following her Alaskan trip, Carry hints that marriage could be a solution to Lily's issues. Two potential husbands, Dorset and Rosedale, are under consideration. Carry reveals that Dorset is considering divorcing Bertha. Lily, however, dismisses any notion of a relationship with Dorset. Although her animosity towards Rosedale has decreased, she remains apprehensive about a loveless marriage.

book 2 chapter 6

As Lily aids Mattie in her social climb, she often visits the Gormers' upcoming property near the Dorsets'. During a visit, she encounters Dorset who regrets the past incidents in Europe. While she disregards him, she can't help but sympathize with his desperation for her companionship. Lily's worry heightens when she learns from Mattie that Bertha has visited the Gormer estate. She sees Bertha's growing influence over Mattie as a sign of trouble. Simultaneously, she deals with her escalating debt and decides to wed Rosedale. Dorset's unexpected visit further complicates matters, as he seems oblivious to her financial troubles and only wants to share his sorrows. During a visit to Carry's, Lily bumps into Rosedale. Carry informs Lily that Mattie and Bertha were there together, indicating to Lily that her time with the Gormers is ending. Carry once again advises Lily that marrying either Rosedale or Dorset is her only shot at getting back at Bertha.

book 2 chapter 7

During her stay with Carry, Lily has a stroll with Rosedale, reflecting on her past dating efforts that haven't led to engagements. She is committed not to squander her chances with Rosedale. She boldly informs him she is ready to become his wife, even though he didn't renew his proposal. He confesses he didn't plan to re-propose and she clarifies her initial rejection wasn't absolute. Rosedale expresses his affection for Lily but shares his reluctance to get tangled in the ongoing scandal involving her and Dorset. He doesn't think the rumors about their affair are true but fears marrying her amidst the scandal could ruin his chances of social approval. He questions Lily about her lack of retaliation towards Bertha and discloses his awareness of the love letters Bertha penned to Selden, which Lily has. He advises her to use these letters to force Bertha to support her ambitions. This move, he believes, would level the playing field between Bertha and Lily, and make it feasible for him to marry Lily. He ensures that his prosperity will safeguard her from Bertha's plots post-marriage. Lily, however, dismisses Rosedale's scheme, leading him to suspect she is trying to shield Selden, to whom the letters were addressed. He reminds Lily that Selden hasn't really been supportive of her since the scandalous episode in France.

book 2 chapter 8

Lily discovers that Bertha is indeed sabotaging her relationship with the Gormers. During a rare visit with Gerty, Lily learns that Silverton has returned to his extravagant, gambling lifestyle and has been ostracized by the Dorsets. Lily admits to Gerty that her sleeplessness is due to the strain of attempting to fit into elite society. It's later revealed that Carry has secured another job for Lily. Gerty informs Selden of Lily's struggles and requests his help, to which he agrees. On visiting Lily's hotel, he realizes she has relocated to the luxurious Emporium Hotel. Lily now has employment as a secretary for Mrs. Norma Hatch.

book 2 chapter 9

Now employed by the affluent, multiple times divorced Mrs. Hatch at the Emporium Hotel, Lily finds herself in the midst of a social circle comprising Mr. Melville Stancy, Silverton, and Freddy Van Osburgh. When Selden comes to see Lily at the Emporium, his unease is apparent, resulting in defensive remarks. He forcefully suggests she leave Mrs. Hatch and the Emporium behind, even offering her a place with Gerty until her inheritance comes through. However, Lily confesses her entire inheritance is already owed. Despite Selden's insistence, Lily's resolve to remain with Mrs. Hatch only strengthens.

book 2 chapter 10

Gerty suggests Lily could work as a milliner, given her hat-trimming abilities. Carry, also intent on helping Lily, gets rebuffed by Judy in her attempt to assist. Eventually, Carry manages to secure Lily a job at Mme. Regina's hat shop. However, Lily is wary of being spotted by her old acquaintances, so she opts to construct hats instead of modeling them. She is criticized by the supervisor, Miss Haines, for her poor sewing but receives comfort from her colleague, Miss Kilroy. Lily starts using a chloral prescription from Mrs. Hatch to help with her sleep. She is warned by the pharmacist not to up the dosage. On one such occasion, she runs into Rosedale. Over tea, Lily explains to Rosedale her reasons for leaving Mrs. Hatch, which was due to her unwillingness to support Mrs. Hatch's pursuit of the wealthy Van Osburgh. Rosedale admits hearing rumors about Lily, making her regret leaving Mrs. Hatch's employ. Shocking Rosedale, Lily reveals her new job at Mme. Regina's and her financial obligations to Trenor and others. Before Rosedale can offer help, Lily departs the scene. Later, Rosedale escorts her back to her lodgings and wishes to meet again, which Lily accepts. Alone, Lily mulls over using Mrs. Peniston's inheritance to start her own hat business, hoping to repay Trenor with the earnings. Such a plan, she realizes, could take years. She blames Bertha for her predicaments and wonders how long she can resist the urge to use the letters against her. She ends the day by drugging herself into a deep slumber.

book 2 chapter 11

Lily watches the busy streets of Fifth Avenue, spotting Mrs. Van Osburgh, Evie, their newborn, Mrs. Hatch, and Judy. Having lost her job at Mme. Regina's store, which she had expected, she's visited by Rosedale. He proposes to lend her money to pay back Trenor, but she rejects his offer, admitting she has no collateral. Rosedale, who is about to leave for Europe, persists in his offer to marry Lily if she reconciles with Bertha. His promise to elevate her social status moves her. Lily contemplates blackmailing Bertha with the letters to regain her societal standing. The next day, she forms a plan at a restaurant on Fifty-ninth Street. She heads home to get the letters, then sets off for Bertha's house. However, she's reminded of her past stroll with Selden as she walks past a certain street. She wonders how Selden would perceive her planned act against Bertha. Spotting a light in Selden's flat, she decides to enter his building.

book 2 chapter 12

Lily turns up at Selden's place, expressing regret over their last interaction. However, she notices an unbridgeable gap between them. She acknowledges her fear of a less luxurious life made her reject his marriage proposals. She also confesses an error she believes has led Selden to view her unfavorably. She pleads Selden to keep her in his memory, and he volleys back offering his assistance. She requests him to stay her friend and covertly drops Bertha's letters into Selden's fireplace. She bids him goodbye with a sense of closure.

book 2 chapter 13

Lily comes across Nettie Crane Struther in Bryant Park, a young woman she once helped at the Girls' Club. Nettie has since married a motor-man and named her baby daughter after Lily. Later, at the boardinghouse, Lily sorts through her remaining belongings. When a maid hands her a letter with a $10,000 inheritance check, she deliberates on using it to settle her debts. She feels the weight of her solitude and decides to pay Trenor in full, preparing a deposit slip for the check as well. Ignoring the pharmacist's warning, Lily takes more of her chloral prescription than necessary. She succumbs to an unintentional overdose and slips away in her sleep.

book 2 chapter 14

On the next day, Selden decides it's time to pay Lily a visit, having thought of something important to say to her. Upon reaching her place, he meets Gerty who delivers the shocking news of Lily's death. Understanding Selden's deep affection for Lily, Gerty steps aside, allowing him some solitude with her lifeless body. Selden stumbles upon a check made out to Trenor, causing confusion, as well as an old letter from him to Lily, indicating his wish to meet her two years ago. He acknowledges his past failure to uphold his feelings for Lily as a display of cowardice. Selden recalls their mutual love, disrupted by her past and his critical views of her way of life. He kneels next to her bed in remorse, savouring a final tender moment shared between them.

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