The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Lily has taken a liking to Mr George Dorset, however her enemy Bertha Dorset is near him most times. This coupled with Gus Trenor usually being near to Dorset allows Lily little time with George in fear of encountering her foes. Lily still tries to befriend the Dorsets for her own reasons, and also wants to get in good with the Bry Family. They want to establish themselves in the community, and therefore decide to throw a large ball in which Lily will be one of the key atendees. Lily dawns her finest draws and catches everyone's eyes at the party, including Selden's. They retreat to the garden where they kiss for the first time (ooh la la), but Lily pushes away saying that they could never marry (what a bummer). They love each other, evident when Lily tells Selden to "Ah, love me, love me--but don't tell me so!" (Wharton 112). The scene is perfectly tragic, but hopefully their future changes for the better. The following morning both Selden and Judy Trenor wanted to meet with Lily, and she decides to meet with Judy first. But here's the twist: Judy wasn't home at all, it was a trick by creepy old guy Gus Trenor just to talk with Lily! He attacks her with slander, rumors and flirtation. It bewilders Lily, she is confused and distraught, and she runs away to seek comfort from Gerty Farish.
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