Chapters 1 &2. Book 2

House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.

Book 2 opens with a setting change. Selden is in Monte Carlo with Carrie Fisher and the Dorsets. Much to Selden's surprise, Lily also arrives in Monte Carlo (strange how someone in debt can swing a vacation)," he was vaguely aware that Miss Bart was cruising in the Mediterranean with the Dorsets, but it had not occurred to him that there was any chance of running across her on the Riviera" (Wharton, 150). The only reason that Lily is on the trip is to distract Gorge while Bertha carries on her affair with Ned Silverton. Later this turns into a rumor that Lily and Gorge are having an affair of their own. Selden spots Ned and Bertha and figures out that Lily is being used as a distraction.

None of this can distract Lily from feeling dread about returning to her financial problems back in New York. Frankly, Lily is getting what she deserves for her dealings and trickery. She dug herself into this hole, she should suffer the consequences, one way or another, and find a way out herself. I am also confused that she is vacationing when she knows very well that she is dangerously low on funds to be squandered away. One might think that when facing a debt crisis that Lily would make sensible decisions. This reminds me of how our government, Lily, has a tremendous debt and yet instead of reducing spending, we continually get ourselves deeper into trouble.