The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle: A Novel

Violet observes the partygoers at Lord Flynn’s reception for the soldiers stationed in his home. Shortly after Violet arrives with Hugh and Cressida, Grace arrives with her father, her appearance causing interest among the crowd. The stylish dress and slight makeup from Cressida bring out Grace’s beauty, and Violet is surprised to note that even Hugh seems fixated on Grace.

Violet finds Lord Flynn and beelines toward him, hoping to catch his interest and land him as a prospective husband. As she attempts conversation with the lord, a tall, loud American man, Lieutenant McCauley, interrupts her to greet Flynn. McCauley points out how nice it is to see such pretty girls for once, and Violet notices that both he and Flynn look toward Lottie, who is dressed in a somewhat revealing outfit. Violet is dismayed to note that Flynn’s attention keeps turning back to Lottie, and he eventually excuses himself to talk to her. McCauley notices Violet’s upset at being rejected and teases her about having other men lined up, but when he offers conversation himself, she tells him that she is not one to accept pity offers. As she struggles to find another person to speak to, she notices Hugh, who is again staring at Grace with an intense look.