
In a bustling New York café, two impeccably dressed society women—Mrs. Reginald Norman, radiant in a Paris‑crafted gown, and her friend Ethel Danielson—exchange witty repartee over lunch. Their conversation effortlessly weaves talk of fashion, a recently dismissed French maid, and the latest gossip that circulates among the city’s elite. The atmosphere crackles with the subtle competition of appearances, as each woman measures her poise against the other’s flawless style.
The centerpiece of their chatter is the much‑anticipated Christy’s Bridge Party, a lavish affair destined to dominate the social calendar. While some view it as a glittering spectacle, the two women see an opportunity to make a statement, refusing to lend their support to a gathering they deem ostentatious and morally questionable. Their resolve to “block the Christys’ social pathway” hints at the delicate balance of alliances, ambition, and scandal that will unfold in the weeks leading up to the grand event.
Language
en
Duration
~18 minutes (17K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2007-12-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1872–1968
A prolific American writer, she filled her stories with New England life and returned again and again to the Cape Cod world she imagined in the villages of Belleport and Wilton. She also wrote accessible nonfiction for younger readers on everyday industries and inventions.
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