by Edith Wharton
Book 1, chap mid-XIV- XV
At this point in the novel, the end of Book 1, Lily's troubles have grown even larger and the ways to get out are growing less. She has lost a rich suitor, Percy, has been spending too much time with married men, and now owes Mr. Trenor nine thousand dollars, none of which her aunt will help her repay. In addition, Lily is troubled with what to do about Selden; she knows that they have feelings for each other, but he cannot fully provide for her financially. Lily needs a husband and money, fast. It is at this vulnerable time, Mr. Rosedale steps in. He offers Lily an opportunity which both of them might benefit from. Lily needs a rich husband and Mr. Rosedale desires a beautiful wife to spend money on and show off. Mr. Rosedale is quite taken by Lily and informs her of the benefits she could receive from the arrangement of their partnership, "You're not very fond of me- yet- but you're fond of luxury, and style, and amusement, and of not having to worry about cash. You like to have a good time, and not have to settle for it; and what I propose to do is to provide the good time and do the settling' " (Wharton, 144).
In light of this proposal, Lily has a few options. Whatever path she chooses, she has to stay on Rosedale's good side, and at some point, she's going to have to marry someone. This seems to be a major turning point in the novel because Lily desperately needs a way out. People are talking, debts are growing, and to Lily's great despair, Selden has left. Selden seemed her only hope, a beacon in the darkness. But now he is gone. Lily successfully held off on Mr. Rosedale's offer while staying on his good side, but I predict that he will be back soon. Lily has a lot of thinking to do, and I am excited to see how she handles the complicated situations at hand.
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| This is what I picture every time I think of Rosedale. Odd, but true. |
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