The House of Mirth Book 1 Chapters 11-12

In chapter 11, of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, Grace Stepney, Lily's cousin tells Lily's aunt about what she's been up to. Grace's feelings were hurt when she wasn't invited to a party,  and because of this, she decides to go tell Lilly's aunt all the shady things Lily had done, primarily the flirting with a married man, and having supposed gambling debts. Rather than simply asking Lily like any sane person would have done, she instead decides that if she talks to Lily it might "provoke a scene," so instead of questioning her niece, she simply assumes that the charges brought against Lily are true.

In chapter 12, Lily takes part in a living picture exhibit where Lily is seen as the most beautiful of all the other women included in the exhibit. During this chapter I concluded that Gerty Farish is Lily's truest friend. Just like how Lawrence Selden is her true love, but she keeps going away from him, Gerty is the one person who truly likes her for her, not how she looks, or how much money she has. While most of Lily's other friends would have talked behind Lily's back about the rumors, Gerty defends Lily saying "It makes me so angry when I hear her being called cold and conceited!" (Wharton, 108). It is likely that none of Lily's other friends would not have defended her. Selden and Lily also have a moment of passion at this event. It seems as if the story may soon come to a head over the choice of wealth or true happiness and fulfillment. I for one hope Lily chooses the the people that will allow her to live a life that is about more than just how much money one possesses.