Chapter 16
Contains spoilersOverview
In a letter addressed to Molly, Flora recounts the night of the Workers’ Ball at Gray Manor. The event brings together the Grays, their staff, and the wealthy Braun family, during which Flora is dazzled by Algernon Braun and distances herself from John, despite their earlier connection. Social expectations, parental approval, and youthful impulsiveness drive Flora toward Algernon, culminating in public kisses and a planned date.
Summary
Flora opens with a remembered moral about looking past grime to find what shines, signaling a lesson for Molly. She then describes the Workers’ Ball at Gray Manor, where the manor’s bleak mood lifts for a night of opulence and celebration. Flora’s parents, Reginald and Audrey Gray, host guests from high society and the estate, greeting everyone with ceremony.
Uncle Willy, Mrs. Mead, and John arrive; John appears confident and well-dressed. John compliments Flora and kisses her hand, prompting Audrey’s thinly veiled rebuke to Uncle Willy. Flora apologizes to the staff family and briefly eases tensions, but Audrey quickly redirects her to socialize strategically, hinting at the awaited arrival of the Brauns.
On the dance floor, John asks Flora to dance. They move in effortless harmony, and John speaks warmly about her intelligence and beauty. Their moment is interrupted when Magnus Braun arrives with his wife Priscilla and son Algernon. The Brauns’ modern flair and audacity contrast with Gray tradition. Algernon greets Flora with a lingering hand-kiss, which Audrey openly encourages, revealing the Grays’ approval of this match.
Algernon dances with Flora, flatters her, and speaks of Saint-Tropez and a carefree life. Audrey and Reginald beam from the sidelines, clearly endorsing the connection. The music shifts to livelier rock ’n’ roll, and the ballroom descends into exuberance. Flora, overstimulated, takes a break in the powder room where Mrs. Mead consoles a sobbing girl; Mrs. Mead urges Flora to keep John close, but offers no explanation.
When John finds Flora outside the ballroom and cautions her to be careful amid talk circulating at the party, Flora bristles, interprets his warning as jealousy and control, and pushes him away. Drawn back to Algernon, Flora eagerly accepts his attention. Algernon inquires about her age, reveals he is 21, proposes a Saturday night outing in a convertible, and kisses her on the ballroom floor.
Flora reciprocates Algernon’s charm and agrees to the date, fully leaning into her parents’ approval and the excitement he represents. Algernon departs after another kiss, telling Flora he will see her Saturday, while Flora’s earlier connection with John collapses under the night’s glamour and pressure.
Who Appears
- Flora Gray
narrator of the letter to Molly; Reginald and Audrey’s daughter; dances with John, becomes infatuated with Algernon, agrees to a date, and kisses him.
- John
Uncle Willy’s son; dances gracefully with Flora, expresses admiration, tries to warn her to be careful, is rebuffed.
- Uncle Willy
Gray Manor’s butler and John’s father; attends the ball and endures Audrey’s condescension.
- Mrs. Mead
house staff and Flora’s nursemaid; prepares Flora, consoles a sobbing girl, urges Flora to keep John close.
- Reginald Gray
Flora’s father; hosts the ball, courts the Brauns’ favor, approves of Algernon’s attention to Flora.
- Audrey Gray
Flora’s mother; openly favors the Brauns, discourages John’s familiarity, pushes Flora toward Algernon.
- Magnus Braun
wealthy guest; arrives late with family, signals interest in pairing Algernon with Flora.
- Priscilla “Prissy” Braun
Magnus’s wife; attends with the family and interacts amiably.
- Algernon Braun
Magnus’s son; bold and flirtatious; dances with and kisses Flora, invites her on a date, wins the Grays’ approval.
- Percival Peterson
schoolmate; present with classmates, socializes with Algernon.
- Baron and Baroness
titled guests; compliment Gray Manor’s furnishings.
- Unnamed sobbing girl
guest comforted by Mrs. Mead in the powder room; details undisclosed.