Chapter 18
Contains spoilersOverview
In a letter to Molly, Flora Gray recounts how, after the Workers’ Ball, she became infatuated with Algernon Braun despite misgivings and her growing feelings for John Preston. Encouraged by her parents’ ambitions, Flora pursued Algernon, dismissed warnings from Mrs. Mead and John, and went on a date that turned uncomfortable until Mrs. Mead, Uncle Willy, and John intervened at a drive-in, halting Algernon’s advances. Flora ended the night relieved, though outwardly apologetic to Algernon.
Summary
Flora Gray writes to Molly about the sudden shift in her life after the Workers’ Ball, when Algernon Braun became her overriding focus. Although Flora had begun to connect with John Preston, she yearned for her parents’ approval and accepted their push toward Algernon, convincing herself that his attention was true love despite a sense of foreboding.
The morning after the ball, Flora found her parents uncharacteristically affectionate and united, praising her for attracting Algernon. Mrs. Mead, however, voiced concern, relaying that a college acquaintance had an “unpleasant” experience with Algernon, but Flora’s parents dismissed it and encouraged Flora’s planned date. Flora, hungry for her mother’s affection, embraced their approval.
As the week progressed, Flora lost interest in studies and fantasized about Algernon, even while a lesson on Romeo and Juliet resonated with her imagined romance. John confronted Flora at school, expressing their mutual connection and warning her about rumors regarding the Brauns. Flora, torn but defensive, rejected him harshly, calling him “just a servant,” and let him walk away.
At home, Flora and her mother bonded over preparations for the date, shopping for a flirtatious outfit that pleased her mother. On Saturday night, Algernon arrived in a flashy convertible, charmed Flora’s parents, and mentioned an upcoming invitation for the Grays to visit the Brauns for whiskey and art.
During the date at a drive-in, Algernon boasted about college antics and his departure from school. He paraded Flora among friends, then parked in a secluded spot. After some kissing, Algernon’s advances escalated beyond Flora’s comfort; she asked him to slow down as panic rose.
At that moment, Mrs. Mead appeared at the car window with popcorn, with Uncle Willy and John visible nearby. Introducing herself, Mrs. Mead firmly but politely intruded, handing over the popcorn to "keep the mouth and hands busy." The interruption halted Algernon’s behavior. Back in the car, Flora proposed watching the film; Algernon, annoyed, made a classist remark about being watched. Flora apologized aloud but internally felt profound relief.
Who Appears
- Flora Gray
narrator of the letter to Molly; becomes infatuated with Algernon, rebuffs John publicly, goes on a drive-in date that turns uncomfortable, feels relieved when it is interrupted.
- Algernon Braun
Flora’s new suitor; charming and boastful, rumored to have harmed a girl; makes aggressive advances at the drive-in and is thwarted by Mrs. Mead’s intervention.
- John Preston
the butler’s son and Flora’s long-time friend; confronts Flora about their connection, warns her about the Brauns, later appears at the drive-in with family, aiding the timely interruption.
- Mrs. Mead
Flora’s nursemaid; warns the Grays about rumors regarding Algernon and later interrupts the date at a critical moment, stopping Algernon.
- Reginald Gray
Flora’s father; newly affectionate, eager to forge a Gray–Braun alliance, dismisses concerns about Algernon.
- Audrey Gray
Flora’s mother; becomes supportive and affectionate toward Flora, encourages the match with Algernon, plans outfits and a shopping trip, dismisses the warning.
- Uncle Willy
the Gray household’s butler and Mrs. Mead’s brother; present at the date interruption at the drive-in.