Even Nancy knew to steer the conversation toward "good relations," but James insisted on labeling her as someone who'd do anything for money. To him, this was who she had become—someone driven by greed.

In today's situation, with Nancy and elder Mrs. Cole present, Serena could easily have excused herself from the performance. No matter how unwilling Vera was, she couldn't argue against the authority of dignified elders. And no matter how slick James was with words, he had no real ...