The Way We Live Now - Week 7

[Dianne]

I love how this book is so engrossing and that there are so many different plot lines and they’re all equally interesting. In the beginning of the section, Ruby’s aunt has had enough with her shenanigans and forces her to stay home much to Ruby’s chagrin. Meanwhile, Felix is up to no good as usual - planning to run away with Marie to New York but at the same time planning to meet Ruby before he leaves. I’m sure it was no shock to anyone that he ended up getting completely piss drunk and losing all of his money and basically trudging home as an inebriated mess back to his mother. Miraculously for Marie, her father’s minions rescued her before she got on the ship to travel to New York alone - but her supposedly faithful servant Didon abandons her and proceeds on the trip.

In this section we also see the Paul / Mrs. hurtle debacle continue and at this point his lame excuses and apologies are wearing thin. We also see that the façade of Melmotte’s wealth is about to crumble although we don’t know the full details at this point.

[Tammy Dayton]

I felt sorry for the two girls. Both lost their freedom because of the same lame man. I hope the book ends with him being alone. His mother is finally getting sick of him. And I do not want Paul anywhere near Hettie. She needs the stable cousin.

[Tammy Dayton]

I thought it was hilarious that Melmotte was brought down a notch or two. He couldn't even get a favored seat.

[Monarda]

I thought good for Madame Didon! Hope she went on to a fabulous life in NY! :-)

[Dianne]

Dianne wrote: "I love how this book is so engrossing and that there are so many different plot lines and they’re all equally interesting. In the beginning of the section, Ruby’s aunt has had enough with her shena..."

I did as well! It's amazing that his sheer pretty face alone could ruin them both. Paul is only marginally better, and I agree Hettie should stay away!

[Dianne]

Tammy Dayton wrote: "I thought it was hilarious that Melmotte was brought down a notch or two. He couldn't even get a favored seat."

Melmotte! Man there was enough foreshadowing but I still didn't see this turning out quite so poorly for him. Somehow I thought he would evade the consequences of his actions.

[Dianne]

Penney wrote: "I thought good for Madame Didon! Hope she went on to a fabulous life in NY! :-)"

Ha exactly! She has had quite enough of the nonsense! I wonder how she built her life in NY - night and day different from her life up until then! Hopefully she had enough savvy built up to be able to survive on her own without too much difficulty.