In Chapter 1, Cordelia describes her debut ball as the “first skirmish” of a larger “war.” Why does she think so? Explain the subtext of Cordelia’s sentiment in your own words.

Write a character portrait for Grace Blackthorn, drawing from your own impressions of her, as well as the descriptions of characters in the book. Why does James describe her as a “fire blazing,” while Matthew sees her as “very quiet”?

Based on the observations and experiences of Cordelia, Grace, and Lucie, explore the gender norms of the novel’s setting. Do you think social pressures influence the decisions and characteristics of these young women? If so, how?