Role of women
Cecilia and Emmeline are the main protagonists of the story, and they are described in very different ways. While Emmeline is quiet and shy this is juxtaposed by her inherent independence and desire to have a career. On the other hand, Cecilia is livelier and lives a life of glamour, going from parties to luxury trips. Both seem to suggest that the role of women is not restricted to that of the domesticated housewife one is used to reading about.
Death
Death is most prominently reminded throughout the plot through the mention of Cecilia’s husband and Emmeline’s brother, Henry’s, death. Cecilia carries the pain of his death despite the façade of happiness. It is the reasons he is unable to get close to Markie despite her obvious initial attraction to him.
Love
Emmeline has spent most of her life hiding behind the shadow of Cecilia. Unlike her best friend, Emmeline has never pursued a long-term romantic relationship. As such, when Markie shows interest in her, she proceeds to ignore all the red flags and considers herself in love with him. However, it seems that she is only in love with the idea of love and this leads her to make foolish mistakes.
