I almost don't know what to say for Anne. She's learned the hard way about love and truthfulness. Henry isn't even the hero. For all his schemes, Anne's situation doesn't genuinely improve. He helped her betray the man she loved, and convinced her Lyon would be grateful later. No one likes being played for a fool, so Lyon turns the tables on Anne. It's unfortunate, of course, but it's the kind of thing that happens in real life.
When she held him in her arms she suddenly knew it was important to love--more important than being loved. (426)
She should've known she could no more force Lyon's hand than Kevin or Allen could force hers. She finally made the connection between the two, but somehow it still wasn't enough. She had never learned how to love between simple caring and romantic fervor.
It was unbelievable. History repeating itself. Kevin had suddenly looked like Allen Cooper--the same cowlike expression and the same childish rage. And once again it was Lyon who was sitting back, demanding nothing and promising nothing, while she was being torn in two. (429)
The difference here is that Kevin allows himself to turn into every prick I've ever known. He alternates between rage and pleading. Lyon recognizes the significance, but the situation only superficially resonates with Anne.
"I'm talking about love," he said hotly. "Not begging! Love shouldn't make a beggar of one. I wouldn't want love if I had to beg for it, to barter or qualify it. And I should despise it if anyone ever begged for my love. Love is something that must be given--it can't be bought with words or pity, or even reason." (437)
Anne tries to put this theory into practice, telling herself she won't ask to come to London with him -- "that would be begging." But the longer he stays in New York, the more she forgets it. His departure looms, and she gets desperate. Ironically, he had even admitted he knew love would always be a struggle, but Anne simply takes it too far.
"Peace of mind does not always come with love. I'm sure you'll have peace of mind with Gillmore, and a good conscience. With me, you might have to battle that conscience. But then, love is always a bit of a struggle, isn't it?" (436)
He meant it would hard for them to be apart, and she might have to hurt Gillmore -- not that it would be OK to do something she knew would create such a struggle, hoping naively that love would forgive without question and conquer all.
As time passes, Lyon is busy making Neely into a star again. Fat and friendless, she finds herself confiding in her manager. "I want a guy. And I'm gonna be choosy from now on. I'm not exactly a size ten, but I'm not a freak. And it's not just getting laid--I want someone who cares about me, someone I can respect ... someone to love." (457)
When Lyon finds out about Anne's betrayal (buying the business with her own money and having Henry take credit), even baby Jennifer isn't enough to keep him happy. Anne isn't stupid -- she knows he is cheating on her with Neely -- but Henry advises her to appear ignorant if she wants Lyon to come back around. Fortunately, business keeps Neely busy and away. It's a sad truth about some female friendships, too. But if you can't rely on those you've loved and trusted since your youth, who can you rely on?
But she had never formed a close friendship with any girl since Neely and Jennifer. Close friendships with girls come early in life. After thirty it becomes harder to make new friends--there are fewer hopes, dreams or anticipations to share. (479)
Anne, meet the red dolls. Thanks, Henry, for your thoughtful consideration.
- Swedish hose = I have not come up with an answer here. The two most relevant Internet references include a celebrity gossiper insisting Colin Farrel needs "a full body wash with a Swedish hose" and a reviewer referring to a baby aspirator that requires parental suction as a "Swedish hose for the nose." And then the quote from this book, about treatments Neely received at the sanitarium.
- Decolletage = a low neckline on a woman's garment
- Ungainly = awkward
- Svengali = a person who completely dominates another, usually with selfish or sinister motives
- Impassive = apathetic, emotionless
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