Every nerve in my body says to run after Thaddeus and tell him everything. But I know there's no way he can know the truth.

As if I were the funniest, weirdest girl in the world - that's how he used to look at me.

[D]ear...You just charmed the pants off her with that hunting trip!

...[O]ne of the first things a Magnolia League debutante learns: Keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself.

Fantasy games are unbecoming to a lady, she says, closing the subject. "And the idea that you would even dream of spending time with some strange boy when you could be reinforcing your relationship with your Magnolia compatriots leaves me breathless. You are going to have to earn the respect of the other girls.

You are in training, and therefore your personal taste and opinions are not to be trusted until they are fully and reliably shaped - by me.

I can't help frowning. "But Madison designed that cocktail dress herself...

The fact is I'm in a serious jam.

I'm sorry. I just meant that all this is new to me. I get lost sometimes." I give her my most honest expression.

As a Magnolia, you are always onstage.