Wives and Daughters

The narrative revolves around a suggestion for a quiet dinner, highlighting the social dynamics and expectations of the characters involved. The proposal reflects a desire for intimacy and connection, while also hinting at underlying tensions regarding propriety and decorum. The mention of attire in blacks and lilacs suggests a somber yet elegant atmosphere, contrasting with the notion of gaiety, thus emphasizing the complexities of social interactions and personal relationships in the context of the dinner invitation.