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The Wedding People
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Parts 5-7Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 5: “Saturday: The Rehearsal Dinner” - Part 7: “Monday: The Wedding Brunch”
Part 5, Chapter 18 Summary
Lila assigns Phoebe the task of accompanying Gary to several appointments. Gary hurt his back surfing and needs assistance with last-minute wedding errands. Lila doesn’t trust Jim to complete the tasks correctly. Before she leaves, Phoebe realizes her wedding speech is entirely inappropriate; she decides to improvise her speech at the rehearsal dinner.
Phoebe drives Gary’s sedan to the liquor and menswear stores, assisting him with any heavy lifting. They stop at Gary’s office so he can complete last-minute sign-offs before leaving on his and Lila’s honeymoon. Seeing Gary in his routine, non-wedding life feels intimate to Phoebe; she begins to guard herself against falling in love with Gary. Phoebe receives an email reply from Geoffrey, the owner of the Newcombe Mansion; he’s very interested in Phoebe working as his winter keeper. Gary insists they tour the property together. Geoffrey interviews Phoebe as they walk through the massive estate. He’s pleased with Phoebe’s research of Victorian-era homes. Gary starts to talk about the future with Phoebe living in town, and the wedding people feel less like strangers.
Phoebe drives Gary to the barber, but he and Phoebe face a lengthy wait since Gary didn’t schedule an appointment. Gary asks Phoebe if she will miss teaching in St. Louis and if she feels like she’s pretending to be someone different. Phoebe answers his questions but asks why Gary seems like he’s pretending to be someone else. Gary replies that he’s nervous to speak honestly with Phoebe about their friendship. He cannot stop thinking about their first conversation in the hot tub. He confesses feeling pulled to Phoebe and at ease to be himself. They both agree that Gary’s confession is scary. Gary is called to the barber’s chair. Phoebe watches Gary’s gray beard disappear as the barber transforms him into a more clean-cut version of himself.
His physical transformation and the pause in their conversation alter Phoebe back into her maid-of-honor persona. She tells Gary his haircut and clean-shaven face look alarming, like a dog whose groomer cut off too much hair. After Gary’s haircut, he and Phoebe travel to the bank. Gary attempts to restart their conversation, but Phoebe suggests they have nothing more to discuss. They run into Lila at the Cornwall Inn, and Phoebe momentarily worries that Lila can see Phoebe and Gary’s love for each other. However, Lila only admires Gary’s appearance and asks Phoebe to ensure Patricia doesn’t get drunk at the rehearsal dinner.
Part 5, Chapter 19 Summary
Marla’s husband, Robert, and son arrive for the wedding weekend; Marla confides in Phoebe that her face-to-face relationship with her husband still feels awkward, even though they’ve been sending each other sexually explicit texts all week. The rehearsal takes place at The Breakers, a famous mansion in Newport, which is the location of the wedding. After, the wedding guests return to the Cornwall Inn for a five-course dinner with a palate cleanser between dishes. Phoebe sits next to Jim at Lila and Gary’s table. Gary’s mother, who has dementia, insists the family pray before each course. Lila worries about the timing of the dinner; she wants all guests to promptly be outside by the sea for an expensive fireworks display at nine o’clock. She suggests Jim and Phoebe skip their speeches, which upsets Gary.
Jim and Phoebe make light jokes during dinner; at one point, Jim holds Phoebe’s hand, which disturbs both Gary and Lila. Lila feels particularly upset with Patricia, who had her nude cubist self-portrait displayed for this event. Jim stands and clinks his spoon to his champagne flute without Lila’s consent, rousing the room’s attention for his best man’s speech. Jim cries as he talks about his close relationship with Gary and how losing Wendy bonded their relationship as brothers. When Jim confesses his attraction to Lila before she met Gary, the other wedding guests laugh, believing Jim is joking. Lila, however, recognizes Jim’s admission is serious. Jim compliments Lila on being gracious and detail-oriented before toasting the bride and groom. The fireworks begin to launch in the background. Juice steals sips of Jim’s red wine throughout his speech.
Noticing that she has steak stuck in her teeth, Phoebe motions for Lila to join her in the bathroom. Lila immediately rants about Jim, but Phoebe tells Lila that Jim is in love with her and that they are compatible. Lila judges Phoebe harshly for speaking highly of Jim, but she balks when Phoebe confesses she’s considering having sex with him. Lila and Phoebe get into an argument, and Phoebe highlights Lila’s self-centered attitude. Phoebe ultimately decides that Lila isn’t her friend. They return to the reception to find that Gary dismissed the wedding guests outside to view the fireworks. Lila feels enraged that the guests left before they could have the palate cleanser or hear Phoebe’s toast. Jim snaps at Lila, accusing her of getting overly emotional about minor details, creating problems that Gary must fix. Lila counters that Jim is under-concerned with details and thus never accomplishes anything. Jim returns to his room. All the adults then notice that Juice is drunk. Marla claims she will take care of Juice, dismissing Gary and Lila to the fireworks. However, when Juice vomits, Marla insists Phoebe step in as the sight and smell will make her sick.
Juice cries as Phoebe escorts her to Gary’s room; she misses Wendy terribly, and the wedding events are too much for her to handle. Phoebe consoles Juice, taking her to her room when Juice can’t stand to be in Gary’s room. Phoebe explains that she grew up without a mother and turned out okay—a statement she now fully believes despite her attempted death by suicide earlier in the week. Juice drifts to sleep as Phoebe strokes her back, thinking about how good of a mother she would have been. She hopes Lila will grow into a more nurturing role for Juice’s sake. Gary finds Phoebe and Juice, explaining that he cannot watch fireworks without knowing if Juice is okay. Just as Gary starts to talk about his wedding as a mistake, Phoebe hears a knock on the door.
Part 5, Chapter 20 Summary
Matt stands outside Phoebe’s door; he introduces himself as Phoebe’s husband to Gary. Gary takes Juice back to his room. Matt describes his agony in not knowing if Phoebe is okay since she disappeared. He tracked her down by looking at her bank accounts; Phoebe never removed Matt’s name from their shared account. He declares how distraught he’s felt after their divorce; his life with Mia feels wrong, and he wants to start over again with Phoebe. He also expresses jealousy of Gary, though he has no idea how intensely Phoebe feels for him. Phoebe points out Matt’s hypocrisy and selfishness. Phoebe hadn’t been okay for years, and Matt hadn’t come to check on her even though he was only 15 minutes away. Only when he realized his feelings for Phoebe did he care to encounter her. Matt explains that he felt guilty for divorcing Phoebe amidst her depression and felt he had no right to communicate with her.
Matt wants to adopt children with Phoebe. Phoebe remembers the little family she envisioned for her and Matt; she recalls she imagined glimpses of tiny fingers and tiny noses, contrasting greatly with Juice, covered in red vomit. Phoebe wants to track down Gary and finish their conversation. She tries to explain to Matt that their marriage was troubled long before Matt had an affair. Matt convinces Phoebe to have a drink with him. He pours two glasses of liquor from Lila’s welcome basket. Phoebe is familiar enough with Matt to see through his nonchalant attempts to touch Phoebe casually. Still, she observes changes and unfamiliarity aspects of Matt, especially when he tries to kiss her, an action Mia influenced. Phoebe remembers her fantasies about Matt as a stranger, and she considers having sex with someone so familiar yet so different.
Part 6, Chapter 21 Summary
Phoebe wakes the following morning with Matt in her bed; the text implies that they had sex the previous night. She observes Matt’s recognizable grooming traits as she gathers herself before going to the bridal suite for hair and makeup appointments. Patricia, Juice, and Marla finish with the stylists while Lila sits quietly by her balcony and looks outside. Phoebe gives her stylist the liberty to do whatever she wants with Phoebe’s hair; the stylist decides to give Phoebe a side-bang haircut before pinning it into a formal hairdo. Phoebe enjoys the sensation of a haircut, noticing the stylist‘s warm hands; she thinks the woman would make an excellent mother to a daughter. Jim arrives with the palate cleanser spoons, apologizing for arguing with Lila the previous evening.
Phoebe wishes she could have a moment alone with Lila. When she finally gets the chance, Lila asks Phoebe’s opinion of her hairstyle. Phoebe comments that it is perfect. The women both agree that nothing is going to ruin this perfect day. However, when they summon the car to drive to The Breakers, Lila becomes agitated that the replacement car isn’t vintage. She refuses to ride to her wedding in a new Mercedes. Phoebe calls Lila “ridiculous” and attempts to lure her into the car with champagne. Lila refuses, and she stops Phoebe from ordering a different car. Crying, she admits that she is glad something ruined the wedding because she doesn’t love Gary, and Gary doesn’t love Lila how she wants to be loved. She calls off the wedding.
Phoebe sets a plan into motion. Pauline will take Lila to her room and draw her a bath. Then, Pauline will book a hotel for Lila in Canada and make travel arrangements. Phoebe will tell Gary and the guests about the canceled wedding. Lila feels guilty for wasting her father’s money. Phoebe draws from the maid-of-honor speech she never gave, telling Lila that all successful weddings are a waste. However, Phoebe credits Lila and her immaculate wedding for saving her life, for which she will always be grateful.
Part 6, Chapter 22 Summary
Phoebe admires Newport’s beauty as she drives to The Breakers. Though uncomfortable, she makes eye contact with Gary as she walks down the aisle. She whispers Lila’s decision to Gary before announcing to the wedding guests the turn of events. She apologizes on Lila’s behalf and answers questions as people file out to return to the hotel. Gary disappears before Phoebe can see where he goes.
Matt rides with Phoebe to the Cornwall Inn, and Phoebe informs Matt of her decision to remain in Newport alone. She intends to take medical leave from her teaching position, sell her house in St. Louis, and live as a winter keeper in a mansion to focus on her writing. Initially, Matt accepts the news stoically, but he eventually starts crying. He’s embarrassed by his show of emotion, and Phoebe tells him she’s never actually seen him cry, aside from after a sporting event. This memory subdues Matt’s sadness, and Phoebe can see him “return to his brain” (345). Phoebe decides she doesn’t want to live in her head anymore.
Part 6, Chapter 23 Summary
The guests enjoy their last day using the Cornwall Inn’s amenities instead of attending the wedding reception. Phoebe asks Pauline to stay additional nights, but Pauline informs her that another wedding party is arriving tomorrow. Phoebe considers checking on Gary in his room but decides to give him space instead. She spends her final night enjoying her room, appreciating its beauty and comforting touches. She eats complimentary macaroons and reads Jane Eyre with the fresh perspective of an engagement doomed long before the wedding.
Part 7, Chapter 24 Summary
Although they feel wrong eating the wedding brunch without Lila and Gary, Phoebe, Marla, and Juice enjoy the prepared meal. They share stories about Gary, and Phoebe texts Gary, attempting to summon him to the brunch. He doesn’t reply. Jim shares his phone number with Phoebe before leaving. He implies that he plans to call Lila soon and hopes Phoebe will remain his friend.
Gary finally returns Lila’s text, and Phoebe joins him, Juice, and Marla in the hot tub. Overheated, Juice and Marla cool off in the pool. Gary describes saying goodbye to Lila. He compares his relationship with Lila to his relationship with Wendy. Instead of the profound love he shared with Wendy, Gary appreciated Lila’s meticulous and assertive tendency to take care of everything for him. He believed he could live the rest of his life as a passenger, with Lila driving their decisions and making all the arrangements. However, he is most happy with Lila for calling off the wedding, something Gary wanted to do himself. He’s happy for Lila. Gary spent his wedding night visiting Wendy’s grave, eventually falling asleep in the cemetery.
Phoebe explains her plan to work as a winter keeper, and Gary reiterates his offer to investigate ghosts if needed. Phoebe feels scared about the unknowns in her future, but she’s mostly excited to have regained the ability to choose her path forward. The new bride appears on the pool deck, eyeing Gary and Phoebe as strange guests. They dress, finalize their checkouts with Pauline, and exit the Cornwall Inn. Phoebe turns to look at the hotel one last time, remembering how she viewed the Cornwall Inn on her arrival. She tips the valet and walks away.
Parts 5-7 Analysis
Jim adds to a collection of surprising supporting characters who initially appear as flat but eventually reveal themselves as complex individuals. Additionally, Jim’s dialogue and character description demonstrate Espach’s ability to incorporate comedic relief with raw emotion. During his best man speech, Jim tearfully discusses Wendy’s death and assessment of Gary, “I never watched a man endure something so painful with so much grace. And on top of all that, he still has time to answer all your questions about whether the colors of your shits are normal” (309-10). This blend of humor and sincerity not only provides levity but also highlights Jim’s characterization. His ability to infuse humor into moments of vulnerability underscores the complexity of his role in the narrative and Espach’s balance of comedic and poignant elements throughout the novel. Jim‘s character, through his blend of wit and empathy, contributes to the narrative’s exploration of connections despite personal struggles, emphasizing the theme of Cultivating Unexpected Connections to Find Fulfillment Amidst Life’s Challenges.
Patricia further develops the theme of Motherhood and the Expectation of Sacrifice when Phoebe learns of Patricia’s lingering resentment toward Lila after Lila gave away Patricia’s nude portrait. Patricia explains, “I didn’t want to be saved from myself. Nobody does! All we want is permission to stand there naked and be our damned selves” (215). In a moment of vulnerability, Patricia commissioned her nude portrait in a rare act of self-love. Much like Phoebe, Patricia spent most of her life conforming to the expectations of others, particularly those related to her roles as wife and mother. Amidst her husband’s death, Patricia reflects on her life and confronts the sense of loss and self-neglect that accompanied her role as caretaker. Choosing to do something for herself amidst her grief and frequent sacrifice. However, this becomes a point of tension with Lila. This highlights her struggle to assert her desires and needs, breaking away from the sacrifices traditionally demanded of wives and mothers. This shift in perspective not only enriches Phoebe’s understanding of Patricia’s character but also illuminates the broader theme of how individuals grapple with selfhood and personal fulfillment amidst societal and familial expectations. Lila’s disregard for her mother as an individual, exemplified by her disrespect toward Patricia’s portrait, upsets Patricia. Despite this, Patricia sets aside her hurt and continues to support Lila, again highlighting the selfless and often sacrificial nature of motherhood.
After long desiring to become a mother herself, Phoebe’s experience tending to Juice while she is sick after becoming drunk at the wedding offers her a new perspective. Her ability to care for Juice in her time of need demonstrates her maternal instincts. However, she also enjoys that she can support Juice from a non-parental standpoint. She can provide her with the things she needs to recover from too many sneaked sips of wine without having to worry about what this behavior reflects on her or if she is a bad parent—something she would likely experience at multiple junctures raising children of her own. Throughout the text, Juice and Phoebe, who have both lost mothers, forge a close connection. While Juice is currently unaware of her surroundings, she ultimately propels Phoebe toward an integral realization: motherhood is not the only way to create close bonds with and mentor younger individuals.
Phoebe’s discussion with Patricia and several other supporting characters also aids her journey of self-discovery in the absence of a life partner. Phoebe realizes:
For the past two years, Phoebe sat in the bad things the way she used to sit in the snow as a child. […] It was her father who picked her up, said, It’s time to come inside. But now she has to learn when it’s time to come inside. She has to learn to check in with her toes when nobody else is looking (361).
This reflection highlights Phoebe’s growing understanding of her responsibility for her emotional well-being. She now recognizes the need to independently navigate her struggles and make decisions about her self-care, free from the input of a husband or father. The metaphor of checking in with her toes symbolizes the importance of self-awareness and personal accountability in overcoming whatever difficulties lay ahead. As Phoebe learns to manage her internal state without external validation, she embarks on a path of greater self-reliance and introspection, creating goals for herself, like working as a winter keeper and reigniting her passion for writing.
Reading Jane Eyre furthers the motif of classic literature in the text and gives Phoebe further solace in the unfulfilling nature of her marriage. Re-reading the text gives her a fresh perspective on an engagement doomed long before the wedding, which mirrors her feelings about the dissolution of her marriage to Matt due to his infidelity. Previously distraught at her failure to have a lasting marriage, she now sees that Matt was wrong for her all along. This comes after Matt tries and fails to win Phoebe back, even expressing a desire to adopt children. Previously wanting nothing more than to build a family with Matt, Phoebe now sees that she can find meaning outside traditional expectations of motherhood and marriage, bringing the theme of Navigating Societal Expectations in Marriage, Love, and Intimate Relationships to its close.
Additionally, Phoebe centralizes friendship as a necessary pillar to her recovery and improved self-worth. Phoebe becomes practiced in the give-and-take aspect of friendship, learning to speak honestly and not shy away from confrontation as she grows to accept Lila as a friend. Her relationship with Lila is constantly tested due to the intense conflict each character finds themselves in. Despite moments of doubt and conflict, Phoebe’s perseverance in valuing and nurturing her friendships (including in unexpected places) reveals their crucial role in her healing process. Through these challenging interactions, Phoebe learns that friendship is not always perfect or free from struggle but can offer support, understanding, and growth. Phoebe’s heartfelt confession at the novel’s climax—“[E]very day this week, you gave me a reason to get up in the morning, to put on a beautiful dress and be part of something, and for that I will always be grateful” (342)—underscores the central role Lila played in Phoebe’s life when she needed it most, cementing the theme of Cultivating Unexpected Connections to Find Fulfillment Amidst Life’s Challenges at the novel’s end.
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