The Smart Set: Correspondence & Conversations

"The Smart Set: Correspondence & Conversations" by Clyde Fitch is a series of letters and conversations that showcase the lives of wealthy New Yorkers in the late 1800s. The story looks at social events, marriage, and relationships, revealing the complicated ways people connected and what they hoped to achieve. The story begins after a big party given by the Makeway family. Through letters from characters like Will, Julia, and their daughter Helen, we learn about the importance of social standing, class differences, and the need to keep up appearances. Helen's introduction to society and a possible marriage to a lord are important parts of these letters, showing what parents wanted for their children and what society expected from them. This creates a detailed picture of people dealing with their personal dreams within the strict rules of society.