The Plot Thickens...

In Chapter 9 of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, many twists occur in the plot of the novel. First, Lily discovers that Gryce is engaged.  Secondly, she receives a bundle of letters from Mrs. Dorset to Selden and decides not to destroy them.  These signify a great turning point in the story.  Now that Lily can't marry Gryce, it is uncertain if she will find a husband.  Previously in the story, she devoted much of her time toward Gryce.  Now that he is out of the picture, it can be questioned whether Lily will turn her attention back toward Selden or if she will find another man, possibly the wealthy Mr. Rosedale.  Her decision to keep the letters was a bad one.  Wharton stated: "She felt herself in the presence of something vile, as yet but dimly conjectured (p 84)."  The letters are indeed vile.  Because Bertha is married, giving the letters away has difficult implications for her.  It could hurt her, as well as Selden, if the letters were brought to light.  It is unclear what Lily will use the letters for.  She could use them as blackmail or simply as a means of revenge at Bertha.  Either way, revealing the letters is dangerous for Lilly.  By deciding against burning them, Lily is risking her friends and her reputation.  If she plays her cards wrong, she could lose any hope of marriage.  I'm anxious to see what happens.