Chapter 27: Vernice

Mrs. McHenry ferries Vernice to Rich’s, teasing away neighborhood gossip that moving up a wedding means pregnancy. Vernice denies it, and Mrs. McHenry asserts control over timing, insisting on a June wedding. Vernice, both flustered and affirmed, anticipates the life she is securing with Franklin.

Inside the newly integrated store, Mrs. McHenry praises the Movement’s sit-in victory as Vernice privately wrestles with guilt for not joining. In the Magnolia Room, they run into Albertina Cunningham, who reveals Joette’s engagement to Thomas Donaldson, Jr. Joette arrives, transformed in style but sharp in spirit, and presents brittle enthusiasm for her impending marriage.

After selecting china for Vernice’s registry, Joette pulls Vernice to the first floor under the pretense of browsing. Instead, at a crowded downtown bus stop, Joette confesses she cannot face her own wedding and asks Vernice to ride away and talk, declaring they still love each other.

Vernice, mindful of class expectations, reputation, and her commitment to Franklin, refuses to flee or rekindle what cannot fit into “real life.” Joette insists even her fiancé doesn’t want the match, but Vernice turns back toward Rich’s, leaving Joette and reaffirming the path toward a June marriage.