The Party's Always Over at Midnight
- The day of Eldric's garden party has finally arrived, and Rose is, as always, being difficult about getting dressed. Rose talks about Robert, saying he will come, and Briony thinks to herself that he probably won't come because it would be awkward for him.
- Leanne arrives at the party and Rose asks her how old she is. Leanne says she is very old indeed, but Eldric and father say she is joking and she is just twenty-two.
- Briony observes that Eldric had been working hard on the party for some time, and notices that he looks like he was lacking in energy—he physically looks tired and less vibrant.
- Eldric's decorations and paintings for the garden party are so impressive that Briony runs to compliment him, but she stops when she sees Leanne next to him.
- While Briony is sulking by the river, Cecil comes by to flirt/annoy her some more, champagne in hand. He gets frustrated with Briony when she wants to talk about Eldric and not about Cecil and their (nonexistent) relationship.
- After getting a little loud and forceful with Briony, and almost attacking Mad Tom who was accusing Briony of stealing his wits, Cecil calms down slightly and gets the two of them a table.
- Have you wondered what these teens do for fun in Swampsea? Do they sneak out at night, get drunk, and strip off their clothes? They do on Blackberry Night! Add to this running barefoot through the swamp, chasing the Devil, and an activity that forces many of them to have quick surprise weddings soon after, and you have the party Cecil invites Briony to.
- Briony thinks about how her father, the preacher, feels about Blackberry Night—predictably, he's not a fan.
- Briony uses this as her excuse to turn down Cecil, but he persists, saying he loves her and he will protect her.
- Briony avoids his request by thinking about Eldric and Leanne. She realizes that she is jealous, even angry, about the situation.
- Cecil continues to try to flirt, acting lustfully toward Briony. Briony asks him to look at Leanne, hoping to direct his attention away from her and honestly wondering aloud if she is beautiful.
- Not the least bit interested in Leanne, Cecil offers to get Briony some sweets and runs to fetch them. He returns with sweets and Eldric and Leanne for yet another awkward double date situation.
- Mr. Clayborne comes to wish Leanne a happy birthday tomorrow, and Eldric says that they will raise a glass at midnight to toast her birthday. It is then that Briony realizes the purpose of the party—it is a birthday party for Leanne.
- At midnight when Eldric toasts Leanne and calls her "the best companion a man could ever have" (16.138), Briony's jealousy hits full force.
- Briony takes Rose to bed while ignoring requests from Brownie for her to write more stories.
- Rose asks Briony to read her a story, and Briony tells her that there are no more stories.
- The two of them lie down for bed.