The Maidens

After the lecture, Zoe points out the six Maidens, who are aloof, well-dressed, and display “an obvious air of confidence, even superiority” (139). They are intelligent and “highly privileged” daughters of wealthy celebrities, including a Russian oligarch, an Indian prince, an American politician, and a famous actor. Zoe claims to be terrified of them. Mariana marches over and introduces herself against Zoe’s wishes. Zoe disappears, leaving Mariana with Edward and the women, who stare at her stonily. When she asks Edward to “borrow some of [his] students” (142), claiming the dean has asked her to informally assess how students are coping, he instructs two of them—Veronica and Serena—to speak with her after their class. 

Mariana takes Zoe for a drink with Veronica and Serena. They claim that Tara and Edward were not close; he “was kind to [her]—but she just used him” (145). Both women corroborate Edward’s alibi, saying they were with him the whole night except for a 10-minute cigarette break that he took alone. Neither is friendly toward Zoe. Mariana is convinced they are lying but is unsure about what specifically.