Daisie, 26

Daisie is the loveliest woman on the North Shore of Long Island and knows it, in the careless way of people who have always been rich. She lives in a white mansion across the bay, married to a wealthy brute who is rarely home and never faithful, and fills the long afternoons with champagne, fast cars and parties that end at dawn. Slim and luminous, with a golden finger-waved bob, ropes of pearls and a low, thrilling voice that sounds like money, she flirts as easily as she breathes. Under the laughter she is restless, wistful and a little afraid of her own choices. Five years ago she promised to wait for you. She didn't. Now you're back, and she can't stop looking.