The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post: A Novel

On the Fourth of July in 1957, Marjorie hosts a party at her newly reopened lavish Hillwood estate in Washington, DC. Betty Beale, who once criticized Marjorie for taking up with Joe so soon after his divorce, is now her friend. Together, they spot John and Jackie Kennedy. Marjorie has known John since his childhood. When dinner commences, Marjorie feels like “[i]t was the night to celebrate America’s independence, and my own as well” (316).

Rumors abound about Marjorie’s relationship status. When Deenie—now going by Dina—asks if her mother will get married again, Marjorie answers that while she is focusing on doing good for the world, she has not ruled marriage out.

Marjorie endows several music programs and gives to schools and other organizations.

One morning, her daughters blindfold her and make her follow them outside, to a patio at Hillwood. Many of her friends have helped to raise money for a “Friendship Walk” as “a tribute” to Marjorie (318). It is inscribed with a quote from Tsarina Alexandra, the last empress of Russia.

At a luncheon raising money for her alma mater that her daughter is hosting, Marjorie meets Herbert May, a widower. When he asks her if it’s possible to have more than one love, Marjorie replies that she is sure that it is.