The Dinner Party

to lead astray

to cause someone to make bad decisions or believe something false.

compelled

forced to do something; obliged.

unintelligible

impossible to understand.

interminable

lasting for a very long time and seeming endless.

dross

something of very low quality; worthless rubbish.

intimacy

a state of very close personal relationship or familiarity.

estrangement

the state of being no longer close or friendly with someone.

greed

a strong desire for more money, food, or power than is needed.

to beset

to trouble or attack repeatedly (usually problems or difficulties).

lavish

very rich, grand, or showy; spent or given in great amounts.

accomplished

highly skilled or successful in a particular area.

rendezvous

a meeting place or a planned meeting, often secret or special

hospitable

friendly and welcoming to guests.

amiable

having a pleasant and friendly nature.

unambiguously

in a way that is completely clear and has only one possible meaning.

old flames

people with whom one used to have a romantic relationship.

addicted to

unable to stop doing or using something (habitually).

full life

a life with many varied and exciting experiences.

exquisite

extremely beautiful, delicate, or well-made.

concession

something allowed or given up as a special privilege.

fabulous

extremely good, impressive, or wonderful.

monumental

very large, important, or impressive.

distinguished

successful, respected, and admired.

intimate friends

very close and private friends.

solitaire diamond

a single diamond set alone in a ring or other jewellery.

regal bearing

a dignified, royal manner of standing and moving.

exclamations

sudden cries or remarks expressing strong emotion.

to gleam

to shine softly with reflected light.

to withdraw

to leave a room or a gathering; to move back.

hauteur

proud, superior, or arrogant behaviour.

flourish

a dramatic or showly gesture or movement.

to chide

to gently criticize or scold someone.

carelessness

lack of attention or thought; not being careful.

shattering

very shocking and upsetting.

scrutiny

careful, detailed examination.

irreplaceable heirloom

a valuable object passed down through generations that cannot be replaced.

cherished

deeply loved and valued.

mortal blow

an action or event that destroys or severely damages something.

to make amends

to do something good to compensate for a wrong or mistake.

stricken

deeply affected by grief, shock, or illness.

shambles

a state of total disorder or mess.

adamant

refusing to change one’s mind or decision; unyielding.

recluse

a person who lives alone and avoids other people.

of regal bearing

behaving like a kind or queen