The House of Mirth: Book I VIII

Up until this point in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Lily Bart's decisions appeared level-headed and necessary to succeed in her goal of living a life of wealth and luxary. For example, her choice to persue Mr. Gryce due to his wealth would lead her to financial security. However, when Lily befriends Gus Trenor, she aquires through him an alternate means of earning money, investments. To the reader, it appear Lily has found the best solution, a way to earn the money she wants without marrying Mr. Gryce. She instead can afford to marry a poorer man such as Mr. Selden. She has fallen in love with Selden, but fears he is a "a privilage...likely to cost more than it was worth" (Wharton, 71). It does not even appear she would face social rebukes for courting Selden, as he resides in her social group. For these reasons, I am uncertain as to why Lily still strives to win back the favor of Percy Gryce. Her decision to leave Selden and search for Gryce at the wedding suggests she still believes Gryce a more suitable choice, despite barely tolerating him. However, I am confused by her choice. Why would she pass up a passionate marriage for a loveless union?