The Mediterranean in the Early 1900's

In the opening of the second of book of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, we find nearly every major character has relocated to Southern Europe, specifically around the Mediterranean.  It is unclear if the entire group went together of if they happened to go to the same area of the world, but somehow they all came to be located in among the most romantic places in history.  This scene, coupled with this time period, makes perfect sense for the story to move toward.  Southern Europe at the turn of the century was immersed with the attraction of high society, as are the vast majority of characters in the story.  The local royalty fascinates the main cast, as Lily and a select few others spend time with the highest members on the social pyramid.  As they do in America, yet to a greater extend, everyone tries to separate themselves from the average tourist, avoiding certain activities at certain times and claiming that "the Americans who don't know anyone always rush for the best food," (Wharton, 148).  The romance associated with this area of the world at this time adds to the growing and confusing relationship between Lily and Selden, which could blossom or fail in the new setting.  This context does allow for a farther spread between the characters, which could lead toward an awkward separation between the two.  The ambiance of the scene will certainly play an important part in the development of the plot, and will likely force a confrontation of feelings by the characters.  This story seemed destined to go to the early twentieth century romantic Southern Europe, and has finally arrived.