It's driving me mad! It's an old book, I probably read it about 20 years ago. I can remember lots of bits but not its name!
Set in the USA, starts in 1950's with a group of girls at university, 1 is a rich girl, others less so, become friends but then 1 starts a rumour about another sleeping around (totally shocking then!)
Book follows them when they leave, 1 begs her boyfriend not to travel on a cruise. 1 gets married has a Down's syndrome child which her husband makes her put n a home and buys her a puppy instead. 1 takes drugs and nearly lets her children drown in a swimming pool.
Any ideas please?