Chapter 40

Contains spoilers

Summary

  • Peggy (Pegs) and Wren are entwined in a canopied bed in London's Savoy Hotel, pondering the distinctions between different types of tales.
  • They have traveled quickly from a secret meeting to Boston airport, then took an overnight flight to London, which felt surreal to Peggy.
  • Peggy describes different tale categories to Wren, citing Aesop's as beast tales, "Gulliver's Travels" as a traveler's tale, and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" as a dream tale.
  • Wren questions the importance of categorizing stories, and Peggy jests that it's mostly for academic purposes.
  • They've been discussing fairy tales and the nature of stories since the plane trip, integrating physical intimacy with their conversation.
  • Peggy boldly inquires why Wren was expelled from Harvard, which momentarily creates tension.
  • Wren explains that he was implicated in a cheating incident but was exonerated when his friend confessed, expressing surprise that Peggy's mother knew of the event.
  • As they lie in bed, Peggy stretches and considers the role of fairy tales according to Tolkien, who suggests they offer a new perspective and consolation through a happy ending.
  • During their intimate talk, Wren associates his feelings for Peggy with transformation and a fresh perspective, akin to what a fairy tale offers.
  • Peggy feels rejuvenated by his words as Wren confirms that she is like a fairy tale to him, further deepening their emotional and physical connection.