Chapter 40

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.