Part 1, Chapter 10 Summary

Briony is certain adult emotion will benefit her writing and she allows savage, thoughtless curiosity to override scruples about invading others' privacy. She must know everything. Cleaning up for dinner allows her to escape Cecilia's questioning and to frame an opening paragraph for a new story still set by the fountain but now taking into account Robbie's shocking words. Briony has never heard "cunt" spoken or seen it in print. No one has ever mentioned the part of her body to which she is sure it refers. It is almost onomatopoeically lovely but disturbing because it shows the writer's disgusting preoccupation. Briony is certain Cecilia is threatened and needs her help and Briony knows she must be delicate and tactful lest Cecilia turn on her.

Briony dresses hurriedly so she can concentrate on the story. Her first line, "There was an...