Chapter 40 Summary

Barbara and Pierce have had sex. They talk about the experience and that it isn't a sin because they love each other.

As they prepare for bed, Octavian and Kate are talking about Mary and Ducane. They decide that they will forgive Ducane for his deception and hope that the two won't regret their relationship. They think that Ducane also had something to do with Richard and Paula reuniting. After Ducane's resignation, they expect that he'll do some research and teaching, but more than anything try to get on with his life. Lamenting, Kate cries that they've lost all their people, but Octavian reassures her that they'll get more people to fill the household. Kate tells him that she feels it is wonderful that they tell each other everything, but Octavian thinks that he doesn't tell her everything, particularly his late nights with...