The Paris Wife

In spring, Hadley travels with Pauline and her sister Jinny on a château tour. The sisters fund the trip. Hadley recalls Ernest urging her to go so he could finish The Sun Also Rises for Maxwell Perkins. Ernest also discussed dedicating the book to their son, Bumby.

Pauline’s mood swings unsettle the trip. She snaps at Hadley, drinks heavily, and withdraws. In the Jardin de Villandry’s “Garden of Love,” she breaks down and runs off, confirming Hadley’s fears that something has changed.

The narrative switches to Ernest’s perspective. He remembers when his affair with Pauline began.

One night when Hadley is sick, Ernest walks Pauline home and kisses her. They meet again and go to her apartment, where their affair begins. Torn between Hadley and Pauline, he rationalizes the triangle by thinking of other writers with complicated marriages, like Ezra Pound and Ford Madox Ford.

Still in the Loire, Hadley watches Jinny comfort Pauline and realizes that Pauline loves Ernest. She asks Jinny, who confirms it. The three women return to Paris in silence.

At their apartment, Hadley confronts Ernest. He refuses to answer and storms out. Marie Cocotte, who is now helping with Bumby as well, finds Hadley crying.