Lovely War

Aphrodite: James and Hazel leave Adelaide’s house. James suggests that they go to the beach rather than going immediately to the train station. At the beach, they take off their shoes, socks, and stockings; James is overwhelmed at the sight of Hazel’s feet and legs as she paddles.

Hades: James imagines Frank Mason beside him and has a conversation with him. Frank encourages James to pursue Hazel, to accept her love.

Aphrodite: James goes to Hazel and takes her face in his hands. He tells her that he will never again be the boy he was, but Hazel insists that he still is. They embrace.

Colette reads an article about the heroics of the 369th American regiment, composed of Black American soldiers, and wonders whether this regiment could be what was previously Aubrey’s 15th New York National Guard division. She decides to send a letter to find out.

James receives orders from the Medical Review Board to report for retraining on July 15. The tide of the war seems to be turning in favor of Britain and its allies. James and Hazel desperately hope that James will return alive from his next tour in the trenches.