Miss Benson's Beetle

This summary section includes the chapters entitled: “Victoria, You Are Getting Carried Away”; “Who Knew There Was So Much Blood”; “Snakes”; “Tiny Thing of Wonder”; “Beetles and Eyes”; and “Sanctuary.”

At the next gathering of the craft circle, Mrs. Pope shares her views about the two beetle-hunting women. She believes they are Nancy Collett and the headless woman from the police photograph. The rest of the group discourages her from pursuing the inquiry. They’ve already been made laughingstocks of the community for crocheting space rockets for the local orphans that looked like condoms. No one wants to back Mrs. Pope in her latest folly. Nevertheless, she goes to the French police and tells them about her suspicions. The police agree to drive up to Poum and try to find the women.

Back at the hut, Enid unexpectedly goes into labor. It takes two harrowing days, during which Margery is on the brink of fainting from the sight of blood, but Enid finally gives birth. Margery realizes that Enid has “fulfilled her vocation” and is awed by “What a monumental vocation it was” (277), recognizing Enid’s desire to be a mother as equal to her own aspirations.

That night, fast asleep, Enid and Margery fail to notice headlights coming up the road.