The Transit of Venus

In Paris, Ted writes to Caro and describes his existence: “I work. I think of you. These are not alternating propositions—I think of you always” (115). He writes that unlike the Anglophone world, France seems to be embracing social change. He mentions that he has befriended a young American physicist who has introduced him to women, including a student, a ballerina, and a young curator. He then edits this list, removing the ballerina and the “young” epithet from the curator. He also states that he is aware of Paul Ivory’s marriage and the opening of his play.

When Grace and Caro first moved to London, they gave most of their wages to Dora as compensation for her taking care of them during childhood. Now Dora has come from Portugal with her new husband, Major Ingot, to attend a celebratory lunch thrown by Christian. While it’s Grace who faints with the first signs of pregnancy, Caro appears to Christian as a “hollow-eyed […] pale, impressive ghost at the feast despite a crimson dress” (124).

After the party, Caro goes to find Paul in the foyer of the theater where his play is being performed. Caro feels that in the whirlwind success of Paul’s play, “he ha[s] not merely left her but left her behind” (125).