Part One, Me, Chapter 4, 'Dear Viv', and Chapter 5, A Bird with a Wing Down Summary

Derek is not discouraged by the embarrassing episode at the theater. Derek suggests a park where he knows lovers like to go for privacy. Viv agrees reluctantly. The act is quick and painful for Viv, but Derek assures her it was good for him. Viv asks Derek at the train station if she should go to Oxford the following weekend to see him and he tells her he will be too busy, but he will write. Two weeks later Derek sends Viv a letter informing her that due to pressure from his parents, he is engaged to another, more suitable girl. Viv is heartbroken.

Viv spends the next couple of years concentrating on her career. Viv goes...