Beyond That, the Sea

Gerald packs Nancy’s car, which he’s borrowing to go to Washington, DC, to march with Linda. When Chris arrives with the news about William, Gerald reschedules his plans and helps Nancy deliver the news and make arrangements. She doesn’t think she can call yet another person, so she asks Gerald to call Bea.

After Gerald hangs up, Beatrix contemplates how she was not entirely surprised at the news of William’s death, as he was increasingly uneasy and discontent throughout his life. Additionally, she reflects on the surprise and warmth she felt upon hearing Gerald’s voice after so long and how she smiled as she pictured him on the other end of the line.

Nancy watches the March on Washington with Gerald and Linda, unable to stop weeping and remembering William. She wonders if she should have persuaded Gerald to go to Washington, as he’d clearly rather be there. The previous night, the three of them looked through old photo albums and reminisced about William; Nancy noted how alike he and Ethan were, both sharing a “melancholy.” Gerald asserted that he was glad he was more like her.