The Shell Seekers

In 1943, Penelope and Doris are struggling to run their household and are forced to find creative solutions to provide their children with meals and clothing. Lawrence has grown frail since the loss of Sophie, revealing his advanced age. They learn that the Royal Marines plan to take over the football field to train to train some United States Rangers to climb the Boscarben Cliffs. One afternoon, Penelope walks with Lawrence to the gallery—called simply the Art Gallery—that he founded years before. At the gallery, a man in uniform enters and introduces himself as Major Richard Lomax. He confesses to being a fan of Lawrence’s. By August, the Rangers have arrived and the whole area is buzzing with excitement. One morning, Richard happens upon Penelope in town, and they talk. Penelope tells Richard about Ambrose and Nancy and invites him to dinner. At dinner, Richard and Lawrence become fast friends. Richard becomes a regular at the Sterns and becomes close not only to Lawrence but to the whole household. As the weeks pass, Richard comes to Carn Cottage often. One afternoon, he and Penelope walk out to Lawrence’s art studio. While there, Richard confesses his love for Penelope. She admits to loving him as well, and they become intimate.