Chapter summaries Never Say Never Danielle Steel

Never Say Never Chapter 10 Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Alert

This summary and analysis covers Chapter 10 (Chapter 11 in the index) of Never Say Never by Danielle Steel. If you have not read the chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary

Ashley slips into Oona’s bed at La Belle Florence the morning after they first make love. They share a tender moment and then visit a local brocante, where Ashley buys an eighteenth‑century miniature of Florence de Montmarrin—the house’s namesake—with a dog resembling Oona’s rescue, Florence. As Ashley’s departure for Los Angeles approaches, Oona and Ashley spend their final days together, balancing passion with care for his children, Simon and Alana. On the last morning, Ashley gives Oona the miniature as a gift. At Charles de Gaulle Airport, they say an emotional goodbye; Oona is unable to enter the terminal due to COVID‑19 restrictions. She returns alone to La Belle Florence, where the miniature’s image offers comfort and hope for their reunion.

Key Events

  • Ashley arrives early at La Belle Florence, lets himself in, and joins Oona in bed; they make love again.
  • They attend a brocante in a neighboring village; Oona buys vintage hats, Ashley purchases an ivory miniature and decorative dueling pistols.
  • Over the following days, the couple spends as much time together as possible, aware that their time is running out.
  • On the final night, they make love by candlelight; Ashley urges Oona to promise she will be careful during the pandemic.
  • The morning of departure, Ashley gives Oona the miniature of Florence de Montmarrin, explaining he bought it because of its resemblance to her dog and its connection to the house.
  • The family packs and drives to Charles de Gaulle Airport; because of COVID rules, Oona cannot enter the terminal.
  • At the airport, Ashley removes his mask to kiss Oona goodbye; Simon and Alana hug her.
  • Oona watches them disappear into the terminal, then rides back to Milly‑la‑Forêt feeling alone but hopeful.
  • Back at La Belle Florence, she receives a text from Ashley with a red‑heart emoji; she gazes at the miniature, sensing a blessing on their relationship.

Character Development

Oona Kelly
Oona fully embraces her role as Ashley’s girlfriend, even confirming it aloud to Simon. She moves from friend to lover without losing the intimacy of their earlier bond. Her decision to revert to her maiden name signals a clean break from her marriage. At the farewell, she shows resilience, fighting tears while supporting the children. Alone again, she accepts the pain of separation but clings to the miniature as a tangible promise of future togetherness.

Ashley
Ashley’s protective side emerges: he worries about Oona’s safety in the worsening pandemic and urges her to be careful. His gift of the miniature reveals a sentimental, romantic nature—he invests meaning in objects that mirror their story. He also demonstrates sensitivity toward his children, shielding them from the full intensity of his new relationship so soon after Claire’s death.

Simon and Alana
Simon grows more attached, calling Oona “Oonie” and hugging her tightly. Alana’s easy acceptance continues; she exchanges text promises about nail polish. Both children have adapted to Oona as their father’s girlfriend without apparent distress.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Love against the clock
The chapter is steeped in the awareness that Ashley must leave. Every kiss and conversation carries a “bittersweet tenderness” because the days are numbered. This theme underscores the fragility of their newfound love.

The miniature portrait as a talisman
The ivory miniature of Florence de Montmarrin functions as a symbol of enduring love. Just as Florence was the great love of a king, the painting links Oona and Ashley to a legacy of passion that transcends time. Oona literally holds the image in her hand, and it comforts her in Ashley’s absence.

The role of the pandemic
COVID‑19 restrictions shape the entire farewell: Oona cannot enter the terminal, masks are required, and the children’s masks are decorated to make them less frightening. The virus is a constant threat, deepening the characters’ anxiety about separation and safety.

Home as a state of mind
La Belle Florence has become Oona’s sanctuary and the birthplace of her romance. When Ashley leaves, the house feels empty, yet the miniature’s presence transforms it into a place where his love still dwells.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a major emotional turning point. After the physical consummation of their relationship in Chapter 9, Chapter 10 tests the bond through forced separation. It crystallizes Oona’s commitment—she states she is Ashley’s girlfriend and plans to move to California—and establishes the miniature as a recurring symbol of their connection. The departure scene also highlights the real‑world context of the pandemic, grounding the romance in a specific, challenging moment. The chapter ends with a mix of loneliness and hope, setting up the next stage of the story: Oona’s return to New York and her eventual reunion with Ashley.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Ashley give Oona the miniature of Florence de Montmarrin?
The miniature depicts the historical figure for whom La Belle Florence is named, holding a dog that resembles Oona’s rescue dog, Florence. Ashley felt she was “meant to have it” because it merges the house’s romantic history with their own love story. The gift symbolises his belief that their relationship is fated.

2. How does the pandemic affect the farewell scene?
COVID‑19 rules prevent Oona from entering the terminal, so the goodbye takes place on the sidewalk. Everyone wears masks; Ashley briefly removes his to kiss her. The children have character‑themed masks, and the flight is nearly empty. The virus adds an extra layer of fear that Oona and Ashley may not see each other again.

3. What does Oona’s decision to use her maiden name reveal about her character?
Oona returned to her maiden name after deciding to get divorced. This signals that she is emotionally cutting ties with her ex‑husband Charles and reclaiming her independent identity. It also suggests she is ready to build a new life, one that may include Ashley.

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