Although Brett and Jake love one another, Brett's prioritization of sex and independence above love, and Jake's physical limitations, prevent them from truly being together as a couple.
Like most of the characters in this novel, Brett is not content with her life or her surroundings, and she longs to escape. It just so happens that she escapes and seeks refuge in the arms of a variety of men. Could it be that her love for Jake won't allow her to commit to any man? One night, after leaving a nightclub, Jake and Brett are in a taxi. Jake asks, "Don't you love me?" Brett replies with, "Love you? I simply turn all to jelly when you touch me." (34) Brett continues the conversation and asks if there is anything she and Jake can do about their situation, but Jake says there is nothing they can do. The following exchange between Jake and Lady Brett demonstrates Brett's attitude toward being in a loving relationship:.
"It's funny," I said. "It's very funny. And it's a lot of fun, too, to be in love." .
"Do you think so?" her eyes looked flat again. .
"I don't mean fun that way. In a way it's an enjoyable feeling." .
"No," she said. "I think it's hell on earth." (35) .
Neither Jake nor Brett appear capable of a committed love partnership between them because Jake cannot fulfill Brett's sexual needs because of his injury, and Brett can't forget her first love. On yet another occasion, Brett, who is with another gentleman, Count Mippipopolous, meets up with Jake at a hotel. After Brett sends the count on an errand, Jake asks, "Couldn't we live together, Brett? Couldn't we just live together?" (Chapter 7) Brett simply replies that Jake would not be able to stand her stepping out on him all the time and adds, "Isn't it rotten? There isn't any use my telling you I love you." (Chapter 7) I find this to be very frustrating. Love doesn't come easily, so, once it is found, it should be cherished.
