1977 (#10) - Stuart's opposition and the secret marriage between Peggy and Jack

During the time immediately following the rape, the Brooks family has every reason to be concerned about Peggy's emotional state, and everyone, Chris at first, advises the girl to seek professional counseling and then see a psychologist. Peggy, however, reacts with anger to the proposal and refuses to do therapy, stating with absolute determination that she doesn't need it and insisting rather that if everyone would stop pressuring her, everything would be better. During this time, Stuart also refuses to allow Jack to see his daughter, despite the opposition of the man. The opposition to this relationship becomes even firmer when Stuart and Chris realize that Professor Jack Curtis is George Curtis' older brother, Chris' rapist, years earlier. Despite attempts to hinder their love, however, Peggy and Jack, who makes very clear that he hasn't nothing to do with his brother and hasn't had any contact with him for years, continue to see each other in secret. And the prayers of Stuart and Chris, who try to warn the girl not to trust the man, are useless: Peggy is convinced that a secret marriage would be able to solve her emotional problems, so Jack, madly in love with Peggy, decides to follow her immediately to make real the idea. The two plan their love getaway and, without telling anyone, exchange their wedding vows. Peggy and Jack also plan how their wedding will take place; since they can't live together under the same roof yet, their newly weds life soon turns out to be a part-time marriage, with the girl trying to go to Jack's house as often as possible. Peggy is convinced that without the pressure of her family she will be able to achieve a normal relationship with her husband and hopes that this will help her overcome her trauma, making sure that she can finally give herself to him.