In the 1950s and 1960s the Mortimer couple were frequently photographed at London high society events, but behind this façade Penelope had frequent bouts of depression. In 1962, the same year "The Pumpkin Eater" was written, she became pregnant for the eighth time and already acting as a mother of six at the age of 42, she agreed to an abortion and sterilisation at John Mortimer's urging. She is said to have been happy with the decision, but during her convalescence, she discovered her husband's affair with Wendy Craig, by whom he had a son. They divorced in 1971.