Contents
Chapter Twenty-Two: Alicia Berenson’s Diary
Overview
Alicia’s diary reveals Paul’s desperate gambling debts and her conflicted decision to give him limited money while keeping Lydia uninvolved. Alicia confronts Jean-Felix, declaring she will leave his gallery after the show, provoking his anger and a pressured theater invitation. Gabriel urges a clean break, and Alicia admits fearing Jean-Felix.
Summary
On August 2, Alicia receives an unexpected call from Paul, who arrives looking gaunt and frightened. He confesses a longstanding gambling habit, escalating debts, and pressure from dangerous lenders. Despite misgivings, Alicia writes a £2,000 check, refuses to involve Lydia or Gabriel, and senses Paul’s story may be incomplete.
That night, Alicia tells Gabriel, who criticizes the payment and warns she doesn’t owe Paul. Alicia feels guilty for escaping Lydia’s house while Paul remains trapped, yet she is unsure how to help him effectively.
On August 6, while Alicia works in her studio, Jean-Felix drops by unannounced and monopolizes her attention. Frustrated, Alicia sets a boundary and then bluntly tells him she will change galleries after the exhibition. Jean-Felix reacts with hurt and accusation, blaming Gabriel for turning her against him.
Seeking to slow the rupture, Jean-Felix pushes a theater outing to a Euripides tragedy; Alicia reluctantly agrees to defuse the scene. That evening, Gabriel urges her to leave the gallery immediately and claims Jean-Felix is in love with her. Alicia disputes his motives but concedes one truth: she is afraid of Jean-Felix.
Who Appears
- Alicia BerensonDiary narrator; helps Paul with £2,000, resists involving Lydia, plans to leave Jean-Felix’s gallery, admits fearing him.
- PaulAlicia’s cousin; confesses severe gambling debts, begs for money, refuses to involve Lydia or Gabriel.
- Jean-FelixAlicia’s gallerist; intrudes on her work, reacts angrily to her plan to leave, pressures her into a theater outing.
- GabrielAlicia’s husband; condemns paying Paul, urges immediate break from Jean-Felix, suggests Jean-Felix is in love with Alicia.
- LydiaAlicia’s aunt; absent yet looming; Paul refuses to tell her about his debts due to fear.