Rose, Eladi, and Teresa: Intertwined Fates
Chapter VIII: Miss Rose’s Sorrow
Sitting in the room, Miss Rose couldn’t stop crying. He had said three months, but to Sofia, it felt like an eternity. Miss Rose was emotionally devastated. She grabbed a rag to clean the suitcase, but her tears kept falling. On the balcony, she remembered Marcel and the times they shared. Miss Rose was described as kind and sympathetic, despite her humble background. Ramon and Maria’s brothers always saw her as a target for their jokes. Miss Rose cared deeply for Ramon and Maria, even mending their clothes. Ramon desired Maria, and Maria desired Ramon, unaware they were siblings. Miss Rose, losing patience, opened the suitcase and revealed a blue muslin game, angering Ana Sofia, who dismissed her.
Chapter IX: Eladi’s Search
Marcel told Eladi that parents are like the first coffee when you’re thirsty. In the car, Eladi nervously bit his nails, a habit from his youth. He feared blood due to past experiences. They stopped for coffee, and Eladi wondered if Miss Rose’s visions were true. A car accident jolted his memory. He recalled Miss Rose’s words and thought of Marcel. Eladi saw white sails in the distance, reminding him of Maria, his beloved, whom Ramon never loved. After her death, he found some peace. Eladi left the car to breathe by the sea, pondering how to separate Ramon and Maria, who didn’t know they were siblings. Marcel remembered Miss Rose as a good person, capable of handling Ramon and Maria. Eladi decided to write to his children, asking them to come home as he was unwell and wanted to apologize.
Chapter I: Attorney Riera
Teresa visited Attorney Riera’s notary office. She didn’t want to sell her property to her best friend Quim Valldaura, but eventually, the sale went through.
Chapter II: Time’s Passage
This chapter describes the setting, time, and nature, focusing on the narrator’s feelings towards Teresa.
Chapter III: The Piano Teacher
The protagonist is Professor Rhodes, a piano teacher. A letter from Granados, Rhodes’s supposed best friend, brings news of his death while saving his wife from drowning. Another letter reveals a portrait of Sofia’s mother, which Teresa recognizes. The teacher complains about Teresa’s nephews, who refuse to study.
Chapter IV: Eladi and the Maid
Eladi arrives at his rented room. He meets the maid and attempts to kiss her, but she rebuffs him. Eladi’s wife observes and leaves with the maid.
Chapter V: Armanda’s Earrings
Armanda can no longer cook due to an injury. She is tasked with keeping Teresa company. Eladi gifts her earrings, but she has trouble wearing them. Armanda goes to the jeweler to fix them.
Chapter VI: Eulalia and Quim BergadÃ
Eulalia misses her husband and home in Paris. Quim returns, and they have lunch together. Eulalia is reminded of her husband, Raphael, by Quim. Teresa observes Eulalia’s depression and tries to cheer her up.
Chapter VII: Sofia’s Transformation
Silvia helps Sofia remove her mask. Sofia sees her renewed face in the mirror. Silvia advises her on dress, makeup, and perfume. Sofia admires Silvia’s beauty and youth. Eladi enters, surprised by the scent of tobacco. Sofia dislikes seeing a Proust book in his library, knowing he never finishes books. Memories flood Sofia: taking seven-month-old Maria home after her honeymoon, Maria living with her, and the rivalry between her two sons for Maria’s affection. Sofia loved Miss Rose and Martha like a mother. Maria runs to Sofia, expressing her love. Sofia tells Rose she needs to talk to her privately.