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Evelyn reflected on her recent outbursts, deeming them foolish and childish. She no longer succumbed to futile actions driven by emotional bursts. Her behavior took a sharp turn; she abandoned her Tuesday routines and neglected social niceties, focusing solely on her whims and desires.
This change bewildered Mr. McPherson. Her disregard for household duties and family responsibilities stirred his anger, leading to clashes where Evelyn countered his reproaches with insolence, refusing to step back.
“It’s foolish for a woman to neglect her family for art,” Mr. McPherson argued.
“I feel like painting,” Evelyn retorted. “Maybe I won’t always feel this way.”
“Then paint, but don’t let everything else fall apart,” he urged.
Their discussions often left Mr. McPherson questioning Evelyn’s mental state, sensing a shift in her demeanor. She retreated to her studio, a vibrant space at the top of the house, where she worked tirelessly, yet never quite satisfied with her creations.
At times, the entire household became entangled in her artistic pursuits. The boys posed, initially finding it amusing but soon growing bored. The domestic staff also served as models, disrupting their usual chores. Despite the chaos, Evelyn found solace in her work, occasionally humming a nostalgic tune that stirred memories of the past.
Some days brought inexplicable happiness, a sense of unity with nature and the vibrant Southern surroundings. Other days plunged her into a deep melancholy, where life seemed meaningless and humanity a chaotic mess hurtling towards oblivion. On such days, creativity eluded her, leaving her adrift in a sea of emotions.
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In a mood tinged with curiosity and determination, Evelyn set out to find Mademoiselle Reisz, despite their last encounter leaving a sour taste. She couldn’t shake off the desire to hear the pianist play again. Early in the afternoon, she embarked on her quest, albeit without Mademoiselle Reisz’s card, which she had misplaced. Consulting an outdated city directory, Evelyn discovered that Mademoiselle Reisz lived on Bienville Street, quite a distance away.
Arriving at the indicated address, Evelyn found herself facing a house occupied by a respectable family of mulattoes, completely unaware of Mademoiselle Reisz’s existence. Undeterred, Evelyn headed to a nearby grocery store, confident that the proprietor would have Mademoiselle’s address.
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To her surprise, the grocer was not a fan of Mademoiselle Reisz. “I know her more than I care to,” he grumbled, expressing relief that she had left their neighborhood without leaving a forwarding address.
Evelyn’s determination only grew stronger in the face of these obstacles. She pondered on who could provide the elusive information. Suddenly, it dawned on her that Madame Williams might have the answers. Knowing Madame Rogers would be of no help, given their strained relationship with Mademoiselle Reisz, Evelyn set her sights on Madame Williams, who had recently returned to the city.
Finding the Williams’ residence on Chartres Street, Evelyn was struck by its formidable appearance, resembling a fortress with its iron bars and locked gate. Victor, Madame Williams’ son, appeared at the gate, followed by a black woman caught in an argument about her duties.
Victor, surprised yet delighted to see Evelyn, instructed the woman to inform Madame Williams of her visitor. Despite the woman’s grumbling, Victor’s authoritative manner prevailed, prompting the woman to begrudgingly retreat to attend to her interrupted tasks.
As Evelyn waited, the tension in the air hinted at underlying dynamics within the Williams household, adding a layer of intrigue to her already determined quest.
Evelyn hesitated at the threshold, drawn to the inviting atmosphere of the side porch. The array of chairs, a wicker lounge, and a small table promised a relaxing retreat. Weary from her journey, she settled into a chair, gently rocking and smoothing out the folds of her silk parasol. Victor joined her, attributing the black woman’s behavior to a lack of proper training, as he had just returned from the island and would soon depart again. He shared snippets of his island life, where he maintained the estate for summer visitors but sought occasional respite in the city.
In a hushed tone, Victor hinted at a recent escapade, sparked by a beautiful girl who caught his eye through closed shutters. He hinted at a daring encounter, suggesting a tale too risqué for Evelyn’s ears. Intrigued despite herself, Evelyn found amusement in the boy’s antics. Her interest piqued, Victor’s boldness grew until interrupted by Madame Williams’ arrival.
Madame Williams, dressed in her customary summer whites, welcomed Evelyn warmly, urging her inside for refreshments and inquiries about her family. Victor, reclining on the wicker lounge, observed Evelyn with playful mischief, making her feel complicit in his antics.
Talk turned to letters from Taylor, with Victor nonchalantly recounting their contents. The letters, from Vera Cruz and the City of Mexico, spoke of Montel’s support and the challenges and charms of Mexico. Despite the lack of a personal message for her, Evelyn felt the weight of her despondent mood returning, reminding her of her mission to find Mademoiselle Reisz.
Madame Williams, privy to Mademoiselle Reisz’s address, shared it with Evelyn, regretting her swift departure. Victor gallantly escorted Evelyn outside, shielding her with her parasol as they walked to her car. He emphasized the confidentiality of their conversation, prompting playful banter from Evelyn.
Back inside, Madame Williams admired Evelyn’s appearance, noting a transformation attributed to the city’s influence, leaving Victor in agreement about her newfound allure.