Chapter 32

Summary

• The chapter is set in March 1960 at an artsy gathering in the Lamplighter, a studio in Hampstead, London, which is an area Hazel adores.
• The studio walls are adorned with various forms of artwork including sketches, oils, and photographs.
• Hazel admires the art and accidentally drops her wine glass upon recognizing a drawing that captures her attention.
• The drawing depicts a young girl, "Flora in the woodlands," which resonates deeply with Hazel, hinting at a personal connection.
• Hazel encounters more artwork that reflects her own unconscious memories, nightmares, and secrets, revealing a deep connection with the artist, Harry.
• She is surprised to see a drawing of herself as a child, which leads to a conversation with her friends Kelty and Midge about Harry’s art.
• Kelty observes that art is a way for Hazel and Harry to express an old shared trauma.
• Upon meeting Harry, their conversation reveals that the drawings were his attempts to process past experiences and emotions.
• Harry and Hazel share a moment outside the studio where Harry opens up about how they both tried to reach out to Hazel during a difficult time in her past, but her mother obstructed these attempts.
• Hazel and Harry disclose their past love for each other and the regrets they have over not being able to be together.
• Their intimate moment is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Barnaby's parents, Eleanor and Meldon Yardley.
• Hazel hastily introduces Harry as an artist from the show but feels guilty as she encounters Eleanor's disapproving gaze.
• Eleanor and Meldon quickly leave, presumably disconcerted by the meeting, and Hazel worries about the repercussions of this encounter.
• Harry inquires about Eleanor and Meldon's identity, and Hazel explains that they are the parents of Barnaby, her boyfriend and a prominent art collector.
• The chapter concludes with Hazel anxiously anticipating the couple alerting Barnaby about the encounter, and Harry acknowledging their displeasure.