Part 3: Finale

This section opens at Christmastime, although neither the weather nor Irene's spirits are cooperating with the spirit of the season. Irene is disturbed by Brian's behavior and wishes she could be sure that he only wants to go to Brazil. To her, he seems like a 'œman marking time,' but she isn't sure what he could be waiting for. Brian wakes Irene, just before the party she is hosting is about to start. When Brian tells Irene that Clare is waiting for her downstairs, Irene gets annoyed because she did not invite Clare. As it turns out, Brian invited Clare to the party. Irene did not want her there because the party is for Hugh and Irene says that Hugh does not like Clare. As the discussion progresses, it becomes clear that Brian does not really care for Hugh. As Brian defends Clare, it dawns on Irene that something might be going on between Brian and Clare. Irene is shocked, but manages to maintain her composure until Brian leaves the room. When she is alone, she weeps, pulls herself together, and then goes down to the party. She manages to make polite conversation throughout the party, which seems to drag on forever. Distracted by thoughts of what a relationship between Clare and Brian could mean for her and the boys, Irene drops her coffee cup, breaking it. Hugh, noticing what has happened, steps in and apologizes to 'œbumping in' to Irene, to prevent her embarrassment.

Chapter Two opens with Irene obsessing about Clare and Brian. She is worried and unhappy, noting that Brian has also withdrawn. Irene wishes it was March, when Clare is set to leave town with John Bellew. She even considers, briefly, telling John about Clare's real identity. However, Irene, in her own estimation, is too loyal to her race. For the first time she wishes she had not been born black so she would not have this kind of loyalty to hinder her decisions. Although Irene will not tell John Bellew about Clare, she hopes he finds out about it some other way that has nothing to do with her.

The very next day, Irene's wish is granted. While she is downtown, shopping arm-in-arm with her African- American friend, Felise, she runs into John Bellew. Although he does not say anything, it is obvious that he is aware now that Irene is also African American. He extends his hand and Irene refuses to take it. Irene then faces another problem: she feels like she should warn Clare of the meeting, but cannot telephone or write. She means to tell Brian as well, but for some reason unknown to her, she does not. She lies awake in her bed that night, thinking about her marriage and her children, hoping March will come quickly.

The next morning Clare phones during breakfast, leaving a message that she will be able to attend Mrs. Freeland's (Felise) party that evening. Brian and Irene get into an argument when Brian explains to Junior why only 'œcoloured people' get lynched. Irene does not believe her son needs to know that information; Brian believes he should know the truth. When Clare arrives that evening, she comes into Irene's bedroom. While Irene is dressing, Clare tells her that John is in Philadelphia for the evening; Irene worries this is not far enough away. Clare says she does not care if John finds out about her. If he does and their marriage ends, then Clare intends to move to Harlem. Irene sends Clare downstairs and thinks about what could happen; she is terrified of Clare moving to Harlem. Irene realizes the reason she did not tell Clare or Brian about her encounter with John Bellew: she did not want Clare to be free of him and further disrupt her own life.

Irene, Clare, and Brian go together to Dave and Felise Freeland's apartment, which is on the sixth floor of an apartment building. Brian chides the women about making it that far in their shoes, as there is no elevator. The party is going well, except Irene is somber and people notice. Suddenly, John Bellew shows up, demanding to see his wife. At first, Dave is sure he has got the wrong address. Then John tells them he knows the Redfields are there because he spoke with Zulena, the Redfields' housekeeper. At the mention of his name, Brian goes to the door, insisting to know what is happening. John Bellew pushes his way into the apartment, finds Clare, who is standing in front of a large, open window, and confronts her about her race. As he is screaming racial epithets, Clare reminds him he is the only white man in the room. Irene is maddened that Clare is seemingly unaware of the danger she is in. Irene lays her hand on Clare's arm, thinking about how she cannot allow Clare to be free of Bellew. Before anyone can realize what happens, Clare falls out the window. Horrified, everyone'except for Irene'runs down the stairs, outside to Clare's body. Irene is not upset, however. She wonders what the others will think about her staying behind. She finds her way into the bedroom. She thinks about how it was a terrible accident. Then she thinks about how Brian must be getting cold outside. She takes his coat, leaving her own, and heads down the stairs. On her way downstairs, Irene is terrified by the thought that Clare might not be dead after all. Outside, Irene asks if Clare died. When Felise tells her she has, Irene breaks into sobs. Someone suggests that Clare fainted and Brian objects, arguing that Bellew pushed her. Someone asks Irene what happened, since she was right there. Irene says she fell, that Bellew did not push her. Then, Irene faints.