45 pages 1 hour read

Maggie O'Farrell

The Hand That First Held Mine

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Part 2, Chapters 19-24

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2, Chapter 19 Summary

Lexie brings Theo with her to Ireland for an interview. She meets biographer Robert Lowe while he is also staying at the house of the artist Lexie is interviewing. At dinner, Robert tells Lexie they met before: Robert and his wife bought the painting Innes sold to pay Lexie when she started at Elsewhere. The next day she interviews the artist, Fitzgerald. Robert diplomatically rescues Lexie from an attempted sexual assault by Fitzgerald.

While cleaning her bedroom Lexie discovers a hairband with a hair she identifies as belonging to Margot. Felix shows up right as she finishes throwing his things out of her bedroom window. He tries to talk her out of breaking up, but Margot is non-negotiable for Lexie.

A week later Robert Lowe comes to see Lexie at her office. They agree, without directly stating it, that they will have an affair. Robert and Lexie create a system in which they meet twice a year outside of the city, the location determined by a telegram. Lexie brings Theo with her on these trips.

Lexie and Mrs. Gallo are cooking dinner when Felix arrives unexpectedly. Lexie tells him he should have called but offers him tea. He tells her that he has gotten a girl pregnant and that she expects him to marry her.

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