Petro and Adèle’s Marriage

This flow traces a marriage that begins in admiration and intimacy but must accommodate Stefania’s presence, Felix’s arrival, and Adèle’s changing desires.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Sculptor’s Courtship

Art and Attraction Petro enters the home Petro’s work on Thérèse’s memorial brings him into Docteur Anger’s household. Adèle increasingly arranges meals and dress around his visits, while Stefania recognizes her growing affection. A marriage takes shape Petro admires Adèle and eventually builds a life with her. Stefania watches from the household’s edge, both protective of Adèle and jealous of the new intimacy.

A Honeymoon with Stefania

Three on the Journey Adèle refuses separation Adèle insists that Stefania accompany her and Petro on their honeymoon. Stefania continues her practical care, arranging food and clothing in the hotels. A boundary appears Petro resents Stefania’s presence and seeks private time with his wife. Adèle’s dependence on Stefania and Petro’s desire for marital privacy become competing claims within the marriage.

A Childless Marriage

Intimacy Without a Child Adèle’s diagnosis Adèle is told she cannot conceive, a fact that Stefania sees as a profound injustice. Petro remains with her, and their closeness deepens despite the absence of children. A household divided Stefania interprets their union as a growing exclusion, while continuing to serve them. Their marriage is loving, but the household’s emotional arrangements remain unsettled.

Felix Enters the Marriage

A Child Joins the Home Adèle’s insistence Adèle decides Felix will stay, expressing a maternal desire that is complicated by his refusal of conventional affection. Petro is shaken by the child’s appearance and slowly becomes his companion. A family reorganized Felix changes the marriage without replacing its original bonds. Adèle, Petro, and Stefania each respond to him differently, making the household more intimate and more unstable.

A Possible Pregnancy

A New Hope An unexpected possibility Adèle tells Stefania that she may be pregnant, despite her earlier diagnosis. She connects the news to prayer with Father Josef. Marriage and meaning The pregnancy, if real, offers Adèle and Petro a possible future beyond their childless marriage. Stefania’s response is obscured by her mistaken belief that Adèle and Josef are lovers.

Before Petro and Adèle marry

After the wedding

Before Felix appears

Summer 1900

November 1900, before Adèle’s birthday