Chapter 17

That year, by coincidence, Marevna was invited to the Quatz Ball at the Ecole Des Beaux Arts by two young students. The diminutive Marevna fit in well with the young men and her youthful appearance worked to her advantage.

It was actually the same celebration that the Crosbys attended. But their paths didn't exactly cross. For the Crosbys, the party was a great success. For Marevna it was a debauched disaster that would lead to a major quarrel with Rivera.

It led to a serious falling out between the two. It was a devastating blow to Marevna and it couldn't have come at a worse time. Marevna's mind needed clarity and freedom from anxiety. She was about to start the Picasso copy and, to make matters worse, she had found out just the day before that she was pregnant with Diego's child.

With Tinted Faces, They Dressed as Young Boys

At the ball, Marevna and the two students tinted their faces and dressed as young boys. But the frivolities turned carnal and in the wee hours of the morning she found herself at a candle-like party surrounded by naked art students in the midst of one of the most sordid orgies she had ever witnessed. It shocked her and she ran crying from the festivities into the deserted streets.

(The Avenue des Champs Elysees, one of the most famous Parisian place names)

The report of the party goings on had spread though the artist community and Diego heard that Marevna had been there. He raced from his studio on the rue du Depart and almost pounded down her door. He found her partially dressed with smudges of makeup still on her sleeping body. He began to beat her and scream in a horrifying fashion. He accused her of participating in an orgy and at one point he began to strangle her.

Marevna Stabs Diego in the Neck with a Kitchen Knife

Marevna reached for a kitchen knife and stuck it in Diego's neck. He let out a howl and upon seeing the blood, he stopped, glared at the red smudges on his hands, fell to his knees and began to sob. I had been awakened by the din next door and arrived just at that moment. I reached for a wet towel, knelt beside him and tried to soothe and comfort him. Marevna cradled his head in her arms.

"Don't cry," she sobbed, as she rocked him back and forth. "Don't cry. Marevna is here."

After a few moments when he was quiet, we cleaned and bandaged his wound.

"Don't cry," she continued. "Your little bird would never be unfaithful to you."

Later that day when she recounted the events that led up to the quarrel, she gazed at me with cold piercing eyes that went right through me.

"He offered me money, just to make up with me," she told me.
"But he loves you," I argued.

"No. He needs me like a small child needs his mother. Diego needs only Diego and I am not a high school girl, a gimnazistka. I told him to keep his money."

After a few moments, she observed, "I am going to lose him completely now."

"Why? Because you hurt him?"

"No. Because I'm going to have his child." Then she added. "He was so charming when it suited him."

"But," I started.

"No. It's true. Diego can't accept responsibility. Once there's a child he will go off with someone else. He's already saying his future is not in France but in Mexico."

"You'll be alright, Marevna. I'll help you if I can."

"No. You are young and at the beginning of a new career. You have to paint and take care of yourself. I'll manage. I always do."

We Sat in Silence

We sat in silence as she dozed in her overstuffed armchair. She looked like a little girl.

The next night I went to see Caresse. I had heard that for the Crosbys the Ball was a complete success. They had indeed won the costume contest. The parade down the Champs Elysees had been a huge triumph for Caresse who led the way on her baby elephant. The newspapers wrote glowing reports of the event.

She had been so busy; she knew nothing of the orgy. She and Harry and four students had their own private party, drinking their champagne winnings in their over-sized bed. Even now, many hours later, Caresse had a glazed look in her eyes. Harry, as was his custom, had disappeared. She sat naked, propped up by a collection of oversized pillows. She looked tiny in her massive bed.

"Come. Lay your head on my breast," she beckoned. "I will tell you all about our wonderful triumph."

The Girls Were in Awe of Harry

The girls were in awe of Harry. He was wonderful. As I climbed onto the bed into the arms of this exotic heiress, I thought I saw a tear in her eyes. On the night table was a trace of two white lines of powder next to a silver straw. Then it was morning. Harry was still nowhere to be found.

"Doesn't it bother you that Harry just disappears when he wants to?" I asked.

"No. I'm used to it. Besides, Harry is a free spirit. The last time he went off it was to go to London. He came home with a $30,000 diamond necklace. He said it was for his Sun Queen."

"You're a lucky lady to have such a giving man to attend to you."

Caresse rubbed my hands in hers. "I'm lucky to have Harry and lucky I have you."

"You're special," I whispered.

"I know," she smiled.

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