On Clare, I wondered why she would want to reunite with the people who had suspected her of being a prostitute, 12 years ago, especially as it was clearly suspected in a judging way, rather than with pity if that was the only choice she had for survival. But then there was the call of "her own people", and that was clearly strong. In her letter to Irene, speaking of their different choices, she wrote "... your way may be the wiser and infinitely happier one."
Clare was far more honest and direct than Irene could ever be. Towards the end of the book, she said to Irene:
Quote:
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"Why, to get the things I want badly enough, I'd do anything, hurt anybody, throw anything away. Really 'Rene, I'm not safe."
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On Brian, yes, it certainly did seem that he was having an affair with Clare. The indications which initially puzzled Irene, and comments like that of Clare above, plus the realisation of the relationship by Hugh Wentworth (at the tea party) seemed to put together a good case, as well as his extreme shock at the end of the book. Remembering that he was a doctor, it was not just the shock of seeing her dead from the fall, whatever that entailed, but the shock of loss.
However it was of course all suspicion, with nothing tangible. Alfred Hitchcock would have had a field day! In fact, I thought that the whole web of doubt and suspicion was very well done.
I actually felt more comfortable with Nella Larsen's style the second time through. The first time through it felt - I don't know, maybe a bit clunky or forced - but perhaps I had got used to it on the reread. I do agree with
issybird about the need to prune the adjectives, but I felt the strengths of the book far outweighed weaknesses like that.