I felt similarly and I also think that she, not Alex, backed her into that corner. Alex (or she, i can't recall) mentioned that her library had a rare copy of the book, then Alex asked how much the book would be worth. All she had to say was "I'm not sure, but probably quite a lot." but I think she wanted to show off by mentioning the Sotheby's auction. Adding "you can look it up" was snippy, IMO so I'm not surprised Alex went after her for that.
Couldn't believe no one got "love at first sight". I read it and immediately heard The Beatles in my head.