Penang, 1910

Part I:

In narration addressed to Willie, Lesley recalls the events of April 25, 1910, foreshadowing that she did not know her life would change forever that day. Over a friendly breakfast, Robert informs her that Dr. Sun, whom they do not yet know, will be arriving to stay with them any day. Lesley is stunned by a newspaper story announcing that their friend Ethel Proudlock has been arrested in Kuala Lumpur after killing her attempted rapist. Lesley thinks vaguely back to something Ethel had told her the month prior, which Lesley warned was risky.

Later that afternoon, Lesley encounters Geoff and asks what he has heard of Ethel’s case. Geoff offer background on the dead man, William Steward, which makes him feel real to Lesley. Geoff reveals that Robert is having an affair. Lesley is shocked but immediately resolves not to divorce Robert, as the scandal will embarrass their sons and lead to her social ostracization.

She thinks back to the day she met Robert. She played at a recital during which a cat, much to the mortification of the hostess, licked its “nether parts” for the entirety of the concern; Lesley and Robert were the only attendees who found this funny, leading him to invite her to tea the following day.