Sex and Vanity: A Novel

Charlotte arrives at the cathedral to meet the group for the day’s activity. Outside, she meets Baron Mordecai von Ephrussi. Charlotte assesses his outfit and decides that she knows how to talk to him. They discuss their work, families, and backgrounds. Lucie arrives, and Charlotte explains that Lucie’s father was Reginald Churchill. Mordecai privately recognizes how rich the women must be. He then announces that the Sultanah of Penang, a member of Malay royalty, will be joining them, too. The other guests arrive and form a receiving line to greet the Sultanah.

Charlotte and Mordecai are incensed when they discover that they must take little boats from the cathedral to the island villa they’ll be touring. Mordecai fears that the Sultanah will drown en route and that he’ll be blamed.

While on one of the little boats, Lucie remembers sailing with her father when she was a child. She dismisses the memories when they arrive at the estate for the tour. Mordecai leads the guests around the villa grounds, speaking at length about its history. Meanwhile, the women complain about Mordecai and comment on Lucie’s appearance. The Ortiz sisters particularly pester her about her heritage. Suddenly, Rosemary and George appear in pajamas.