Summary

In Chapter 18, Ran and Amy host the charity event. The event sold out at 10,000 dollars a plate and Amy realizes she should have charged more. Gilda is one of a few young people. Ran notices Julie dressed in “a sort of French-maid costume reminiscent of old-fashioned porn.” Amy apparently does not recognize Julie but Gilda does. Julie thinks about Gilda's life of ease. Gilda introduces Julie as her niece, prompting a discussion about the “vagaries of chronology.” Julie invites Gilda to “hang out” some time. Julie sees the gala as a symbol of wealth and feels she is on the edge of it. Julie and Gilda are both very aware of Ian Aymes, Ursula's handsome son.

In Chapter 19, Gilda comes to the city three weeks later, driven by Carla Alvarez, Amy's personal assistant. Gilda and Julie have lunch and go to a meeting...