Summary

In Chapter 8, Ianthe approaches Beatrice and Ysbeta, who are playing hazards on the lawn. He just witnessed the burning of the woman and her spiritborn child. All members of the chapterhouse were forced to attend. It disturbed him deeply. The three of them go inside, where Beatrice is introduced to Mrs. Lavan. Mrs. Lavan asks Beatrice to accompany her, alone, to the greenhouse, under the pretext of gathering flowers for Beatrice’s flower arrangement. There, Mrs. Lavan warns Beatrice against seducing Ianthe. She says that Ianthe needs to marry someone rich and powerful in order to benefit the family business. Beatrice is heartbroken.

The Clayborn family has dinner with Father’s middle aged business friend, Udo Maasten, in Chapter 9. Father intends to set Udo Maasten up with Beatrice. Udo Maasten condescendingly quizzes Beatrice on business matters. Nadi, who is still inside Beatrice’s...