Summary

Chapter 1 opens with Nick and Rachel in the car on the way to Tyersall Park. As they drive, Nick tells Rachel stories of his childhood at Tyersall Park and how much trouble he and Colin would get themselves into there. When they arrive, Nick, Rachel, and Su Yi sit down for tea. Nick is finally able to give Rachel a taste of his grandmother’s famous scones, which he first mentioned to Rachel back in New York. As they eat, Rachel asks Su Yi about the history of Singapore and if tea time is part of Singaporean culture or if it is specific to Nick’s family. Su Yi curtly replies that the tradition began with her husband, who picked up the habit during his years in England. She then shifts the conversation to America, telling Rachel that America is falling to...