Chapter 17

Contains spoilers

Summary

  • May-May upset about loud construction noise in Valle Feliz and thinks there is something strange or malevolent about new house
  • Struan agrees to consult with Feng-shui experts to ensure house is properly protected from malevolent spirits
  • Struan busy with preparations for ball and leaves early in morning
  • May-May excited about dress she has kept as surprise for ball
  • Struan's mother and sister arrive in Valle Feliz, but May-May and Struan's mother do not get along
  • Struan's mother unhappy about May-May's presence in house and that she is not Christian
  • Struan's sister surprised to see May-May and asks Struan about her, Struan tells her May-May is his concubine and will be treated with respect in his house
  • May-May expresses jealousy and anger towards Struan's interaction with Shevaun, accuses Shevaun of trying to entrap Struan, Struan becomes angry and threatens to hit May-May, May-May eventually apologizes and Struan forgives her
  • Struan leaves to attend to business and May-May stays behind in their home
  • Struan and Robb discussing business in morning
  • Ship that has arrived brings news that Maureen Quance, who has been away for six years, is returning to Hong Kong with her family
  • Struan and Robb concerned because Maureen's husband Aristteles is hiding in a brothel and they are afraid she will ruin their reputation if she finds out
  • Struan tells Robb to find Aristteles and bring him to Thunder Cloud ship to keep him isolated until evening dance
  • Struan also tells Robb to send Cuhady to ship to invite Maureen and her family to stay on smaller ship until next day
  • Robb worried about boxing match and fight between two groups of Chinese
  • Struan says he will handle boxing match and will try to make peace between the two groups of Chinese
© 2025 SparknotesAI