DEM 1

In the open kitchen stood a cook in jacket and toque, tending a pasta pot. A woman in a pastel silk gown with silver beading appeared at the top of the stairs leading into the great room. She swept down the stairs and floated on tiny steps to the ornately decorated dining table, her patent leather heels reflecting the candlelight; lavender and sandalwood preceded her.

"Chef Emilio," she said. "It's so nice of you to prepare this gourmet meal for EE's dinner party. It's my one and only chance a...