The Phoenix Crown: A Novel

Gemma enjoys allowing her bird to fly in Henry’s conservatory and having the opportunity to practice every day. George accompanies her during practice, and they learn about each other’s lives, such as his family and her migraines. The day before her San Francisco debut at Henry’s “midnight ball,” she confesses to George that she’s nervous. George warns her about Henry, and Gemma assures George that she’s not expecting a long-term, serious relationship with him. They chat about Argentinian food, and Gemma wishes she could join George for dinner instead of going to the Palace Grill with Henry that night. After George leaves, Suling arrives with the dragon robe, and Gemma compliments her work repairing it. Suling sees Nellie’s drawing, which depicts Suling both in and out of her disguise as a boy. When Gemma asks if she modeled for Nellie, Suling says that Reggie drew the picture.

Gemma and Suling realize that Nellie and Reggie are the same person. Up until this point, Reggie’s gender has not been stated, but it becomes clear that Reggie is a woman at the beginning of this chapter. Suling tells Gemma that Henry was Reggie’s patron and lover, but that she left right before her exhibition opened.