Chapter 4

Approximately three minutes later we came upon a candlelit cabana,which opened onto the beach and nearby lake.Inside was a bamboo cocktail bar with two matching stools.To the left of the set sat a four-poster,queen-sized bed,which was also constructed of bamboo.A carpet rich in jungle greens and maroon decorated the bamboo floor.Thin netting covered the bed;its structure resembled something like a triangular cocoon.

I knew instantly we were on his aunt’s massive estate,since it was bucked next to my own sliver of property to the east.In the distance,behind the cabana,and positioned atop a peak called Sontimore Hill,which was comprised of ancient sycamore,birch,and blue pine trees,sat his relative’s mansion.A golden hue from the lighted windows bled through the foliage.The cabana was one of three on the island,places where the queen’s nephew slept during his nights while visiting Edith Fuller on his summers off.