The opening of the novel introduces the aftermath of an accident that befalls Gabrielle as she rides in a carriage, setting a tone of urgency and disruption in her otherwise orderly world. The narrative quickly transitions to a depiction of the social dynamics among women of their class, as Gabrielle makes her way to visit her friend Juliette after the mishap. Through Gabrielle's inner thoughts, the reader becomes acquainted with her frustrations and desires, hinting at deeper emotional layers and unspoken connections between the characters. This segment also teases a budding complexity in Juliette's character, particularly her caution and curiosity regarding Casal, a man with a questionable reputation introduced through Gabrielle. The interplay of societal pressures and personal yearnings sets the stage for the unfolding narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)