In this chapter, Notch and Gabriella visit a high-end men's clothing store to buy a linen suit, dress shirt, and shoes. Gabriella takes charge, referring to Notch as her husband, which surprises him but also makes him feel admired by the store's salesmen. The salesmen treat Gabriella with great respect and cater to her every request, even when she insists on buying expensive Italian loafers for Notch.

Notch is measured for his suit, and although he feels it fits perfectly, Gabriella is not satisfied and insists on further adjustments. The salesmen are clearly captivated by Gabriella's beauty and charm, and they go out of their way to accommodate her. Eventually, Gabriella manages to persuade the store's tailor to have the suit ready by the evening for their anniversary dinner, despite the tailor's initial refusal.

Throughout the chapter, there is a playful and flirtatious dynamic between Notch and Gabriella, with both of them engaging in a game of one-upmanship. The chapter ends with Notch feeling a mix of admiration and discomfort as he contemplates the lengths Gabriella goes to ensure he looks his best.

In this chapter, the Notch is awoken by Gabriella, who urges him to get ready for a day out in New Orleans. They plan to catch the 9:30 ferry and have breakfast at Café Du Monde. The protagonist is struck by Gabriella's beauty and her choice of a silky sundress. As they leave her house, they encounter Miss Kelly, Gabriella's neighbor, who makes some playful comments about their relationship.

During their ferry ride across the Mississippi, Notch is captivated by the magical scenery and Gabriella's radiant appearance. They enjoy beignets at Jackson Square, where Gabriella teases Notch about his powdered sugar-covered shirt. She also hints at buying him a new suit for an evening out at a fine restaurant.

Their day continues with a visit to Rubenstein's, a high-end men's shop, where Gabriella insists on buying Notch a linen suit. The chapter captures Notch’s admiration for Gabriella and the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans, blending moments of humor, romance, and reflection.

In this chapter, Notch finds himself in an intimate and reflective moment with Gabi, who presents him with a gift: a book of poetry by Francesco Petrarca, also known as Petrarch. The Gabi reads a sonnet in Italian, which deeply moves him, even though he doesn't understand the language. The sonnet speaks of love, desire, and inner conflict, resonating with Notch’s own feelings. He reads the English translation aloud, feeling a profound connection to the words and the emotions they convey. The chapter ends with the Notch and Gabi sharing a tender moment, as he contemplates the impact of the ancient poet's words on his soul.