The Book of Salt

The novel shifts back in time to the love affair that transpired between Chef Bleriot and Binh. We see how their relationship is apparent even to the young boys at the market. Eventually, the household servants take note, and Binh tries to determine which one of the servants tells on them. The affair is brought to the attention of the Madame’s secretary, who herself has a crush on the chef. She is jealous and goes after Binh, in order to remove him from the household. She tells the chef to let her handle the situation and tells the Madame that Binh is spreading lies that he and Bleriot are lovers. For that, Binh is dismissed; as her final vengeful act, the Madame’s secretary writes to the Old Man and tells of the scandal.

The chauffeur admits it was he who told of the affair to the Madame’s secretary, primarily out of jealousy in regard to the chef. Then the secretary told the Madame. The Madame would not allow it, not because of her scorn of their homosexuality, but instead due to the difference in race and social standing between the two men.