Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era

In February 1964, Truman attends a boxing match with his friend Gloria Guinness. The pair attract almost as much attention as the fight itself. Like most of Truman’s female friends, Gloria is very wealthy; she is also witty, although some in her circle find her jokes abrasive. When Truman visits Gloria at her home in Palm Beach, he inspires the jealousy of C.Z. Guest, another friend, who insists that Truman stays at her home instead. Truman agrees to split his time in Palm Beach between the women. Gloria throws a huge party while Truman is with her, and does not invite C.Z. or her husband.

Gloria is born in 1912 and is raised to believe her beauty is her most important asset. After a brief marriage to a Dutch colonist at age 20, she moves to Paris at age 22, where she becomes a popular model and socialite. In 1935, she marries a German count, and gives birth to two children. As World War II begins, Gloria and her husband are swept into Nazi society. She begins an affair with an SS officer named Walter Schellenberg, who arranges for her to divorce her husband—still actively fighting in the war.