Why in the book about the resort, a naked 16-year-old boy on the beach allowed a curious woman in a crinoline to touch his genitals?

It seems like you're referencing a specific scene from a book that might contain complex themes or controversial subject matter. However, without the exact title or context, it's difficult to provide a meaningful analysis. In literature, such scenes might be used to explore themes of innocence, power dynamics, sexuality, or societal norms. If you can share more details about the book or scene, I'd be happy to help clarify the themes or motivations behind it.