Hi,
If you are working the pattern on page 83, which is Water Lily, then I agree the pattern is not very clear. So here goes.
When you are working row 1 after you have worked the first two rings of 3 double stitches separated by 7 picots or 8 lots of 3 double stitches separated by picots, reverse the tatting and work the chain 3 x 6, then reverse the work again and work the rings 3 x 9.
Then reverse the work, and work the chain C3 x 4. DO NOT REVERSE THE WORK. Instead tension the chain you have just made, then drop the shuttle in your right hand (assuming you are right handed) and pick us the second shuttle (which has the core thread) and work the ring R 3 x 8, middle section ). Close the ring. Then still without reversing the work go back to working the chain C 3 x 4+. (Now you have a ring sitting on top of the chain. I usually work the second half of a double stitch close to the ring the secure the ring, but do not include it in the stitch count.)
Join this chain with a downwards join to the tiny gap at base of the 3 x 9 rings you have just worked. Then, without reversing the work make the last chain C 3 + 3 x 5, joining what would be the first picot to the last picot of the previous chain.
What you should end up with is what looks like two rings sitting on top of each other with the 3 x 9 rings forming the last part of a trefoil at the base.
Hope this helps,
Regards, Buzby.