The Sheik's Son(15)

“Well, thank you very much, Mohammed.” With that, Leila stood up and made her way upstairs to the bedroom he had prepared for her.

“Brat,” he said.





Chapter 5

The day of the cricket match was cool, with wispy clouds in the sky. Sophie chose a simple iridescent pink gown with lace at the elbow-length sleeves and a cream-colored petticoat showing through. Her hair was dressed simply, pinned back with one long curl coming forward. She knew the game would be outdoors but she wanted to look her best and hoped her dress wouldn’t be soiled from being outside. She carried a small parasol in case of rain.

Her grandmother wore a steel-grey gown in the same fashion and her hair matched the dress, though it was in an older style than Sophie’s own gown. Eugenie, always one to show off her wealth, wore numerous rings, a necklace and bracelet.

Sophie preferred a simple style when she wore jewelry. Though her father had gifted her several fine pieces and even her late mother’s jewelry, which included a sapphire ring and ruby necklace, she wore them only on special occasions.

Jean Pierre had not been able to attend the cricket match as he was wrapped up in his work. He needed to focus and concentrate on his tasks, and so the two women would attend without him.

The carriage took Sophie and Eugenie to the Jardin du Luxembourg, which had once been a beautiful garden started by Marie de Medici in 1611. The garden had become somewhat neglected recently and had been sold by the king for development, but as of yet nothing had been built.

The Duke of Dorset had received permission to hold the cricket game on the grounds. It was a wide expanse of green lawns, a perfect setting for the activity. As the carriage moved toward the lawns, Sophie looked out of the carriage window to see several hundred people partaking in the game’s festivities.

She saw several ladies clustered together wearing pastel colors and carrying their parasols. She saw men dressed as prettily as the women, strolling together in unison. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the day and she was pleased that the duke had asked her to join in.

She noticed several large white tents set up along the perimeter of the lawns, with people moving in and out of them. She assumed that the tent might hold refreshments inside and asked her grandmother if she would like to stop.

“That sounds like an excellent idea, Sophie.” Eugenie knocked on the roof of the carriage to stop the driver.

Inside the tent, it was as Sophie had surmised. Several tables were laden with delicious cakes, cookies, tarts, jellies and other sweets that made her mouth water. One table draped with lace had cups and saucers at the ready for people to take their choice of tea or coffee.

The porcelain cups were white with green trim and an older lady was behind the table, serving those who wanted a hot beverage. On yet another table was a large crystal bowl filled with lemonade, and two young girls stood in front of it waiting to be ladled out a cool drink.

There were smaller tables and chairs scattered throughout the large tent; most of the tables were filled, though some were empty. Sophie saw Madame Necker and her daughter seated at a table near the back. Germaine looked young and vibrant in a yellow silk dress while her mother was more sedate, in a pale aqua gown with silver embroidery trimming entwined at the neckline.

“Sophie!” Germaine shouted to the younger woman from across the room, causing people to stare at her.

Madame Necker admonished her daughter but wasn’t truly angry. Germaine was young and brash and she had found a friend in Sophie. Madame Necker highly approved of the younger woman, who was both educated and grounded, two things she admired.

Sophie made her way over to the two women, with Eugenie trailing behind. Eugenie caught the eye of an older female friend and excused herself to speak with her.

She could hear her grandmother exchanging pleasantries with the older woman and smiled. She was happy her grandmother would have a friend here and she could enjoy the Neckers’ company alone.

“Dearest Sophie.” Madame Necker kissed both her cheeks and Sophie reciprocated.

“Sophie!” Germaine exclaimed. “So glad you could come.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t have missed it at all. Although my father made certain my grandmother came with me as a sort of nursemaid and chaperone.” She sighed.

“No, do not begrudge your grandmother her role. Your father is correct. And her presence here sends a message.” Madame Necker nodded in approval.

Sophie was young and unspoilt. “What message?”

“That you are not to be trifled with, my dear. That’s an important message. Monsieur Gauvreau was quite correct in sending her. Your father cares for you and your reputation.”

Sophie nodded. “Yes, I see what you mean, though I would never tarnish our family name.”