The Sheik's Son(32)

But Frenchmen were deliciously simple and poor Etienne had been like clay in her hands. She had been able to touch and tease him and she could see through his breeches that he had been rock-hard much of the night.

She stretched her arms above her head and yawned delicately. She would try and behave herself next time they met. But she had so enjoyed herself that she didn’t think she would try that hard.





Chapter 9

Jean Pierre read the letter from Madame Necker and decided that he would show it to his mother. Though he had been invited, it was more than obvious his work would keep him in Paris and he would not be able to attend.

However, the letter was a clear invitation for Sophie to attend a week’s party at the Neckers’ chateau in the country. Madame Necker had invited several esteemed people including the Duke of Dorset, Jean-François Marmontel and Jean-François de La Harpe.

Madame Necker was very taken with Sophie’s grace and intelligence and would protect her as she would her own daughter, she assured Jean Pierre. It went without saying that Eugenie Gauvreau would attend as chaperone and she wrote that she greatly hoped he would consent to allow his daughter to join them.

The Neckers often entertained at their chateau during certain times of the year and she felt Sophie would be a welcome addition to their lively discussions.

Jean Pierre watched his mother read the letter and her lips pursed in grave disapproval.

“I think not, my son,” she concluded.

Jean Pierre stoked the fire with the brass poker and replaced it, returning to his mother. “Why ever not? Surely you don’t disapprove of Madame Necker? She is an intelligent and celebrated salonist.”

“Well that’s as may be, Jean Pierre. But I’m not sure if those are qualities to be so admired in a woman,” Eugenie said imperiously.

This old argument again. He sighed.

“However, that in itself is not my concern,” she argued. “No, that is not my concern at all.”

He waited silently.

“I have heard about certain parties that go on in these country estates,” she began quietly.

Jean Pierre resisted the urge to roll his eyes, a juvenile gesture. “I have also heard those rumors. Are you suggesting Madame Necker is inviting my daughter to the country so she can meet an illicit lover?”

“Of course not! The very idea!” Eugenie looked shocked.

“Well then?”

“Well what?” she asked.

“If you don’t think there is anything wrong with the invitation—and you are invited as well—why not accept? If you will be there as well, what could occur?”

“Are you suggesting that I spend every night in the same room with my granddaughter?”

Now Jean Pierre did roll his eyes. “Are you suggesting that you must become Sophie’s shadow to ensure her honor remains intact?”

“Jean Pierre! How vulgar.”

“No, Mother. You again and again make assumptions that Sophie is some dim-witted child to be followed about lest some man ravish her in the street, when in fact, Sophie is more educated than you and knows how to act in society perfectly well.”

Eugenie flushed at her son’s bold words. “She may be more educated than me, but she is not a woman of the world,” Eugenie said coldly. “And men can be very predatory.”

Jean Pierre laughed. “Predatory? You make us sound like rabid dogs in heat.”

“Your words, not mine,” she said looking away.

“I leave the choice up to you, Mère. But do keep in mind that Sophie will not be the type of woman to remain quietly at home with her embroidery. She needs and requires stimulation.”

“As long as that stimulation is not with some Frenchman who only has designs on her virtue,” Eugenie replied.

“Would you prefer an Englishman?” he said drily.

Eugenie shook her head. “Your flippancy is not appropriate, Jean Pierre.”

Eugenie stood up and looked formidable in her royal blue gown of silk. She nodded. “I will accompany Sophie to this country chateau and write the necessary letter of acceptance to Madame Necker.”

“Thank you, Mère.”

Eugenie huffed and left the room, leaving behind a grinning Jean Pierre.

***

Marie followed nearby as Lizette and Sophie walked through the outdoor market. Marie was searching for fresh vegetables and fruits for the household while Sophie was deep in thought.

Her pamphlet “Marry, Carry and Bear” was everywhere and everyone was talking about it. She had heard her father mention the pamphlet to a friend and Lizette had told her that she had heard her parents arguing about it as well. Women seemed to be in support of her pamphlet and men thought it ridiculous.