***
Sebastian and Sophie were alone in the dining room with a simple breakfast of fruit, bread and tea. She had chosen several slices of fruit, bread and butter and tea while Sebastian had only tea.
He sipped it thoughtfully as he eyed Sophie. “I don’t suppose I will see much of you in Paris.”
“No, I imagine not. Though my father and I are both fond of music. We attend many concerts.”
“Yes, I enjoy music as well.”
She was quiet, and then spoke softly. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“Nothing.” He heard voices in the hallway and knew others would join them shortly. His hand covered hers. “Just remember what I said about the pamphlet.”
“I will. Thank you for being concerned.”
I am more than concerned, he thought. I am worried for your safety. I am worried for you. But he said nothing and removed his hand and nodded as Eugenie, Suzanne and Germaine joined them for breakfast.
***
After a warm goodbye to Suzanne and Germaine, Eugenie and Sophie left the chateau. Sophie had briefly glanced at Sebastian but he had turned away. It was foolish anyway to look for a token of affection, she thought. He had a concern for her welfare regarding the revolutionary pamphlet but other than a body to warm his bed, she knew she meant nothing to him.
She decided to speak to her father at the first opportunity to let him know she was willing to allow her grandmother and father to make inquiries about a match. She would not have many requirements. She did not want anyone older than her father and he must be educated. He must be kind and not be concerned that she was educated.
***
Sophie’s grandmother had many friends and her network of women would help ensure that someone would find a groom with the right requirements. Equally, her father’s colleagues at the Ferme générale would also guarantee there might be men of his acquaintance who would want Sophie as their bride.
She knew her father worked with a man who had recently lost his wife in the past year. He had two young sons and seemed giving. His name was Marc, and a few evenings after the two women returned from the Neckers’ chateau, Sophie’s father placed the name before her.
“He lost his wife this past year,” he confirmed.
Sophie nodded as her father sat before the fire, book in hand. “Do you like him? Is he a good man, Father?”
“Good enough, Sophie. I still don’t understand this rapid transformation. Did something happen at the chateau? I mean besides your grandmother almost being ravished by the duke.” Jean Pierre had heard the rather entertaining story several times from his mother when she was having tea with her friends.
The story had become more and more embellished as time progressed and he rather thought his mother enjoyed the attention. Whether the duke had the same fondness for the story he doubted. Jean Pierre had the strong sense that the duke never told a soul about the encounter with an old French woman who had hit him and called him a rapist in a country chateau.
“She wasn’t ravished. It was a simple mistake. And the duke was hit by her.” She moved along the back of her father’s chair, touching the supple leather.
“There’s no transformation, Father,” she continued. “I think more an understanding. I’m getting older, and if I want a husband and children I must look now.”
“I agree, Sophie, and I am more than happy to hear of this change of heart. I want nothing more than your happiness.” He patted her hand.
“I know that. You have been generous and considerate.”
“I’m quite certain that you will not have a shortage of suitors. I’m sure they will flock to you.”
Sophie smiled. “Flock?” She laughed. “You should have come with us to the chateau. Madame Necker surrounds herself with so many interesting people.”
“Yes, I’m sure they were. That Madame Necker includes you in her circle says much about you, my dear.”
“She is fascinating. I enjoy our conversations.”
Jean Pierre closed his book and stood. “I’m off to bed. Good night.” He kissed Sophie’s forehead lightly.
“Good night.”
***
Eugenie wasted no time in trying to match her granddaughter with prospective suitors. Sophie was delighted at first and then became exhausted. The rounds of eligible men in Paris were not lacking, but many of them did seem to be more dandified than she would have liked.
Sophie asked her grandmother to look for men a little older than her and she complied. Eugenie also wanted to have a private ball in her honor, and Sophie was delighted. She looked forward to making the arrangements with her grandmother.
In the meantime she continued to attend concerts with her grandmother, father and Lizette. At one concert she had been enjoying herself and went outside at the intermission. Her heart thudded inside her chest when she saw Sebastian and his sister at the concert. But when the dark-haired beauty turned, Sophie saw it was not Leila. It was an older woman in a maroon colored gown with a beauty mark on her cheek and powdered hair.