Sophie complied, but only because she knew her father would be angry with her if she threw her grandmother out the second-story window.
***
That evening Sophie’s family was to attend a concert of George Frideric Handel's music at the theater. She was very fond of music, as her father was, and had been told her mother had been as well. Eugenie usually used these events to socialize and catch up on her gossip and didn’t much care for music in general.
Jean Pierre was generous with Sophie and her allowance, and her new dressmaker had outdone herself this time. Even Jean Pierre had been stunned when Sophie had first shown him the new gown.
The frock was copper-colored with a low scooped neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that complemented her creamy shoulders, neck and beautiful auburn hair. She wore no jewelry except her drop diamond earrings. She wore her hair pinned back with one long curl hanging over her shoulder.
Her father wore a raspberry-colored coat and matching breeches while her grandmother wore a silver gown that looked very fine on her full figure, and a powdered wig.
Jean Pierre saw her daughter being fussed over by Marie in the foyer and smiled to himself. She was a beauty. It wasn’t only that she had a lovely face and figure, but she held herself in a regal manner and was kind, generous and intelligent. Danielle would be proud.
Eugenie saw her son staring at his only daughter and remarked lightly, “You should remarry, my son.”
Jean Pierre’s face held a trace of a smile. He did miss the companionship of a woman but Sophie and his mother were enough for the time being. Maybe after his daughter married he would consider it.
“And you, Mother? What of you?”
Eugenie laughed heartily at this. “At my age? Indeed not. Besides. I have this household to run and Sophie to marry,” she said, not realizing that she was echoing his sentiments exactly.
Soon enough the carriage was brought around and they were on their way to the Theatre de l’Odeon. As they joined the long line of carriages depositing passengers at the entrance, Sophie marveled at the beautiful building.
Jean Pierre spoke teasingly, “You are almost like a country girl, gawking at the theater.”
Sophie continued to gaze at the building. “I can’t help it, Father. It is beautiful and suc
h a lovely evening.”
Jean Pierre agreed and Eugenie took this time to remind Sophie of her duties, how to behave, and how to respond to a gentleman’s advances while Sophie half listened.
“Grand-mère. One would think this is the very first outing I have ever attended instead of the hundredth,” she said drily.
Jean Pierre hid a smile as Eugenie shook her head. “I only have a care for you and your reputation, Sophie,” she said quietly.
“I know that.” She leaned forward and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “Thank you.”
Eugenie bristled under the attention and Jean Pierre smiled. Yes, he thought. Danielle would be proud.
***
The Theatre de l’Odeon was situated on the left bank of the Seine River next to the Luxembourg Gardens. Originally built between 1779 and 1782, the imposing façade of the building featured prominent thick columns and arches lining all four sides of the structure.
It was set on a large street that offered ample room for carriages to drop off their passengers and return at the end of the evening to retrieve them. In 1782, the theater was opened by Queen Marie Antoinette and in 1784, The Marriage of Figaro by Beaumarchais was premiered before the queen and court.
The theater room included an orchestra pit, benches for the audience and several tiers for the spectators, decorated in plush red and gold with a circular ceiling above them.
Jean Pierre was a great lover of music who had begun taking Sophie to concerts as a small child, and she had developed an equal love of it. There were many great composers that he admired and Handel was one of them. Water Music was being played with all three suites so it promised to be an interesting evening.
Immediately Jean Pierre excused himself to speak to several of his colleagues while Eugenie joined an older couple that she was familiar with. Sophie was joined by Lizette.
“Sophie, that gown is absolutely stunning,” Lizette said sincerely. The candlelight reflected the copper hue of the dress and Sophie’s hair seemed to be a flame in the light.
Lizette wore a cream and pink silk gown that complemented her complexion and showed much of her bosom. Her brown eyes danced as she looked about the room. She unfurled the fan that was tied at her wrist and waved it in front of her face.
“Thank you, Lizette. That color suits you very well,” Sophie complimented her friend. “Pink is absolutely your color.”
“Merci,” Lizette sighed. “Let us get some champagne. The crush of people has made it so hot in here.”