“Sophie!” She kissed the younger woman on both cheeks.
“Germaine!” Sophie liked the lively young woman and enjoyed her company.
“I’m so pleased Mère was able to convince you to join us,” she said, smiling at everyone.
“Your mother is very gracious. I did not expect the invitation, nor such attention.”
“Nonsense. You are a better addition than anyone.” Germaine settled into the couch next to her friend while coffee was passed to everyone.
Eugenie settled near the fire with her embroidery while Madame Necker was in a chair opposite her. Marmontel and La Harpe were seated together on another couch opposite the two ladies.
“There’s been another pamphlet. Did you know?” Marmontel spoke. His plump cheeks were reddened from several glasses of wine.
Madame Necker nodded. “Yes. I’ve read it.”
Eugenie pulled her thread through the fabric, intent on completing the project and only slightly taking part in the conversation around her.
“I think we can all now agree that the author is indeed a woman,” La Harpe said, smiling, a cigarette dangling from his hand.
Germaine was quick to respond. “How so?”
“My dear. ‘Marry, Carry and Bear’? No man would write that.” He shook his head while Marmontel nodded in agreement.
“Mère? What do you say?” Germaine asked.
Madame Necker pondered the question. “I am in agreement with Monsieur La Harpe. I think the passion and intensity of the writer and the subjects chosen seem to stem from someone who is trying to clarify and educate people. The subject matters are of an entirely feminine nature.”
“Sophie?” Germaine asked, turning to her friend.
Sophie felt the delicious sensation of being talked about whilst in the room and she savored it. When Germaine asked her opinion, she was silent for a moment, pondering it.
“I would agree with Madame Necker. The subjects seem to be of a feminine nature. I don’t think a man would care or take the time to write about carrying a child, much less bearing one.”
The two men nodded and Eugenie seemed completely oblivious, though she watched her granddaughter with interest when she spoke.
“Do you not think it a tad vulgar?” La Harpe asked in an almost sneer. “To write a pamphlet about bearing a child?”
“Not at all, monsieur. It is a fact of life, is it not?” Sophie was quick to jump in.
“Maybe. But this pamphlet likens women to
animals, coupling with men and then dropping the offspring as if it was no more than passing water,” he argued.
Eugenie reddened at his words but Sophie was unaware.
“No, I don’t agree. Bearing children is indeed a natural occurrence and we are animals with instincts and needs. And childbirth can have a devastating effect on the mothers. Many women die in childbirth,” Sophie stated.
“Yes, yes, but to write a pamphlet on it?” La Harpe asked again. “Why?”
“As Madame Necker said to clarify, to educate. But more than that. To have the people understand that women should have equal rights. We are not chattel. We are thinking beings. We deserve that respect.”
“Where indeed is our friend the Comte de Buffon? As a writer of the histoire naturelle, he would enjoy this discussion,” Marmontel said.
“Indeed he would. He arrives tomorrow,” Madame Necker said quietly.
All eyes seemed to be on the auburn-haired beauty and Eugenie looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. A hint of admiration was in her eyes. The men looked a little perturbed by her and Germaine was smiling.
But Madame Necker was not. She was eyeing Sophie with interest but also a certain suspicion. She wondered if Sophie’s passion for the pamphlet and supporting the writer did not stem from something far closer to home.