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.”
“Of course you would not!” Madame Necker smiled and patted the younger woman’s hand.
“Tell her, Mother! Tell her about the second one,” Germaine interjected impatiently.
Sophie looked confused. “The second one?”
“Oui. Germaine thinks you are kindred spirits. Apparently there is another pamphlet from Monsieur Unknown.”
“Indeed?” Sophie’s eyes brightened.
“Yes. This one is more brash than the first and more passionate. Although I have not read it myself,” she said.
“Does that shock you?” Sophie asked.
Madame Necker’s laugh rang out so loudly that several people turned to her. “Shock me?”
“Mother is a celebrated salonist and has some of the most intellectual people join her. She doesn’t shock easily, Sophie,” Germaine said, jumping to her mother’s defense.
“No, ma petite. I am not shocked. No. I would say I am,” she paused for the right word, “intrigued.”
Sophie felt a tingle in her body and knew true excitement in that moment. People of influence were reading her pamphlet. What would others say? Madame Necker, who was very esteemed, was intrigued. That must be a good thing, she told herself.
“Let us get some tea and cakes.” Germaine pulled Sophie with her just as several people entered the tent.
Sophie immediately recognized the Duke, dressed in a mint jacket and waistcoat and tan breeches. But several other men who had entered with him had their backs to the women. Dorset greeted several people before he caught sight of the auburn-haired beauty and her boisterous friend.
He came forward smiling. “Mademoiselle Gauvreau.” His French accent was precise, though she knew it to be his second language.
Sophie smiled that he had remembered her name. “Monsieur.”
He kissed the back of her hand and did the same with Germaine. “Mademoiselle Necker.”