“I could do no less,” Etienne said as he looked at Leila and then to Sebastian.
“Of course, the maid was along as well,” she pouted.
“It is proper to h
ave your chaperone,” Sebastian noted and Etienne nodded in agreement.
“I suppose.”
Madame Necker asked what the gentlemen were drinking and both requested a brandy.
Eugenie yawned delicately and was the first to retire. She kissed her granddaughter on the cheek and left. It was nearing midnight when the three intellectuals made their way upstairs.
Sophie won the first game and Dorset the second.
“You’re a skilled player, my dear.”
“My father enjoys chess and he taught me.”
“Well, he taught you very well. Too well,” Dorset exclaimed as his king was cornered and the game was at an end.
Sophie laughed. “Well, you can’t win every time.”
“No, indeed not,” he said, admiring her beauty before moving upstairs to retire for the evening.
Germaine was the next to leave and bid everyone a good night, followed by Sophie.
Chapter 12
The inhabitants of the chateau settled in for the night. It was quiet with only vague creaks among the wooden floorboards as the great house settled.
Sophie was thinking of the evening. She had been much influenced by the talks with Madame Necker and wanted to write a new pamphlet. Comte de Buffon was correct. She should not simply focus on women and equality. She should focus on the people in general. Things needed to change. She needed to educate herself. Madame Necker had her mind racing and she knew she must learn about what was happening in her own country. She dipped her quill pen into the ink and wrote the items down that Madame Necker had mentioned, making a neat list.
A weak king
Animosity between the classes
Foreign-born queen
Peasant pay taxes but cannot make a living
Costly court
Support of war in America
She looked it over. So many issues that concerned this great nation. Her candle burned bright as she made herself notes. When she heard the knock, she didn’t realize it was at her room until it came again. She took the candle to the door and opened it.
Sebastian stood there, dressed as he had been at dinner.
“I saw the light under your door. May I come in?” he asked politely in a low voice.
Sophie seriously thought of shutting the door in his face but that would be rude. He would not seduce her. Given the chance, he could have done so this morning.
“Someone might see you leaving or entering,” Sophie said as she widened the door.
“I won’t be long.”
She closed the door behind him.