The Lure of Versailles

When Louis XV permits Patrice Augereau to leave Versailles and become master of Ambergnac, an estate in rural Normandy, it suits all the members of Patrice’s family except his youngest daughter, Violette. As she matures into an intelligent young woman there is no shortage of suitors, but marriage is not her ambition, for she still harbours the dream of returning to court. This dream is encouraged when Madame de Pompadour brings a lady-in-waiting to live on the estate, and Violette is so intrigued by anecdotes about life at court she becomes determined to persuade a man to take her there. Violette has spent a great deal of time preparing herself to appeal to courtiers; men who are able to offer the life style she craves; it is even possible she might catch the eye of a king renown for enjoying the company of ladies. After all, Madame de Pompadour is not getting any younger…