Summary

Adrienne

Fourteen-year-old Adrienne de Noailles is introduced at the time of her wedding to Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette in 1774 (33). Lafayette is extremely wealthy and from Chavaniac-Lafayette, a mountainous commune in south-central France. A month after their marriage, King Louis XV dies, appointing his grandson, Louis XVI, and his wife, Marie Antoinette, to the throne (66). The new regime brings about change that offends old nobility.

Later in the year, Adrienne and Lafayette present themselves at Versailles. Philippe, duc de Chartres, makes unwanted advances toward Adrienne (71). At a ball, Philippe intentionally trips Lafayette while he is dancing with the queen, and when the queen laughs at him, everyone but Adrienne joins in (93).

In 1775, turmoil is evident in the colonies, and Louis XVI is crowned (97). Adrienne and Lafayette welcome the birth of their first child, Henriette (98). Lafayette becomes deeply interested in the colonies’ cry...