“She loosened the blue scarf that secured her hat so that it fell to her back, revealing the glory of her thick, shining blonde braids coiled like a crown on her head. She dabbed briefly at her forehead with a folded handkerchief. The skin that covered her gently curved, generous frame was white and pink and without flaw, and her double chin inspired thoughts of burying his face in its softness, breathing in her scent of butter and rosemary. Amadeo knew when a woman was trying to charm him, but he had to admit, this one was impressive.”

Madame Gwennoelle Columbe Plessis Duday was born in the remote French village of Fourche in 1850.

Madame is shrewd. Madame is practical. Madame has no use for nonsense, and is impatient for her children to grow and fledge into useful and obedient adults. They are Dudays after all, with resources and skills the untalented can only imagine.