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Paris
Madame DuVernay took Jeanne Marie shopping for the latest Paris fashions for her journey to America. She also invited Jeanne Marie to go with her to a costume ball in the Tuileries Palace to meet the French Emperor and Empress. The costume ball was the highlight of the Paris social calendar.
The salons of Paris were bustling with excitement as the day arrived. Johannes declined to go with the two women because of his preparations for their trip home to New Orleans. Madame Duvernay and Jeanne Marie arrived at the palace dressed in long gowns, wearing black costume eye masks. As they entered the Grand Ballroom, Madame Duvernay introduced Jeanne Marie to the Emperor and the Empress. Emperor Napoleon III became infatuated with the young woman. “Mademoiselle, can I have your first dance at my Ball?” The French Emperor asked as he leered at Jeanne Marie. Jeanne Marie was flustered and accepted his invitation. As the emperor escorted her to the dance floor, Madame Duvernay and Empress Eugénie became alarmed. Empress Eugénie pulled Madame Duvernay aside. “Please, you must take her home,” she whispered as she pointed to Emperor Napoleon III and Jeanne Marie. “I am afraid she will end up in his bed!”
Madame Duvernay ushered Jeanne Marie out of the palace after she finished dancing. When they had returned to their hotel, Madame Duvernay urged Johannes to take Jeanne Marie and flee Paris.
The following day, as Johannes and Jeanne Marie were leaving for Calais, they passed a messenger from the Tuileries Palace entering the lobby of their hotel. He was delivering an embossed invitation for Jeanne Marie to dine with the French emperor alone in his salon that evening.
