However, even Mrs. Navarre, who could effortlessly manage the atmosphere of the soirée, encountered people who left her helpless. While attending to her guests, part of her attention was always on her daughter, fearing that some chaos might ensue.
Her eldest daughter was now standing in front of an egg tempera painting of Aphrodite, surrounded by several gentlemen. The people in this small group were all listening to a handsome man with a fine beard critique the painting.
To this critic, the lovely young girl was probably the most attentive listener in the world. She was seventeen, having shed the naiveté of a child, yet not possessed of the maturity of a married lady. She was in the most vibrant stage of youth where every frown and smile was radiant.
