Summary: Loss of Innocence: A Novel of the French Revolution by Anne Newton Walther. In spite of her noble heritage, French countess Eugénie Devereux avidly embraces the stirrings of social change and revolution in France. A beautiful woman in her prime, with a sharp mind and an adventurous spirit, Eugénie adroitly manages her tranquil Bordeaux valley estate and vineyards while maintaining a network of agents to keep her informed of events beyond château’s walls. Already disturbed by news of the monarchy under seige at Versailles, and the growing anarchy in the streets of Paris and throughout France, she receives a surprising and cryptic invitation from Queen Marie Antoinette. Eugénie suspects that the royal family is in danger and hurries to Versailles just as a lavish banquet for the Royal Guard incites the women of Paris to march on the palace in a rage. As one disatrous event follows another, Eugénie risks her reputation and her life to undertake a bold secret mission. Joining her is American shipper Bridger Goodrich, who won her heart when she visited Virginia at the onset of the American Revolution. Their passion for one another deepens as they plunge into a little-known historical plot by French nobles and courageous Americans to rescue the queen from her prison in France and spirit her across the Atlantic to the banks of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Will Eugénie carry out the plan in time? Walther tells a vivid story of courage, betrayal, and love.
