Adrienne: La Fayette's Sweet Fire

This is the story of a woman who was on fire with love for her husband, Gilbert La Fayette. It traces Adrienne's life through her childhood and the early years of her marriage. Then, it looks at how she responded to Gilbert's trips to America and his long absences from her. She was always worried about his safety. Even during a difficulty pregnancy she had to confront his sexual misconduct involving noble ladies at court. She had a pervasive feeling that she if only she could measure up, his extramarital affairs would stop. Prior to and during the Revolution when LaFayette became an 'emigre,' Adrienne, alone, had to protect her children as best she could. Nobles were being guillotined by the various factions. Along with her Mother, Grandmother and one sister, Adrienne suffered imprisonment. Though she was spared, her beloved family members were killed. She faced a constant fight to save her husband and in fact she would join him along with her two daughters when he was imprisoned. This imprisonment was not good for any one's health but had terrible consequences for Adrienne. After an enormous amount of work and politicking, Adrienne and her family were freed. She would get to spend some years at La Grange with her husband and children in a rather idyllic setting. Her love for Gilbert Lafayette spanned more than 30 years. Adrienne was certainly a woman ahead of her time in terms of her emotional strength, her ability to get along with a variety of people from different backgrounds, her handling of any and all tasks she was given and her educational accomplishments. Adrienne would fit well with the modern woman in terms of these skills. She had an outstanding moral compass. She was determined and steadfast in her endeavors. Her 'sweet fire' spread compassion and love to all her family, friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, she was not loved by Gilbert La Fayette in the way she would so desire or in the way she loved him. Though he did love her and had great affection for her, it seems that she never really felt she pleased him. While there was great joy in her life, there was also tremendous sadness, loss and suffering.