The Paris Daughter

Elise gives birth to a daughter whom she names Mathilde. Olivier is initially disappointed not to have a son but soon comes to dote on Mathilde. He sketches her in detail, and Elise carves many sculptures inspired by Mathilde and depicting Mathilde herself. Elise visits Juliette who also gave birth to a daughter whom she named Lucie. Elise feels simultaneously optimistic and apprehensive about the future.

The German army invades Belgium and the Netherlands, setting its sights on France. Ruth is afraid the German advance will threaten her family’s safety in Paris. She knows that in Germany it was necessary for many Jewish parents to send their children away to try and save them and fears the same might become true in France. That night, Paul suggests that Juliette return to America with the children. Juliette refuses because doing so would mean leaving Paul and Antoinette’s grave behind. Olivier believes that if Elise were to return to America with Mathilde, it would be a betrayal, so they too stay in Paris. Neither Elise nor Juliette have any remaining close family outside of their husbands and children, but both declare themselves sisters.