2001 - Veronique - Show Synopsis

ACT ONE: "The Temple of Flora" - Coquenard's flower shop - morning

The gossip among staff and customers of "The Temple of Flora" is all about the betrothal of the much sought after Florestan de Valiancourt to the wealthy Hlne de Solanges. The owner of the shop, Monsieur Coquenard, has no time for this as he is awaiting news of his election as a Captain in the National Reserve. Meanwhile his wife, Agatha, is in a state of distress as the betrothal will bring to an end her flirtation with the young aristocrat: an assignation that has so far been kept secret from Coquenard. Among the visitors to the shop are Hlne, herself, and her aunt Ermerance, the Countess de Champ Azur. They are accompanied by their fidgety groom, Seraphin , who is eager to get away as he is to be married today to his sweetheart, Denise. Hlne spots Florestan approaching the shop and hides among the floral displays to spy on him. Florestan takes his leave of Agatha, and admits that he is not in a hurry to meet his bride. His uncle has arranged the marriage in order to pay off  Florestan's considerable debts and has employed the bankrupt Baron de Merlettes (known during his disgrace as Monsieur Loustot) to ensure that the young man either gets married or goes to debtor's prison. Florestan acknowledges that he has never bothered to catch a glimpse of his fiance and has no idea what she looks like but expects that she will probably be a "silly goose" as it's her fortune that makes her attractive. Seraphin is sent off to be married while Hlne and her aunt, disguised and renamed Vronique and Estelle, get jobs in the shop as much needed extra hands. No sooner have they been hired than Florestan persuades Coquenard to close the shop for the day so that everyone can take a picnic in the park at Romanville to celebrate the gentleman's "last day of freedom".

ACT TWO: The Tourne bride, Romanville - afternoon

At Romanville, the wedding celebrations for Seraphin and Denise are well advanced and their guests join in dancing and sharing jokes which are invariably directed at Denise's elderly relative, the deaf Aunt Benoit. The party from the "Temple of Flora" have split up to sample the many attractions of the park and gardens. Florestan and Coquenard have accompanied the two "new" florists on a donkey ride. Meanwhile the flirtatious Monsieur Loustot invites the delicate florists to play hide and seek with him in the maze, but Agatha warns them of the dangers of playing near apple trees. Taking no heed they hurry away to "get lost" while the Baron turns on the charm for Agatha. They are interrupted by the return of Florestan and Vronique. Her disguise working perfectly Hlne has completely captivated Florestan and he declares his love for her. She continually teases him that his fine words should be saved for his fiance and the betrothal party at the Tuileries Palace later that evening. For the Countess the donkey ride has not been so much fun. The donkey deposited her in a dry ditch, but Coquenard was on hand to offer plenty of friendly assistance. Everyone gathers for more dancing during which Seraphin comes face to face with the Countess and Hlne. They swear him to secrecy or he loses his position. As the time approaches for the picnic to end, Florestan hits upon a plan to prolong his time with the irresistible Vronique. He orders the carriages not to return until ten: long after the time of his appointment with Mademoiselle de Solanges!  Hlne and her Aunt are among those trapped at Romanville. They, of course, also have an appointment for eight o'clock at the Tuileries: one they intend to keep. With some crafty bribery they borrow headwear from Denise and Aunt Benoit and escape in the bridal coach with Seraphin in tow. When Florestan finds out that Veronique has left him to his fate, he chooses to go to prison rather than marry where he does not love.

ACT THREE: A Reception Room, in the Tuileries Palace - evening

Finally back at the Palace the Countess is exhausted after her rustic afternoon and takes an opportunity to rest her weary bones. The other ladies are amused as they find her catnapping and dreaming about the day's many adventures. Hlne arrives to seek her aunt's advice. It is agreed that this evening there will be not be a gentleman who could resist her: least of all Florestan. As expected the Palace is teaming with Parisian ruling classes, but invitations have also been extended to the recently appointed Captain Coquenard and his wife. They are stunned to meet two of their employees among the guests. Vronique and Estelle explain that they are really Hlne de Solanges and the Countess de Champ Azur.  Agatha gleefully takes the opportunity to inform Hlne of Florestan's decision to go to gaol. The Countess is dispatched to fetch  a sufficient amount to pay off the debts, and Loustot  (temporarily restored to Baron while funds last! ) to release his prisoner. But Agatha has filled Florestan in on the details of the deception. How will he react to once again being outwitted by his fiance?