Character Analysis
Rousseau Likes Them Rich
Rousseau first refers to Mme d'Epinay as a wealthy friend who is "pleasant, witty, and talented, and certainly a good acquaintance to make" (7.3.4). We'll say, Rousseau. Mme d'Epinay bankrolls Rousseau and his wife Therese for a good portion of his writing career. She gives him a place to stay and pretty much lets him do what he wants—for the most part, that is.
No Nonsense
Once Mme d'Epinay learns of Rousseau's transgressions with Mme d'Houdetot, she's fuming mad. Not only is her lady pal cheating on her husband, but she's engaging in an affair with a guy Mme D'Epinay supports. Oh, and did we mention that Mme d'Epinay might have a little bit of a crush on Rousseau?
Even though Rousseau flouts Mme d'Epinay's rules and refuses to give up the affair without a fight, she still wants to stay on good terms with him. When Rousseau announces that he's leaving the Hermitage, Mme d'Epinay "opposed me vigorously, using arguments which had an all-powerful effect on my heart" (9.1.92). It's no wonder the rest of Rousseau's buddies think he's being a fool for giving up such a good friend.
Mme d'Epinay's Timeline