The Perfect Nanny

Chapter 9 introduces a new viewpoint—that of Stéphanie, Louise’s (now adult) daughter. In the past, Stéphanie’s presence complicated Louise’s relationships with her employers. The Rouvier family once had Louise come with them to their country house and allowed Stéphanie to come too. Although Stéphanie was only a child, she couldn’t play like the other children: “If she was there, it was because no one knew what else to do with her” (49).

The Rouviers felt awkward with Stéphanie there—or they got annoyed by her. When Stéphanie sat and watched TV with the other children, “They always ended up asking her to do them a favor” or found some reason to send her away (50). At the end of the vacation, Mrs. Rouvier and her husband agree not to invite Louise and Stéphanie again.

Chapter 10 returns the narrative to Louise and the Massés, showing how Louise becomes an increasingly integral part of the household, arriving earlier and earlier and leaving later and later. One morning, Myriam comes out of the shower—but Louise is already there, and she “does not even blink” (53). Louise doesn’t seem to resent the situation but embraces it, as she encourages the Massés to go out and “make the most of [their] youth” (54).