The Demimonde
Gigi's grandmother and aunt were members of the "demimonde," women who gave their favors to wealthy "protectors" under arrangements that were often contractual. Women of the demimonde were often independent and sometimes lived lavishly. While the courtesans of the demimonde had a social standing well below that held by women of unquestioned virtue and respectability, they were not considered prostitutes. The demimonde was an institution in France for many decades.
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