The Trousseau by Mary Mageau Read Free Book Online Page A

landscaper with the strange name of, Capability Brown. Perhaps some of these ideas could be introduced into the Government Garden here?’
    Excitedly Gerard continued. ‘May I suggest that we divide the garden into four grand spaces with winding pathways all converging into the centre. There a three tiered fountain will provide the focus of attention. You could carry out your tree plantings and establish garden beds shaped as you see fit. You have developed this flair for landscape gardening from your years at the Bagatelle and you also see the big overall picture. Let me always check your plans progressively to evaluate them and we will both set to work.’
    Slowly the Government Garden grew into a beautiful open space where all who used it could enjoy its relaxed ambience. Everyone seemed delighted with the special garden beds blazing in their riot of colours and scents. Tall trees provided shade where cast iron garden benches invited restful contemplation and provided opportunity for intimate conversation. Lovers met in these spaces, groups strolled and exchanged greetings. The children were not forgotten either and in a special section just for them, Jacques built a follie . This folly included a labyrinth of shoulder high clipped hedges where the children could run, get lost in and hide from one other. Nearby two swings and a see-saw provided more play space.
    And at the garden’s centre where all the pathways converged, a magnificent three tiered fountain was erected in a large reflecting pool. Around its perimeter, flower beds added colour and drama to the setting. As the garden slowly reached its glory, Jacque’s first two years had proved to be interesting and filled with happiness. Perhaps it was a good thing after all to have collected those four onions!

VIII
    THE next year passed quickly as Clotilde established her little school. Its doors opened officially in mid-January when eleven young students came forward to greet her, their eyes shining with excitement. Between her teaching, maintaining a vegetable garden, shopping on Saturday afternoons and spending time on Sunday visiting with friends, her days were filled. Yvonne, another young settler who arrived in March, was only too happy to offer a weekly singing class to the school children.
    As July approached, the colony received an exciting piece of news that brought a special sense of jubilation to all. Vivienne was the first to alert the school to this event.
    â€˜Clotilde, I have great news to share with you, which you must also pass on to the children. It’s my pleasure to let you know that our Settlement, Port-de-France, is going to be officially renamed on a special community day, scheduled for October of this year.’
    â€˜Why are we calling Port-de-France by another name?’ Clotilde asked.
    â€˜In a letter from the Emperor himself, it seems that Port-de-France is often being confused with Fort-de-France in Martinique. As our French colonial presence is expanding throughout the world, it has been deemed necessary to identify our settlement here a by a new name, that of Noumea. To mark this event Governor Gillian and Father Pierre Rougeyron, our Vicar Apostolic, will leave Tahiti and sail to Grande Terre where they will both officially inaugurate the change. The Emperor anticipates that this colony will continue to grow very quickly during the next few years and it is possible that Governor Gillian may eventually live here among us.’
    â€˜This should be a grand occasion and I hope that the children and I can participate in the festivities.’
    â€˜We plan to organize a tour of our settlement and this will include the Government School. Perhaps the children can display some of their school work and even prepare a short program to welcome these distinguished guests.’
    â€˜Rest assured, Vivienne, that we will begin our preparations immediately,’ Clotilde replied.
    On the following Sunday, an excited