The Trousseau by Mary Mageau Read Free Book Online Page B

Satine met Clotilde in the Government Garden. ‘Have you heard the news about the renaming celebrations?’
    â€˜Oh yes, Vivienne told me all about it and I will feature the school and the children in this event. The official party will visit us during the tour.’
    Satine continued, ‘Anne Fleurier will be the hostess for a gala dinner in her home that will include: Governor Gillian, Father Rougeyron, Father Gilbert, two French officers accompanying the visitors, Judge LeBec and his wife Vivienne, Anne and Commandant Fleurier. The Governor will be staying in the guest rooms at the Commandant’s large cottage. Father Rougeyron will reside with Father Gilbert in his cottage next to the church. But best of all, Anne has asked me to play and sing for the guests after the dinner. I am very excited and have already selected my program and started to practice.’
    â€˜Oh Satine, you will add such a tone to this occasion.’
    â€˜There will also be a special mass of celebration so I’ll play the organ on this day as well. For my performance after the dinner, Anne has offered me one of her ball gowns and a pearl necklace so that I can present myself at my best. Her maid will also arrange my hair. I’m so excited at the prospect of this wonderful day.’
    The girls chatted on and after returning to her cottage Clotilde looked through her clothing. Her wardrobe was in need of something new and more appropriate. I have a pair of good shoes, she thought to herself, but a white blouse and black skirt seems too plain for my day wear. I’ll visit the LeBlanc sisters next Saturday and have something made up for the occasion.
    Saturday finally arrived and an excited Clotilde entered the dress shop. ‘You’ve come to see us, Clotilde, about something new for the day of renaming celebrations. We are both being run off our feet with orders for new dresses but we will also accommodate your wishes. Everyone must look their best on that day.’
    â€˜Madame LeBlanc, the official party will visit our school as part of the tour and I’m preparing a program for the children to present. I need something more appropriate for classroom wear on that day.’
    â€˜Ah, it should be a blouse and skirt, but it need not be black and white. Just look at this lovely navy blue skirt fabric. Isn’t it a most attractive colour, yet it is sturdy, suitable and long wearing. With your chestnut hair and blue green eyes, what do you think of this cotton muslin that just arrived?’ Madame LeBlanc spread out a roll of soft cotton fabric on her large table. It had thin alternating pin stripes of dark blue and deep brown on a pale green background.
    â€˜Oh, I love the pattern and its colours. This would make such a beautiful blouse and it goes so well with the skirt fabric,’ Clotilde replied.
    â€˜I’ll keep the stripes in the blouse vertical while introducing a trim of the same fabric cut on the bias. This trim will be used for a small high buttoned collar and high buttoned cuffs on its long tapered sleeves. All the buttons will be self-covered in bias. There should be a few tucks running straight down the front to complete the look. These will set off the pin stripes. Now let me place the skirt material next to it. Voila , isn’t this stylish, yet practical.’
    â€˜It will be just perfect for the occasion.’
    Throwing her arms around Clotilde she exclaimed, ‘ Oui, I am a true genius when it comes to fashion. Is it not so? You will be stunning in this outfit. Wear it on Sundays too after the celebrations, when you and your pretty little friend, the musician, walk together in the garden. I see that tall, young gardener look admiringly at you as you walk by. What will he make of you then?’ Laughing she told Clotilde, ‘Oh yes, I see and know everything that goes on here in Grande Terre.’
    â€˜Oh, Madame LeBlanc,’ replied Clotilde who was now blushing.