The Trousseau Read Free Page A

spring flowers: lilies, orchids, gazanias and a strange plant with a beak-like structure growing from its flower. ‘Someone told me it was called, Bird of Paradise,’ Marianne spoke amidst their laughter. The decorative paved streets looked miraculous. The stone shops and buildings had brightly coloured roofs and everything was so clean, fresh and vibrant. The first day passed quickly and soon it was time to go back on board again for the evening meal.
    On the second day Raoul offered to take Louise and the group on a tour of Funchal’s civic buildings. He told them wonderful stories about the Madeira Islands. They particularly loved the tale about the famous English pirate, William Kidd, whose ship had sunk close to one of the deserted small islands. The wreckage of his ship had never been found although many were still searching for it.
    â€˜One day, someone will discover this ship and claim the immense treasure that sank with her,’ Raoul told them. ‘It won’t be me though as I’ll be kept busy at the winery. There is always so much work to do there.’
    â€˜Look at that unusual building down near our ship. What is it used for?’ Satine asked.
    â€˜That is St. Tiago’s Fort. It was built two hundred years ago to protect the city from pirates,’ Raul replied. Next to it is the Customs House, just over behind me is the Cathedral and adjoining it is the Convent of Saint Clare.’
    â€˜Let’s visit the cathedral before we return to the ship,’ Clotilde called out. ‘It looks so beautiful and we’ll have just enough time.’
    The cathedral was cool and quiet as they prayed then moved around its interior, admiring the carved cedar ceiling inlaid with ivory and the magnificent Flemish and Portuguese paintings behind the ornate Baroque altar. A young nun overheard them whispering in French and approached them.
    â€˜Greetings, I am Sister Veronica and I welcome you to Funchal.’
    â€˜Oh, what a pleasant surprise! You speak French,’ the girls replied.
    â€˜Yes, my family came here from France years ago, but most of the sisters here speak only Portuguese. When do you sail and where are you going?’
    â€˜Tomorrow is our last day here in port and we must return to the ship by late afternoon so that we can sail out before sunset. We are bound for the Island of Grande Terre,’ Clotilde replied.
    Sister Veronica interjected, ‘Oh do come to the convent tomorrow for lunch and visit us before you leave. We can all meet you and learn about your long voyage to Grande Terre and why you are making this journey.’
    Raoul then added, ‘I’m sure all these young women would enjoy a visit with you and the sisters. I must stay on the ship, to make sure my cargo is unloaded safely. Then I can leave during the afternoon when my coach arrives.’
    And so it was decided. On the final day in port Clotilde, Louise and Satine slipped into their Sunday dresses and enjoyed a light lunch at the convent. Sister Veronica acted as their interpreter. There was much news to share and stories about Mater Dei to be told as the time passed quickly. The girls completed their visit with a tour of the convent’s beautiful Baroque-style chapel and finally the cloister gardens, to admire the herbs and flowers that grew in abundance. ‘Thank you, for your hospitality and this lovely day,’ all replied as they embraced the sisters and made their way back to the ship. It had been a perfect finish to their first port of call.
    Late in the afternoon as everyone gathered in the wardroom before their evening meal, the ship prepared to set sail for the second leg of their journey. Louise appeared briefly and then excused herself.
    â€˜I’d like to rest for a while and then go out on deck for some fresh air. I don’t feel well.’
    â€˜We’ll see you later,’ Clotilde called out to her.
    When they finished their dinner, they felt a