The Trousseau Read Free Page B

slow lurching movement of the ship as it began to leave. All moved out on deck to admire the rising moon and watch the port slowly fade behind them into the distance. They laughed and talked quietly among themselves until Clotilde suddenly felt very tired. All the others too began to leave for bed.
    I’ll see Louise in the morning, thought Clotilde. I am sure she is feeling well by now and is probably sound asleep. Clotilde climbed into her bunk, dozed lightly then sank into a deep slumber.
    Only the following morning after they were well on their way, did Clotilde first notice Louise’s empty bed. Only then did she see that her trousseau was missing from its place on the floor. It was at that same moment that she found a note and read its contents. The tears began to stream down her cheeks.
    Then Satine suddenly joined her, crying aloud in consternation. ‘Clotilde, I’m so worried. Where is Louise? I’ve looked everywhere for her!’
    â€˜Sit next to me, Satine. I have some news to share with you.’
    â€˜You’ve been crying, Clotilde. Something dreadful must have happened?’ Clotilde showed Satine a note written in Louise’s handwriting then read its message aloud to her, through her tears.
    Dear Clotilde and Satine,
    By the time you read this note you will be sailing toward Cape Town. I decided to leave the ship in Madeira to stay with Raoul. He has asked me to marry him and we plan to live outside Funchal on his grandfather’s winery. I will miss you both and I know that you will find happiness in Grande Terre. Don’t be angry with me. I love Raoul and have decided to follow my heart. I pray that you, Mother Germain and the Archbishop of Paris will forgive me. I will write to the sisters at Mater Dei and I will never forget you.
    Your loving friend,
Louise
    The two girls were speechless with shock and surprise. Satine spoke first. ‘Clotilde, she promised Mother Germain and the Archbishop she would sail to Grande Terre. She accepted the gift from the Empress, but she deceived us all.’
    â€˜I am very saddened too but we must not stand in judgement on Louise. We will tell the ship’s captain what has happened, show him the note and then pray for her. I want Louise to have a happy life with Raoul.’
    â€˜We will never see Louise again.’ Satine began to cry as the two sat quietly, holding hands and speaking in whispers, about the past events of their voyage. At least they were still together, able to offer comfort and friendship to each other through the time of their first loss.

IV
    ON a late October morning a cry rang out over the barquentine. ‘Land Ho!’ Clotilde awoke with a start to hear the call again. ‘Land Ho.’
    By now many were dressing quickly and hurrying to the port side, to gaze at a thin sliver of green that was barely seen against the horizon. The sun was rising in the east, its brilliance creating a pathway of molten gold. The sea was calm and the possibility of an end to their journey filled everyone’s hearts with exultation.
    â€˜Ladies and gentlemen, Grande Terre lies ahead, two days sailing on our present course.’ Captain LaValle’s voice rang out loudly over the ship and the passengers broke into shouts of joy and loud clapping. At last, after seven long months at sea, the voyage would finally be over. Clotilde and Satine hugged each other as they shared their excitement.
    â€˜Finally we can leave the confines of this cramped, dark ship and get away from the constant rolling of the sea. I can hardly wait to take a bath again and wear some clean clothing.’
    â€˜I’m longing to have some space for a good walk on land again as well as fresh food and water. Everything tastes so stale now and this morning the bread at breakfast was filled with weevils.’
    Their previous two stopovers at Cape Town in South Africa and Batavia in Java had offered a welcome relief from sailing. The first