| Subject: The New World - Part #53 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 20:32:07 07/02/03 Wed
PART #53
Catherine stayed with the baby, and waited for Bow and Marguerite to return. When they walked into the room where Jean Pierre’s body lay in a wooden box, Bow found the body had been prepared for burial. Marguerite walked over to the body; and fell down on her knees before the casket and sobbed, “Why, Jean Pierre, why did this have to happen? We were so close to breaking away.”
Bow reached down, and gently lifted her to her feet. He said, “Marguerite, with your permission, I would like to bury Jean Pierre here at the plantation cemetery. I think it would be wise if this were kept quiet. I don’t think it would do any of us any good for the Doucettes to find out that Jean Pierre made it back to the plantation before he died. We will have the burial service early tomorrow morning if that is all right with you. Marguerite allowed herself to be led back to the room where Catherine was waiting with the baby. Cook had prepared a pot of tea and some small sandwiches, and cookies, and they were placed on a low table. Catherine invited Marguerite to sit down. She gave Jean Baptiste back to his mother, and Catherine poured some tea, and handed Marguerite a plate with some sandwiches and cookies on it.
Bow watched Marguerite as she tried to calm herself. The baby was still sleeping soundly, and she placed him on the sofa beside her. She balanced a plate upon her lap, and every so often a tear would trickle out of her eye, and down her cheek. Bow waited a few minutes before he began to talk with her. Finally he said, “Marguerite, I would like to share with you what Jean Pierre had to say to me before he died. The main thing he was concerned about was you and the baby. He asked me to help you if something did happen to him. I promised him I would take care of you and Jean Baptiste if he did not live. Catherine and I would love for you to stay here at the plantation. Catherine will have work for you, so you can make your own way.
Marguerite looked at Bow; and asked, “But, why would you do this? You don’t even know me.” Bow said, “I know you from all the things that Jean Pierre had to say about you. He really wanted you to stay here at the plantation. So, if you could see your way clear to do that, we will see to it all your things are moved out here.”
Marguerite asked, “Where would I stay?” Bow said, “My goodness Marguerite, this place is huge. There is plenty of room here, so that is no problem. You tell me what you would like in rooms, and we will arrange it for you.” Catherine said, “Tonight, we will get you settled in one of the bedrooms, and when you are feeling better, we will discuss living arrangements. Bow and I wanted you to know how much Jean Pierre loved you; he steeled himself to get back to the plantation to make arrangements for you before he died. His last thoughts were of you and this sweet baby.”
The next morning Jean Pierre Boudreau was laid to rest in the LeBleu family cemetery. Manobo read the scriptures, and prayed as the body was let down into the ground. Bow and Catherine stood with Marguerite, and when the burial service was completed, they led her back into the main house of the plantation.
When they reached the inside of the house, Marguerite said, “I hope you won’t mind, but I need some time by myself. I don’t want you to think I don’t appreciate all you have done; and are doing for me, but I need to get myself together. I didn’t get much sleep last night, and I think I will rest for awhile. Bow and Catherine assured her it was perfectly all right for her to take some time away from everyone. They told her they realized this had been a difficult time for her, and they understood she needed her own space.
Marguerite looked at Catherine and said, “When I return, please tell me what you would like for me to do. I will be happy to do whatever you think is best. Thank you for letting me stay at the plantation. She carried Jean Baptiste, and walked toward the upstairs bedrooms.”
Catherine said, “Bow, let’s talk about Marguerite, and what she will do here for work. Have you any suggestions?” Bow said, “Jean Pierre did not mention any of her talents or skills. You might ask her what she likes to do. I don’t know if she should help in the kitchen, or serve as one of the maids, or whatever you think she could handle.” Catherine said, “I wonder if she would be able to handle the books when the saw mill starts up again. I could train her if she would like that type of work. I could set up an office here at the plantation, and she could be here with Jean Baptiste.” As Bow and Catherine were talking, they heard horses approaching the main house.
To be continued...
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