Out of the Depths

By Gloria Rehberg

Out of the Depths follows the ancestry of Jaques who was an executioner during the French Revolution all the way to America. From France to England and then to America this story involves, romance, mystery and intrigue scattered with mirth from time to time.

A persons roots often has many surprises, as this book will relate. Out of the Depths is the sequel to The Iron Rose, which goes into depth about Jaques life and his escape from France to England. Out of the Depths picks up Jaques story that will lead to many surprises.

Kate is Jaques relative who migrates to America from England but who eventually obtains three diaries filled with ancestral information. Here begins another chapter of an intriguing family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781483599847

Book preview

Six

PART ONE

Chapter One

Kate stared in awe at the contents of the package she had brought home. Years of history looked back at her from the white crumpled tissue paper holding three black diaries.

The leather was cracked and worn, the pages yellowed and fragile which made Kate hesitant to touch them. Carefully picking up one of the diaries she noticed that it was much older and written in French. The name, Lamont, which was written at the top of the first page wasn’t familiar to her.

When she picked up the second diary and saw the date of 1830 she knew it had belonged to her Great Grandmother March. Kate had heard a little about this grandmother who lived so long ago, but it seemed that no one knew very much about her. Carefully picking up her Great Grandmother’s diary she discovered lying beneath it another small book. The first page identified it as her Great Aunt Rose’s diary.

"Surely I’ll be able to put a lot of family history together now," Kate thought. As for any translation that might be needed, she knew her friend Phillipe would be able to help but he was on vacation and she didn’t know exactly when he would be back. Phillipe had always been unpredictable and Kate often wondered why she put up with him. They had met in her third year of college at The University of New Mexico and had become friends although Kate often felt that if Phillipe had his way it would be more than just friendship. Kate wasn’t ready for that step.

Kate sat back in her chair, opened her Great Aunt’s diary thinking she would fill in the more recent history. After all, she knew her Grandfather and Grandmother Colsen and had always wondered about their background.

Grandfather Colsen had always seemed so stern and dictatorial. He certainly brooked no disagreements. The trait Kate disliked the most was that he was always ready to preach at her. She had also noticed as the years went by, her Grandmother Colsen’s expectations and views were just as conservative as her husband’s about life and religion. However, Kate always found that she could have pleasant conversation with her Grandmother but it was never anything intense.

Kate had chosen to go to law school when she was a junior in high school. She had also found that her emphasis on a good education was a good excuse to spend as little time as possible to converse with her grandparents, and she had rarely written to them over the years. The times she had tried to communicate with them usually resulted with a judgmental overtone.

After passing the Bar exam, she took time to go to London to visit her family. While there she had visited her elderly Great Aunt Rose and it was then that her curiosity was piqued as they discussed old memories and went through old photo albums. Kate knew her full name was Catherine Rose Colsen but had answered to ‘Kate’ as far back as she could remember. Now she wanted to know more about those whom she was named after and she could hardly wait for Phillipe’s return so he could translate the French in Lamont’s diary.

The insistent ringing of the phone jarred Kate out of a sound sleep. She turned the light on beside her bed and glanced at the clock before answering.

Yes? Who is this?

It’s me, Phillipe. Did I disturb you?

How could she not know it was Phillipe. After all, the French accent was still thick although he had been in the States for seventeen years. She also knew that they still spoke French in his home. Although she had picked up a word or two over the years she knew linguistics was not one of her gifts and had decided early on to not struggle with it.

Of course you disturbed me. After all, it’s only 6:30 in the morning. Kate wasn’t a morning person and it had always been difficult for her to discipline herself to be on time. Nor was she in good spirits upon waking. Realizing her rudeness she apologized. I’m sorry Phillipe, but you know I’m not a morning person. So, where are you and what’s up?

"I’m home. I just got in and couldn’t wait to hear your voice mon ami." Kate could hear the hint of a giggle in his voice. He had always been a tease.

Seriously, Kate emphasized, why are you calling at this ungodly hour?

Phillipe cleared his voice in order to indicate he was going to be more serious.

I had a marvelous trip to Paris but it would have been better if you had been with me.

I asked you to be serious, Kate answered trying to dismiss his last remark.

"Bon, here it is. I think I might have some more pieces to your family history. Interested?"

You know I am, and by the way, speaking of family history I have something that I need your help with so when can we get together?

I thought you’d never ask, Phillipe said with that unmistakable giggle in his voice. How about today?

My schedule is clear. After all, it is Sunday, Kate answered feeling excited at the prospect of starting on the diaries and what they might reveal. Her work didn’t allow much time for any extracurricular activities. So the diaries had been residing in a drawer in her dresser, but she remembered when her Aunt Rose had bequeathed them to her. She couldn’t help the memories that flooded her thoughts as she read the diaries.

I knew you’d say that because you missed me so much, Phillipe couldn’t hide the giggle this time. How about in an hour?

You mean you won’t be going to church first? It was Kate’s turn.

Not if it’s a choice between you and the church. In Kate’s mind she could see his twinkling eyes and Cheshire grin.

How about lunch at my place around one? Kate suggested.

You mean I have to wait that long?

Well, some people have their priorities straight, Kate grinned and knew he would get the drift.

"Bon, can I come to church with you? After all, I heard that your church and the Catholic Church are neighbors."

Perhaps in ritual but certainly not in dogma. Kate took every opportunity to open the subject of religion with Phillipe and knew her Grandfather would be pleased. "Ugh, what a terrible thought," she shuddered but quickly remembered that her grandfathers’ style of religion and hers were worlds apart.

"Well what about it, Kate? Will it be now or later? And oui, I’ll go with you to church even though it would mean committing a mortal sin. His grin enlarged and he laughed out loud when Kate said, Since when are you concerned with going to hell? The pause on Phillipe’s end of the line spoke volumes. He answered, What do you think?"

So, I’ll see you in two hours.

You bet, but I can’t let my mother know where I’m going so what excuse should I use?

Just tell her you’re coming to see me about some business.

Then she’ll know for sure that I’m bound for hell, Phillipe and Kate shared this laugh.

Chapter Two

Kate handed the diary that was in French to Phillipe along with a pad of paper and a pencil. While Phillipe struggled with the very old style of writing, Kate decided to read her Great Grandmother’s diary. It would be a slow process due to the fragile condition of the pages, but Kate felt the inward excitement and had to calm herself to concentrate.

The Diary of Eve Harrison

January 27,1830…History has a way of repeating itself in all aspects of life. The question is whether we ever learn anything from the past?

I met a very nice young man while in London today. His name is Denis March but I detected a bit of a foreign accent, not much but just a bit. He is a Barrister and was looking for a particular textbook. I happened to be in the library and as I rounded a corner, we bumped into each other. The book I had in my hand fell to the floor. Being the gentleman, he picked it up and as our eyes met, my heart raced. I hope to see him again. His smile was ever so warming.

February 1, 1830…I went back to the Library in hopes of seeing him again. As luck would have it, he was sitting at a large table engrossed in several thick tomes. I caught my breath as I approached and softly whispered his name. This time he asked me if he could call on me sometime, and upon request I gave him my address. My, what a handsome gentleman. He’s tall with black curly hair, deep blue eyes and long black eyelashes. I can’t stop thinking about him. He’s in my dreams.

February 3, 1830…Denis is coming tonight to take me to dinner. Although he lives in London he told me he once lived here in Portsmouth. He said he usually comes to Portsmouth when he can find the time and uses the local library while here. I find that curious. I hope he doesn’t have another girl to see while here.

Dinner was wonderful and Denis told me about his family who once owned a vegetable and fruit business here in Portsmouth. He asked me if I had ever heard of the March family. I said I hadn’t but would like to know about them. He asked me if we could spend Saturday afternoon together as he would have to return to London on Sunday. Oh, how my heart raced at the question. I couldn’t speak but just nodded my head in fervent happiness.

February 5, 1830…What a glorious day it has been. Denis arrived for me right after lunch and as we drove toward the outskirts of Portsmouth he told me about his parents. It seems that they originally came from Paris, France. That explained the slight foreign accent. It seems that French was his original language but he learned English at an early age.

The sun was trying to shine amidst foreboding clouds as our carriage drew up beside two stone pillars holding an iron-gate that was slightly ajar.

This is my old family place, Denis pointed out. He said he was related to the family who had bought it and had arranged a visit for us. In the foreground and at a distance from the gate I could see a two story stone house. The house became more impressive the closer we approached.

We were greeted at the door by a lovely couple who introduced themselves as Paul and Claudia Mansard. The house was laid out as I suspected with the bedrooms upstairs. While having tea in the drawing room, Denis and Paul told me how they were related.

After Denis drove up to my house he took my hands in his, his blue eyes searched mine and he said he hoped he hadn’t bored me with his family history.

I assured him that I wasn’t bored at all, and would like to know more about him and his family.

I thought I saw his eyes light up as though he was happy to find someone with whom he could share his story. As for me, I felt this was going to be an eventful episode and my curiosity grew. Denis has a court case that will take several weeks to finalize, but he assured me he would contact me as soon as possible. He has stolen my heart and I hope I’ve stolen his.

……………………

These diaries remind me of a puzzle. It will be interesting to know the final results, Phillipe, Kate said as she set the diary down and leaned back in her chair to rest a moment.

"Oui, and history is reaching out from this priest’s diary that will probably tell a story about the French Revolution that most people haven’t heard about in the history books. The pages are so fragile that I’m almost afraid to touch them so it will be slow going to say the least. How are your patience skills, Kate?"

I can be patient just as long as they don’t leave us up in the air with only more questions. The big question is going to be finding out how they all connect and will they shed light on my family showing us the reasons why we are the way we are?

Kate, sometimes I have a hard time reading the writing so I was wondering if I could get my family’s help. Would it be all right with you? I promise to take very good care of the diary.

Of course, if that’s necessary, but do you think your parents would be willing to do that? Kate knew Phillipe’s parents weren’t exactly thrilled that they were friends.

If nothing else, Kate, they would be interested because it deals with French history.

So, what have you found in Father Lamont’s diary so far? Kate had studied about the French Revolution in high school but that was so long ago.

Phillipe looked down at his notes and said, It appears that Father Lamont was a chaplain in a Paris prison before, and during the Revolution. It also seems that he befriended one of the executioners by the name of Jacques Marchand. But these are just the highlights. Phillipe was obviously becoming very interested in the work at hand as he gently turned another page.

Kate went back to her Great Grandmother’s diary as Phillipe struggled to read the very tired, old style handwriting.

……………………

The Diary of Father Lamont

Christmas, 1792 …It is amazing that so many people who are facing the Guillotine is so prayerful and forgiving. There are those who will meet God with hate and anger in their souls, but they seem to be in the minority. Dear Lord, how long will this killing go on? Why can’t we learn to love and forgive one another? Lord, you knew me from the womb. You knew me when I knew you not. Yet you forgave me and led me to help with your work on earth. But Lord, this work has become a terrible burden as I watch so many people being led to their death. I can only hope that my ministry helped to prepare them to meet you. Even as I nod to the executioner who then sends them to you I feel as guilty as though I were the executioner.

Now there is hope for one of those executioners’ soul. I sense that he is full of questions. I sense that his is a story of a troubled soul that I hope you will give me the opportunity and grace to help. I am tired and need to rest for tomorrow is another day of turmoil."

January 15, 1793…The word is out that the King has been sentenced to death. It is just a matter of days before this takes place. I wonder what will happen to France when the king and queen are no more. The church will suffer changes as it always does in these circumstances, and I wonder what those changes will be. The church has already suffered monetarily. What is next?

I have visited an old woman in the infermerie that has shed some light on the life of Jacques and what may be troubling him. Perhaps if I