Tears of Remembrance

By James Ruby

Life continues to thrown heavy challenges towards Andre’s future. The only rationalization making it tolerable is his complete and undying love for his wife, Desire. When childbirth takes her life, his resentment of the son born knows no limits. The chasm between them never ends, when even the slightest attempt by the young man to close the gap is rebuked. When his father dies without educating the only heir to the family business , it begins to fail. Vital to the towns welfare, the vineyard of Chateau Vigne Feconde is restored with the marriage to a clever woman who has seduced him, and, with the towns blessing, takes command of his business, as he is cast aside, to struggle with his personal demons .
With ever present conflicts, resentments, hate, betrayal, Domonique falls deeper into his self loathing addictions.
The turning point begins with assistance from a loving son, the village priest, and his triumph over addictions, Domonique finds redemption, in helping others. His story of love , hate , extreme struggles of life, including the vulnerability to addictions , reveal the possibility for redemption and forgiveness for those who allow God and the courage to persevere, into their life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Ruby
• Release date: May 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370655694

James Ruby

James Ruby; notable author of Tears of Remembrance, has chronicled his life story in a manner, in the pages of his book, through the lives of the characters within. Having had a life as tumultuous and uncertain as can be, his inspiration has flowed freely and resulted in the pages which ensue. A number of noteworthy events in his life, some of which shook him to the very core and some which forced him to be as he is today; combined together to form the inspiration for his penning down the book. As he grew up with his mother in a purely nomadic existence, flitting from state to state in search of work and enough financial income, he developed an understanding for independence and why it is important. This led to him attaining and continuing employed work from the age of 7. The pages of the book which tell how the lead character’s wife dies while giving birth, which leads to his subsequently rejecting all consoling and encouragement and refusing to acknowledge the child, As far as notable moments and events in his life go, he has had quite a few. Chief among them has to be the moment when he met his now-wife; a moment that transformed his life forever, and for the better. His wife is the one who would go on to teach him what true love is, and how hearts can be joined together through a sheer spirit of companionship. Jims vast experience has been sourced from a plethora of jobs and occupations, as well as interactions and positions he has been in, over the years. Being employed for 3 months on an Oklahoma farm, and for 5 years in the copper mines of Nevada, as well as for various stretches of times in several small towns around the state of Texas, taught him a considerable amount about human nature. California is the state that provided him with the sustenance to pursue life further. However, it was the meeting with his wife and the marital bliss that followed, which taught him the most. In addition to the aforementioned jobs, he possesses credentials in the art of photography, which was both sold and displayed in Carmel, CA. This is just one aspect of his artistic talent, which extends into writing as well. In addition to that, he is also a licensed real-estate expert, dry-cleaning technician (from when the profession required a license for one to be active in it), and has even had a position in a religious organization (Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus), along with several business-oriented organizations. In his early days, he wrote a number of literary articles for the companies he was working in. After having left the dry-cleaning technician’s profession, he went on to garner experience in property management and business. Then, when technology came to the fore and became a major presence in the property management field, he crafted a number of pamphlets describing the usage of a new tool which was prevalent in the industry at the time. This attracted the attention of the WMA, for whom he went on to work, writing articles, for a decade. His personal interests include cooking and culinary exploration with his wife, boating and chainsaw carving, the last having been a prominent and lucrative artistic endeavor of his. Now, he considers writing as his ability to entertain. Through his writing, he hopes that the reader will take away the message of overcoming any and all obstacles, and persevering even when the universe seems to be conspiring against them. He hopes that the reader will follow Dominique in his journey, and take the steadfastness of his character as an example of what lies beneath the various experiences that occur in a person’s lifetime; if only they are willing to endure and look to the brighter side of them. Betrayals engender resentment, and resentment spawns addictions, which threaten to do further damage to the soul as well as the body, if the person is not strong enough. And if one is strong enough, and surrounded by those willing to help, such as the character’s son and the priest, God and the power of love itself bolster the person’s spirit, thus enabling the individual to surpass any obstacles they may be faced with. James Ruby currently resides in Redding, CA, with his lovely wife Mary and their precious Snoodle. He wholeheartedly practices the lessons that he preaches in his books, and hopes that all those who absorb the words while turning the pages take away the message of love and inner-strength from it, to enrich their lives and the lives of those around them.

Book preview

Chapter One

Walking through the vineyards of his employer, Andre knew one day he too would have such a fine vineyard and be the envy of all in the valley. He had worked tirelessly to prove to the Master of Gorme Villageois, of his worth. It was a difficult time for Andre, being an orphaned child growing up in a hostile environment. He had seen other boys that had taken the wrong path, ending up in juvenile centers or worse. This was not to be his future. He had sworn to himself that he would be successful one day. He had proven himself a very valuable asset to the point where the owner took him aside one day, explaining that his health was failing and would like to be certain his wishes were carried out after his death. Unfortunately, his only remaining relative was some arrogant nephew far away. Andre, he began, I cannot turn over the Chateau to someone that has no knowledge of Vinification, or the love for the land or its treasures. The vineyards have been with me in many ways, and a comfort when I was alone after losing my wife of many years. I wish to see that you are a large part of it’s remaining the Grand cru producer of the best wines in the valley. Taking Andre by the hand, he placed a large sum of soil into the open palm. This will be your legacy, to continue all that I have started! I will call on my attorney and have him come to the chateau to make the arrangements. Continuing, the elderly Master of Gorme Villages said, You are honest, never pretending to be someone you are not. Unlike my only living relative, who thinks he is a wine aficionado or connoisseur, when in fact he is just a spoiled want to be, Oenophilia who cares not for anything but himself! Andre had tears running down his face, then giving into emotion the man took Andre into his arms and whispered, I could not have asked for a better person to watch over my treasure. I only wished you had been my son."

Andre rode to the house of his fiancé Desire. He yelled out, as he tied his horse to the rail, Desire! I have great news! She ran out asking, What is so great you are yelling so that all can hear? Andre picked her up in his big arms and replied, We are to be the owners of the best producers of wine in the country! Desire was taken back and said, Put me down and tell me what all this is about. Andre took her in the house and setting her down replied, The Master of Gorme Villageois, has told me that I am his choice to be the guardian of Gorme Villageois, and the vineyards! He is entrusting all of the excellence everyone is familiar with, to me! Taking Desire by the hand, Andre softly said, And you will be there with me at every step I take, and every grape from the vines. Desire smiled, For ever and always my love.

The next day Andre rode out to the vineyards where the workers were beginning to check the equipment before the harvest. Andre was well liked by all and had proven to be a good leader and an honest man. I will be at the lower valley, He said to the foreman, your team can start at the upper valley, and we will begin harvesting, with the wagons bringing the harvest to the center barns, before processing. With that, Andre left for the lower valley and worked alongside the other men, with his thoughts full of what had transpired so quickly in one day. By the days end, Andre and his team had sent several wagons of the harvest to the barn, feeling the days work just about finished, they began to return to the Chateau. Coming to the top of the valleys hill, smoke was beginning to fill the other side of the valley! It was coming from the chateau and the harvest barns, but it hadn’t risen above the valleys rim. Andre yelled to the men, Quickly! We must get to the chateau quickly! Those with horse began at full speed, while the rest followed in wagons.

The closer they got to the chateau, the smoke filled their lungs and the heat became intense. Several hundred yards from the blaze stood the household staff, all covered in soot and ash.

One of them ran up to Andre, We tried, but couldn’t do anything about it, the flames were too high and no-one could get in! Andre got down off his horse and grabbed the man by the shoulders, What are you babbling about? Why were you trying to go into the chateau? Behind Andre two others came up calling for his help. Please come see Joseph, he is hurt bad! I’ll talk to you later! he said to the man, releasing his grip. Following the men, they guided Andre to where Joseph, who always assisted in the household duties with Simone, was lying on the ground severely injured. Several were trying to make him comfortable, but it was evident there wasn’t much to be done. He had been exposed to extreme flames and smoke to even be moved. Andre knelt down beside him and softly asked what he could do. I tried, but there was too much fire……. Joseph whispered, then fell silent in death. Andre didn’t say anything, just removed his jacket and placed it over his friend. Fire had engulfed the entire Chateau extending over to the harvest barns, and had even worked it’s way to the cellars of wines, destroying everything in its path.

Even the area for Cellaring, had been devastated by the heat.

The staff had been able to release the horses before the fire got to them, but everything else was gone. Many of the towns people came to see if they could assist, but it was too late for any good to come of it. Desire ran up to Andre crying, Are you OK? Are you hurt my love? I was so frightened when I heard!. Andre took her into his arms holding her tightly, without any words, just gathering her strength and confidence It will be all right. Andre said, looking at what was to be his legacy to share with Desire. By midnight the flames had died enough to actually see the remains of the Chateau and the barns, however you couldn’t get close enough to do anything but look. Andre continued to ask if anyone had seen the Master of Gorme Villageois, while Desire assisted with the other women in taking care of those injured in the blaze. The head kitchenmaid, and several others came up to Andre crying heavily, Oh Mr. Andre, I don’t know what to say!

Andre was exhausted and had no patience with the woman What is it? he said harshly, What is it you want to tell me? From out of the smoke came a figure many knew, it was Phillipe the young but highly regarded leader of the harvest crew. Please let her be! the man said as he came face to face with Andre. I know what she is trying to say. The women stepped aside to allow Phillipe into the circle. With eyes red from the smoke and clothes scorched from the flames, he told Andre, The Master of Gorme Villageois is dead. Andre was stunned and could not speak, he was trying to rationalize what was being said, but his mind rejected the words. Phillipe continued, I was bringing in the tally for the day, into the Chateau, when I saw the Master at the head of the stairs with his large lamp he always carried at night. As he started to descend, he grabbed his chest, loosing the use of his right arm, dropped the lantern and began falling down the stairs. A gasp went up from those listening, while Phillipe went on, As he was falling down the stairs, the broken lantern spread oil and flames everywhere. I ran to his side as he lay there almost at the base of the staircase. ‘Master!’ I called out, what can I do for you, how can I help? Phillipe looked at Andre and with tears in his eyes said, It was no use, he must have had a heart attack and just dropped everything. Phillipe fell to his knees. Fire was all around me and I couldn’t stay to bring out the Master, or I would have surely died also. Andre consoled Phillipe, saying, You tried to do your best, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Desire was approaching when Phillipe was telling the story, and with assurance, held tightly to Andre’s arm. The next morning the towns magistrate came and surveyed the area. There really isn’t anything left to salvage. I contacted the nephew, who is the only remaining relative alive, and he said he will be here in three days." Andre knew the promise made to him by the Master of Gorme Villageois was true, but there was no way of proving it legally.

Desire spoke to the reality of what had happened, and tried to make some kind of rational excuse, but both new the chances of the nephew accepting the promise made by the Master of Gorme Villageois, was not real. Several of the workers sifted through the Chateau’s remains finding nothing but ashes. The old Chateau had been built many years ago, in the 1700’s and with the extended ignition caused by the close barns, and wine cellars, not even the harvest was going to be worthy of any labor.

Chapter Two

When the nephew arrived, it was evident there would be no negotiations. As the only remaining relative, the nephew cared nothing for the land only it’s value as cash. He brought an attorney with him along with the announcement of the sale of Gorme Villageois land to investors wiling to try and salvage anything from the devastation. Everyone was given some kind of severance and sent away. After a somewhat fruitless discussion concerning the promise by the late owner, Andre was also given his severance however it included some land not known for any value, only as swampland, and any bricks or stones he could salvage from the once proud, but now gutted, chateau. It had not been the best agreement, but it would be the best that Andre could hope for.

It took many months for Andre and Desire to take pieces of stone, one by one, load them into a cart, and as Desire pushed, and Andre pulled, they transported the stone ware onto a wagon, from the chateau to their new home, in the swampland! Andre cleared the land making every inch of ground usable. They slowly built a modest home so as not to use any land that might be fruitful. His experience and ability to see beyond the seemingly unusable land, slowly brought forth some rewards.

The Téte de Cuvée or juice that comes from the very first pressing of the grapes after the free run juice, showed the highest quality juice along with the best balance of phenols, sugars and acids. This gave Andre and Desire the ability to negotiate with businessmen of the town to purchase supplies, especially barrels which would require toasting, and continue the small but unusual harvest of fine grapes. Seeing what Andre and Desire had accomplished, many of the buyers watched closely while the beginnings of a fine vintage began to take shape. Within a short time it was evident this would be a vintner to watch.

Desire had taken on the task of the sorting of grapes after harvest, before crushing then pressing, to remove less desirable Mog, or materials other than grapes. As with most everything else, she excelled in her efforts and always amazed the other people working with her. Once, when she was asked why it was so necessary to make such a fuss over something as seemingly unimportant as Mog, Desire replied, An extremely difficult path has to start at the root and diligently work its way through many steps before becoming the actual grape you see on the stem. At each juncture, there is someone responsible for its growth. The planting of the vine, and pruning at just the right time, along with weather protection and changes in conditions are all important. However, if you allow a stem, rock or leaf to spoil the delicate grape in its travel towards its final destination, by a concentrated triage being neglected, the whole effort could perhaps result in just another nice wine, rather than one you can be proud to clarify as Grand cru.

Over the years, the two would manage to hire a wine team to extend their harvest. This would include a small staff of locals to do everything from pruning the vines to making the wine. Some of the divided Gorme Villageois land would be offered, and occasionally Andre would be able to purchase a little at a time.

It was with pride, Andre and Desire announced their first barrel opening, inviting many of the more skeptic buyers, and critics to attend.

The response had been very gratifying, reporting a marvelous experience of taste, love of the land, and a very special couple to share with all who came to this special place.

Vigne Féconde, was the shining star in the lives of Andre and Desire. It had become the most important thing in their lives, and working together, they made it possible for many to benefit from that feeling of a special place. Andre spoke of the land and the pride all of the townspeople had in the now famous vineyard. It was known throughout the wine community of how the vineyard had changed the entire region, giving the people a feeling of pride and belonging once again. Everyone basked in the light of knowing Andre and Desire had created one of the best wines, and that all had been part of its conception. Wine merchants would comment on the quality of the wine, noting that there was not only suburb quality in the grapes, there was love in its creation.

One night, after Andre and Desire returned from attending the festival, put on by the town, in honor of the newly built Chateau Vigne Féconde, the home they had promised one another since the beginning of their adventure. Desire poured two glasses of wine and asked Andre to set for a while. She began talking of the promise they made one another to wait until the Vigne Féconde, had become productive enough to build a larger place for them and any heirs they might have. The standing joke was that Desire would always find another way of keeping the small but very comfortable home, rather than build a larger one. Andre of course thought that a large chateau was the mark of a great vintner and a testimony to the success of the wine they produced. Desire started out with a toast, To my adoring husband and all that he has done. Andre followed with, And to my fantastic bride that made it all possible with her strength and faith in us as a team! After a while the two walked around the chateau looking at the young fields of vines, reminiscing how it had all begun.

Desire, holding tightly onto Andre’s arm said, Do you think you could do without my guidance for a while?

Andre returned her question sharply saying, What on earth would make you say something like that? Desire laughed, Silly, I only wanted to see if it was time for us to start a family. Andre wasn’t quite ready for the conversation, mainly because the thought of being a father was frightening. He hadn’t had the best of times as a child and wasn’t sure if he could handle the task. There was no doubt in his mind that Desire would have no problem with being a mother, for she did everything well, but it still was a lot to think about. Hey you! Desire called out to Andre, who had gone into a place of confusion and responsibilities. What do you think about the idea? Andre held Desire’s hand I would gladly lay down my life for you! But the thought of being a father frightens me so that I am without words to say what you want to hear. Desire smiled replying, Don’t worry so much, I’ll do all the hard work. Then, taking his other hand, she said softly, And besides, think of the fun we will have making a baby! Both laughing, they continued the stroll through the vineyard.

Chapter Three

Andre hid his anxiety from Desire, but internally he would fight the overwhelming fear of having a child to raise. It was not that he didn’t want an heir or two, it was only that after being brought up without any parental guidance, Andre was afraid he would fail at being a father. Persistent, because of her age, and knowing what it would take to be a good parent, Desire tried to slowly encourage Andre into the idea.

One day, Simone heard Desire groaning in the library. Opening the door, she discovered the mistress of Vigne Féconde, lying on the floor. She quickly lifted her head and asked what she could do for her.

Desire answered back saying it was something that happened once before and there was no need to tell Andre. Simone wasn’t pleased with the idea but promised she would not tell anyone about the incident. Later that month, Desire and Andre announced that there was to be a new heir at Vigne Féconde. There was much ado with the information. Several congratulations came from all over, with many of the townspeople getting ready for a big celebration. The promise of an heir to carry on the traditions of Vigne Féconde was exciting and all desired a part in the planing. Desire was having a difficult time with the pregnancy however, and kept ignoring the doctors advice saying, Don’t worry so much, doctor, I have been working with this body for a long time and know it will be just fine, so don’t tell Andre, he will just make me lay in bed all day! Against his better judgment the doctor didn’t say anything to Andre, but cautioned Desire to be careful and rest.

There had been a time when Desire could outlast any one in the vineyard and still be smiling after a long day, however now the task of carrying a child in her body, reduced her to only preforming small duties around the chateau. Andre began to be very concerned when Desire began to spend more time in her bed. Andre