Wind to Freedom: Perilous Times Demand Actions Commensurate to the Degree of Peril

By Ralph Crevoisier

In 1750, horrific weather conditions in Bern, Switzerland, caused a family of three brothers, from an old Swiss heritage, to emigrate from their beloved Alpine homes and establish a new life in what was initially in a prosperous climate. Once established in a small town on the Normandy coast of France, two of the brothers and their spouses raised their children to adulthood, while the third, a man of science, was content to be of service to his fellows by providing healing medicines of his manufacture.

The young men of the family each followed their chosen professions. One became a general of Napoleons cannoneers, while the other became a captain in the French Navy.

With the passage of time. Conditions in France worsened, brought about by the governance composed of royals who were not overly concerned with conditions of the lower classes.

Eventually, countrywide strife, leading to revolution, caused these bourgeoisie family members to flee France in fear for their lives. The triumvirate were fixed on the idea of eliminating the royals and also the bourgeoisiethe supposed cause of French misery.

The young cannoneer joined Napoleon in his career, while the sea captain escaped to America with his cabin boy, the son of a famous French officer, and his intended young lady.

The older brothers family were secreted out of the country to Britain for safety, while the young sea captain and his now wife found their pathway through America and finally find their ways to the heartland of the country, where they remained.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984541833

Ralph Crevoisier

About the Author Ralph Crevoisier is a retired Clinical Associate Professor of Orthodontics who grew up in a loving family of remote rural Share Croppers from Southern Missouri. Both of his parents were musically talented so his voice training began early and led him subsequently to lend his Theater and vocal talents to the United Sates military Armed Forces Radio. That talent took him to the stage, where Opera became his passion. Wind To Freedom is a first Novel for this writer Ralph now lives in Texas.

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Copyright © 2018 by Ralph Crevoisier.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2018908534

ISBN:                  Hardcover                        978-1-9845-4185-7

                            Softcover                          978-1-9845-4184-0

                            eBook                                978-1-9845-4183-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/03/2018

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1     Decision

Chapter 2     Transition

Chapter 3     New Roots

Chapter 4     Preparing for Life

Chapter 5     Coming of Age

Chapter 6     A Gathering of Warriors

Chapter 7     Versailles

Chapter 8     Solutions

Chapter 9     Escape

Chapter 10   Untamed America

Chapter 11   Homeward

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My thanks go to the staff members of the church of the Immaculate Conception in New Madrid, Missouri, for their beneficence by rewarding my request to look for a family name in their church records. My thanks go, in particular, to Joseph Dohogne, who wrote of his findings in early birth records, wherein he found listed Joseph Adolphus Courvoisier and spouse Francoise, nee Guillaume.

Also listed there but spelled differently was their newborn son, Robert F. Crevoisier. In Rural America, as clerks were not learned to foreign languages, they spelled names as they were sounded. This surname was also spelled Criezer; and Crosier. Robert F. was my grandfather; Joseph Adolph, my great-grandfather; while Francoise Guillaume was wife to Joseph. They were listed in the record as father and mother of Robert F.

Maritime records from Philadelphia listed a ship named The Rebecca as having arrived there in 1791. The captain was identified as Joseph A. Courvoisier. His sole passenger was listed as Francoise Guillaume. This information, along with that which was received in correspondence with church officials, was key to formulating the ideas found in this story about a migrant family.

BERN, SWITZERLAND, 1749

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This book is a fictional novel. Characters and scenes depicted herein are imaginary, with the exception of historically accurate incidents.

Well-known people of historical celebrity mentioned in the book and their portrayals in the drama correspond with the timeline of the story. Their interactions with protagonists in the story cannot be verified by written record, but the presence of celebrities and our protagonists at the same time and place shows a strong indication that their meetings could have taken place.

Names of characters other than protagonists, and celebrities are fictitious and bear no relationship to any person or people, living or dead. The name of the township to which the family migrated is Granville du Marne and remains today as a small seaside town in Normandy.

INTRODUCTION

For millennia, humans have migrated over the land. Pressures brought by wars, pestilence, and famines were but a few of the causes of this phenomenon.

Evidence uncovered and documented showed that a vast migration of people occurred during the ice age, causing people to range southward from Siberia, skirting the Bering Sea as they left Asia. Canadian anthropologists coined the name Beringias, as they were known to have crossed ice bridges across the Bering Sea. Artifacts unearthed proved them to predate Clovis man. (See earliest men in America, Dr. Ben Potter). As they continued into North America, driving their tamed herds before them, they joined with indigenous Americans and spread southward to the Straits of Magellan, propagating the lands as they moved.

CHAPTER 1

Decision

On January 12, 1749, a middle-aged accountant stared, as if mesmerized, peering through his window to see snow deepening into uneven drifts on the windswept streets deserted of pedestrians. Bern, Switzerland, was his traditional home where the family had lived for generations.

He was taught the accounting profession under the tutelage of his uncle Leopold, in whose counting house those skills were highly perfected. His name is Emile Courvoisier, and, being Swiss born, was tall even as a small child, likely because of his Viking ancestors. Emile and his two brothers were members of a bourgeoisie family of merchants whose family name, Courvoisier, was singular in the Canton of Bern. The normally brilliant blue of the sky in this picturesque Alpine City showed an ugly gray, which was periodically interrupted with flashes of lightning, causing thunderstorms. Continuing winter-like conditions caused the sun to make itself known only long enough to melt the surface snow, but by morning, the melt would have turned hard, covering the land over with ice, crusted on top of packed snow. Only the most inventive minds could think to make devices to capture the little sunlight that showed so vegetables could grow.

Mountain chamois, living high on the slopes of the Alps, and deer still thrived in the valleys, providing a source of protein for hunters willing to risk the dangers facing them by climbing over treacherous rocks now slippery with ice. A river circling the old city of Bern had, for two years, been hard frozen, blocking barge traffic. Thick ice would, however, provide travel for skaters, but pedestrians needed to use their overland skis and poles to travel without falling. Still, they went out, as they must, into the freezing cold to buy food grown by a few industrious farmers. Some who were fishermen sought out places where ice was the thinnest and broke holes to catch fish for protein in their diets. Horses and carriages had long since disappeared, as those large draft animals consumed volumes of grain and hay not easily come by in the harshness of a protracted winter.

The ancient city of Bern was founded in 1291, when a gathering of several city states (cantons), consisting mainly of Germanic tribes, the Uri, and Schwyz. They joined after fighting valiantly to protect a hard-won peace. But soon after that peace was won, their monarch, Rudolph I, of the Hapsburg dynasty, died. Soon after the morning period ended Swedes and Frisians added their minions to the group, and their formidable coalition became one of the strongest in Europe. They reigned for seven hundred years as one of Europe’s longest-standing republics. The Swiss, as they were then called, learned from studying the ways of Greek Hellenists and their successful coalition then proceeded to show the world how successful a republic could be in governing large groups of divergent societies.

Emile, as a young lad, received his primary training at the hands of the Jesuits in Bern, and after his early schooling, he proceeded to the principle counting house of his uncle in Bern. His uncle became responsible for his early schooling because of a terrible act of nature. It was an avalanche that caused the death of young Ludwig and Helenova Courvoisier, the parents of Georg, Emile, and Joseph. They were caught in that dreadful accident of nature while on vacation climbing the Mont Blanc with their friends. Leopold, who had taken custody of the three young brothers, as was the duty of a responsible godparent, abjured any further Catholic education by the Jesuits because of his refusal to accept the edicts of a bishop’s encyclicals. He was not alone in his opinion, and when complaints were sometimes voiced from other parents, they were told to hold to the infallibility of a man who gained his position by vote of the cardinals. They considered the results of their votes divine guidance.

Martin Luther’s list of grievances had been made known, and Leopold agreed with many of them, sadly, pressures were being placed on the Jesuits to follow closely those encyclicals that he found so abhorrent. After long considering his dilemma, the old bourgeoisie Leopold removed his ward from their influence and put him under his control in his counting house.

It was still weeks in Switzerland till Fastnacht, a final carefree celebration before the austere fasting of Lent began, and people were caught up in the gaiety of the moment. There was a party-like atmosphere, but for the most part, their gaiety was enhanced by the hope that spring would soon bring about warmer weather. Their hopes and prayers for a break in the constant cold weather, unfortunately, was once again denied.

Courvoisier, whom most people called Emile, who knew him well, had been optimistic for two years hoping to see changes in the weather. Their business, in which he partnered with his brother Joseph, was in trouble and losing money. He prayed fervently that they should once again enter into positive columns in his ledgers. Because of impossible travel conditions, their salable stock, which traveled by either roads or rivers, was left undeliverable. Their finely made products could no longer reach their outlets in cities like Oslo, Copenhagen, Cadiz, and Lisbon. Their great shipping vessels for carrying goods lay deteriorating at anchor waiting for product to transport. Normally a strong-willed young accountant, Emile was wavering in his trust that conditions would ever improve. What was he to do? Weather was a factor that affected each citizen, but for these merchants who depended on transportation, the effects of this long-lasting winter did not bode well for the survivability of their shipping company.

For the past months, after watching their account at the bank dwindle even further, a feeling of impotence came over him. What might he do to stop the downward trend? Emile, since the early years of their company, had been responsible for managing the business, and his mind raced to find a solution for their dilemma. While trying every solution possible in his mind, he had an idea that might succeed, but it would likely seem too radical to his brothers. He had to try to persuade them of its validity. It was the only idea that seemed logical to him.

During their weekly meeting, Emile made it clear to his brother Joseph that he was afraid for the continuation of their company, and in his opinion, drastic action must be taken at once. His passionate statement was born after reading a missive from Oslo stating their customers were abandoning Swiss products for those of the Belgians. Their bins were empty with nothing to sell!

When he showed the message from Oslo to his brother, Joseph cringed and said, What would you suggest that may change this condition?

In his reply, the accountant posed a question, How do you see the problem we face? Is it the product we sell or only the inability to get the product to market? It seems to me that the central problem is the weather, over which we have no control. Even as I am reluctant to admit it, my brother, I think we must consider moving to a more temperate climate.

After discussing their various options, they agreed that they must consult their elder brother, Georg, for he had been their counselor since their early years, when they heard the tragic story of the accident that carried their parents to their doom. The vivid narrative burned itself into their memories.

Joseph, the youngest of the brothers Courvoisier, felt the passion that flowed from his brother’s concern, and the word moving caused him to begin thinking.

To where in this vast world would they move? He happened to remember a small seaside resort in Brittany named Granville; pleasant weather to be had, good port facilities, and a lighthouse to guide sailors at night. It was just a thought, but he might suggest it.

After their regular meeting, the brothers decided to arrange for a conference with their elder brother to tell him of their concerns. Before they adjourned, Joseph came to Emile and said, Brother, prepare yourself to present your reasons for suggesting a move. Georg may resist the idea. His brother Georg was singularly proud of his position in the community, for his apothecary abilities made his presence in the community important.

After thinking on how his brother may feel about moving, the brothers agreed that they must also consult their wives. Their opinions must be weighed before any decision could go forward to any commitment for moving. So it was then that that Joseph returned from this meeting with Emile and spoke with his lady, Julienne Clere.

After hearing about their conversation, the lovely Julienne was not surprised by his willingness to move. In his years of sailing the seas, she had listened to him tell many interesting stories of places where he had landed his ships, and he always seemed excited to tell her of faraway lands. It was not so much a wanderlust that she felt in him but only an interest in seeing how other people lived and reacted to their everyday problems. At the end of their discussion about moving, she held the opinion that should the family elect to relocate, she would be willing to go with them.

Except for Julienne, Cook, and his houseman, Joseph was alone in his house, for they had yet to be blessed with an heir. Soon after his marriage, he was pressed to join with his brother Emile in forming their shipping company. Emile was a businessman but needed the aid of Joseph, a sailor, to make their venture successful.

He traveled almost as much as his brother, sailing to faraway ports supplying Swiss goods to merchants anxious to receive them.

At their next meeting, the brothers spoke about responses they heard from their wives after telling them of their plan to move. They found to their surprise that there were no issues brought forward, and their ladies accepted their idea without compunctions. It was after more serious debate, however, that Emile volunteered to go to his elder brother and request time to meet at his office and discuss their plans. Neither man could think of anything that might alter their firm convictions.

Within the span of a few days, Emile received another message from Copenhagen that told much the same story. But now, their agent was tottering on abdicating his contract, and the picture for their company appeared to be darkening.

They shared a small lunch made from a round of cheese still available from Gruyeres, whose large heavy rounds of cheese came from a great distance, carried with strenuous effort by Swiss dairymen. But a ready market waited in Bern, and they hungered for the business, so they trudged onward.

As they separated from their meeting, once again, Emile made it clear to his brother that he would arrange their meeting with Georg and notify him as to the date and time of that meeting. After their talk, they parted with their usual embrace.

The wind still howled strong from the north, and the sky was dimmed to twilight by a thickening cloud cover, while Emile made his way along the thoroughfare, aided by his short skis and poles. It was the traditional method used by Swiss and other Northern European people while traveling on slippery surfaces. His long skis, saved for use on the slopes of nearby mountains, remained unused, as they were heavy and difficult to handle on flat surfaces.

Making his way to Georg’s apothecary shop was made easier as he traveled downward at a gentle angle heading toward the city. He had only to ski lightly to arrive at his brother’s office in a relaxed state.

When arriving, he unsnapped his skis and went inside where he found Annette, Georg’s secretary. They led back to her office through a corridor lined at each side with shelves filled with glass bottles; each bottle marked with a label showing its contents. Names like acetone, sulfuric acid, ammonia, ethyl alcohol were easily identified, but those names meant little to Emile. He learned from her these were Georg’s supply of reagents and only available from Paris and were used by his elder brother Georg to create his registered mendicants.

When arriving at her modest office, he told her the reason for his visit. His brother Georg was busy at work in his laboratory, so he did not linger long, but told her straight away that he and his brother Joseph wished a time to meet with Georg to discuss family business. She looked briefly at the scheduling book and picked a date one week hence and showed it to the man, whom she knew as the accountant for his approval. Now he could relax and prepare his argument for the move. He knew he would hear his brother’s reluctance, and it was his prerogative to express it, but he felt so strongly that they should stay together as a family, that he was ready to summon all his persuasive powers to convince his brother that their plan was the best solution.

Returning up the slight hill to his home caused his heart to race, but the exercise was good for his mental condition. His stress, for the moment, was gone, and he could now think, while he struggled uphill, about his next move. Cold, though it was, he was glad to get out and exercise. His being enclosed for so long without physical work made him logy and mentally dull, but after visiting Georg’s office, he felt exhilarated and ready to confront any problem.

The appointed day set for discussion of the plan with Georg arrived on a blustery morning as wind-driven snow continued to mount up in deep drifts of powdery snow.

That day both brothers wore heavy clothing and greatcoats to withstand the subarctic temperatures. Emile started from his home first, as he was farthest from the shop. Using his short skis, he arrived at his brother’s apothecary shop and stepped inside quickly to avoid letting in the blowing snow. Once inside, he unsnapped his skis and handed them to Annette, who placed them with the others in the closet. Each was marked with an initial to identify its owner. Georg saw him and embraced him in the customary greeting they had used since childhood. As they were headed toward the warming fire, the bell announced another patron, but this time it was Joseph, ridding his skis to join them by the hearth.

Because they met only rarely of late, their elder brother wondered if something special may have brought them out into the cold to speak with him by appointment. Since the day Annette told him of his brothers’ request to meet, he had been wondering what the subject of this talk was to be. Joseph was greeted by both brothers in like manner, while Annette quietly entered the office holding a tray with three small glasses ladled with a tot of smoky amber-colored liquor. When she removed a clean cloth cover over the glasses, a perfumed aroma made itself known in the room, causing the youngest brother to wonder what the source of this perfume could be. Georg motioned to Annette for her to give them each a glass to warm them after coming in out from the cold.

Emile sipped his first, and his response was immediate. Brother, where did you get this?

Joseph’s comment was equally effusive, saying, The taste lingers, brother, and the aroma is of a perfume. What is it?

Georg was grinning now on hearing their comments and said, "I read a report on this process in our Journal of Chime (Chemistry), as published by our association. It is a distillate of a previously fermented white wine that the author called Armagnac. I set up my laboratory as directed by the article and made a small sample batch to test it. After tasting it, I decided to make a larger batch for my own use. It pleased my taste, and I knew you might like it as well. I was right, was I not?"

Emile laughed and replied, Brother, if you can make more of this without fear of impinging on patent, I can sell all you can make. It’s that good!

The brothers gathered to face Georg, their counselor, and Emile began, Georg we have come here today to discuss with you a proposal that we both have come to agreement on. The tenor of his words caused Georg to turn to Annette, but she had heard the serious tone as well and was already turning to leave them alone and speak to the serious tone that she listened to with some concern. Annette had been an employee there for many years and knew her job well. The elder brother was about to learn the answer to his question. Emile told him of their communications with Oslo and laid out for him the whole dark picture of the state of their business. They were in danger of losing the business they had worked long and hard for these many years.

As the story poured forth, Georg’s attention was drawn to the sincerity in his brother’s face; his heart went out at the sight, and he felt deeply concerned for the welfare of his younger brothers. Listening to his brother’s plight, his mind began to turn to its habitual thought process long trained toward problem solving. What could he do to help? Surely, his intelligent brothers would have thought of something . . . to salvage their company. It was far too valuable to just turn it over for a pittance of its worth.

The time had come for Emile to make his case, and he stood before his elder brother, saying, Joseph and I have discussed every possible solution, and we can only agree on one that seems to satisfy our requirements. We must move to warmer climes! On hearing these words, there was a palpable pause, which caused Emile to continue in an almost pleading tone. The idea of moving was painful to us, but we could see no other alternative. After studying many possible cities to which we might move, Joseph and I feel the most likely place for us is a small town in Normandy of six thousand hardworking Frenchmen. The town is called Granville du Marne, and there is a usable harbor there that can handle large sailing vessels such as ours.

The color drained from Georg’s face, and he was silent in response. The younger brothers grew nervous, and Joseph went to him and hugged his elder brother to make sure of his health, but he seemed only slightly more nervous than Joseph could remember.

Realizing his brother Joseph’s concern, Georg answered, Your suggestion sounds reasonable for your concerns, but I must consider how my absence may affect our city.

Emile had anticipated his reluctance to move, for his brother was ensconced into the hierarchy of the city’s bourgeoisie families. His wife’s family was also well known, as they operated a weaving factory. He had always lived in Bern except for the time he spent at the academie (academy) of chemistry in Paris as a younger man. As a born scientist (an observer and chronicler), Georg had found his niche in the study of chemistry. He graduated with honors and, since leaving Paris, had become a leader in his profession. Several of his mendicants were registered under his name, being widely used by physicians in Switzerland as well as in France.

Emile touched him on the shoulder and began his rebuttal by reminding his brother of their uncle Leopold’s admonition—to remain together. He was sensitive to his brother’s position but needed on this occasion to remind him of their pledge to stay together as a unit. Any parting of the families should only come as last resort. Emile added his sentiments by reminding his brother that he had trained his associates to compound his mendicants to a very high level of excellence, and those good people were of high moral standards. They could duplicate your mendicants. Think how their ownership of the business would give them greater incentive to carry your good works into the future as owners. These honest people would certainly be approved for loans to purchase the shops, and your stores and those monies you could use to start again in a more hospitable climate for both you and Hildegard. Her family is well situated here and will be well taken care of. With so much to think about handed to him in those few sentences, the elder brother reflected in thought. His brothers were never before in a habit of overstating a problem, and they indeed had evidence to back their statements. If they were indeed in trouble financially and he could show no reason to doubt their veracity, he, by all means, must do something to help.

Georg, after pondering again his brother’s words, pulled on a serious face, and one could almost feel him vibrate in thought as his face gained color again, and his eyes now showed a glimmer of light, whereas before they were dullard and in a blank stare. He reached for his pipe and lit it, only to begin blowing great billows of fragrant pipe smoke. They were waiting for his comment and heard him say, Brothers, I must speak with Hildegard regarding your proposal, and I shall have my reply for you in three days’ time.

Emile, for days, had been constructing a plan in case his proposal was looked on favorably by his brother, and he moved forward to present it. His hard work was now ready to deliver, and he said, Brothers, I have considered the complexities of such a move as we have suggested, and I am willing to go first and secure proper living space for our families, with houses equal to our present surround, if possible. Joseph and Julienne have agreed to my proposal, and I gave him my proxy to dispose of my property here before you come to France.

Georg thought a moment and said, And so shall I give you my proxy to act in my stead when Hildegard agrees!

Emile reminded them of the lateness of the hour and suggested they return home before their ladies became alarmed. With a parting hug for the elder brother, Emile and Joseph put on their greatcoats and fur-lined caps and gloves. Then both stepped out into a howling bitter wind and snapped on their short skis.

With ski poles in hand, they began their short journeys home. Emile having arrived first at his door, waved farewell to his brother, and knocked at his door, to be admitted by his houseman. There he felt a distinct pleasure off warmth coming from their fire as it touched his stinging facial skin. His man Otto helped him gather his traveling gear, and they came into the warmth of the salon to find his lady, Carlotta, waiting his return. She was relieved to see him arrive safely, and bursting to hear his news.

The specter of their meeting had been their center of conversation for two weeks, even supplanting talk of which costume she would be wearing on Fastnacht the coming Sunday. Fastnacht was the celebration before the beginning of Lent, and she had been trying on various costumes, beginning in the morning and continuing on into early afternoon. Now, she was embarrassed for him to see her in such disarray. Her shyness did not overcome her curiosity, however, and she insisted on hearing all the details of their meeting. She knew it would to be a momentous time in their lives, and her excitement to learn of their talk was a thing to behold.

As his lady was greeting him, she told him they were low on wood for fuel, and Otto confirmed it to say, We should look for some in the morning, sir. It is much too late to begin now.

After disclosing all the meeting’s details, they both agreed that a three-day wait for Georg’s final answer was appropriate. Carlotta slowly moved to him and rested her face on his shoulder, speaking in a low-modulated and emotion-filled voice. She said, My darling, you must know that I shall follow you wherever you choose to go. I know of your feelings, and I trust in your decision.

Carlotta and Emile were childless. They had longed for heirs but were never blessed. In their early years together, Emile traveled to foreign countries, establishing contacts and building business ventures in major cities from Norway to Portugal. His language skills were of enormous consequence in securing trade with those countries of Northern Europe.

While he was away promoting the company, Carlotta employed her hours teaching children at the parish church. She felt needed and kept busy doing meaningful work during Emile’s absences.

After a sound sleep, Emile awakened into a continued darkness, for northern latitudes caused darkness to linger longer than usual. The sun’s obtuse angle to Earth made it appear later on the horizon. As he awakened, still sleepy, he remembered Carlotta’s words about their being short of wood for fuel. Wood was becoming a scarce commodity of late. There were fewer woodcutters willing to brave the cold and downed trees, a usual source for firewood. These were buried deep under the snow and harder to find than ever before. While walking to the door, dressed in heavy winter clothing, he met Otto, dressed similarly. He had readied the sled and did not hesitate in his direction of travel.

I saw a vendor around her the other day, Emile, he confessed.

As they rounded a corner, Emile could see the vendor stamping his feet, trying to keep in some warmth. There were but two souls on the queue waiting their turns. Any delay, therefore, should be minimal before they could return to the warmth of their fire. Still, the icy cold wind cut sharp through their garments. In a relatively short time, however, they were loaded with firewood and headed back toward the manor house. With the sled loaded, and heavier, their return took much longer. More force was needed to move the weighted sled, and without spiked boots that bit into the icy roadway, the task would have taken even longer.

After struggling with the load, they finally saw the shape of the manor house dimly appear as they turned the last corner. When they were approaching the house, Emile’s attention was drawn to a dim shadow at the far corner of the house. He thought he detected some movement . . . or was it a shadow? There it was again. What was that? he wondered.

Was it the cold affecting his senses?

He stopped, rubbed is eyes, and asked Otto, Do you see anything there at the corner of the house?

No, sir, I do not, but my glasses are fogged.

He had to get closer now to satisfy his intuition, and when he came closer, he was able to make out a dark figure crouching near the corner of the house.

Who’s there? he called into the darkness, and when he heard no sound, he began to struggle his way through deep snowdrifts toward that shadow. Then drawing even closer, he strained his eyes and barely made out a silhouette, but it was not a shadow—it was a person, or rather two people! One a girl and the other clinging tightly to her, a small child. Emile was aghast, and he shouted, Who are you?

The girl answered, Oh, forgive me, sir, but I am so weak that I cannot continue. I am afraid for my child. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He must get closer, and as he drew nearer, there was what appeared to be a young girl holding her baby. Their clothes were not warm enough for such weather, and he took the young girl by the arm and quickly guided her to their door.

Otto was ahead of him and opened the door, allowing them quick entry into the warmth of the salon. Otto, the loyal houseman, was equally alarmed at what he had just witnessed. He rested his gaze on the strangers, turned his questioning frown in Emile’s direction, and sighed. Emile could see that this was but a girl holding her child close to her for warmth.

Carlotta was alarmed by the shouting outside, and as she drew near to the foyer, she stared at the strangers below. It was a young woman and her baby, and she caught her breath to say, Who are you, my dear, and what is your circumstance?

The girl said, Madam and monsieur, my name is Amelia, and this is my daughter, Susanna. I am alone with my little one. I was trying to find a house where I was told there was need for a maid. I could not find the house in the darkness, and I am lost. My situation is desperate. Three weeks ago, my husband died in a horrible accident. He was working for a hauler. His wagon overturned on a steep hill. He fell along with the wagon to the bottom of a ravine, where he struck his head and died. The poor girl was sobbing to the point where she could barely be understood.

Cook was called to fetch some hot tea as a way of calming everyone and adding some internal warmth in a cold situation. Shortly came some warm tea for her and a bottle of warm water for the baby. Amelia continued with her story. There was no work for my Pierre, and we moved here to provide for our little angel, Susanna. We had a small room. But Pierre is gone now, and I’m no longer able to pay for it.

After hearing her tragic story, Carlotta began to weep openly. She could no longer control her emotions. Do you have parents to whom you may apply for help? asked Carlotta.

No, madam, you see, our marriage was not blessed by the church. Both our parents shunned us, but we remained together with our precious Susanna.

Carlota’s motherly instincts, held long in abeyance, could no longer be held in check and came flooding forward. She held Amelia close to lend her motherly warmth to the poor girl in such obvious distress, with nowhere to turn. After listening to the girl’s pliant story, Carlotta paused to consider a possible solution.

With a look of determination, she turned Amelia’s face to hers and spoke gently. My dear girl, we have need of a maid in this house, and there is a room available for both you and Susanna here. Now was Carlotta’s chance to become what she longed for these many years. The poignancy of the moment was not lost on either Emile or Otto as they stood in awe listening to those tender words spoken with such emotion by Carlotta.

Emile gazed lovingly at his mate and suddenly realized that his responsibilities had just grown, but he was elated by her choice to take in these two little waifs. To have a baby in the house would invigorate him as well. Then he remembered his parting offer to Georg and Joseph about taking on the job of finding housing for them in Granville. Carlotta’s energies, when he was gone, would focus on Amelia and the baby, so they would be fine. With his courage summoned, he moved toward the newly minted mother, with her arms happily and lovingly held around Amelia and baby Susanna.

His voice became emotional but rang true when he said, My dearest, you have confirmed this day my everlasting love for you. Thank you for taking these two into our home. Spent by the emotional experience, he excused himself and retired to look for rest in the arms of Morpheus.

His night passed quickly, and he wakened with a start. His night had gone undisturbed by any thoughts of the previous day, but this was a new day for him, and his awakening thoughts reminded him of important work to be done. When he was completely ready, he went down anxious for the task of gathering Amelia’s belongings here to her new home. He heard no stirrings in the household and was anxious to start, so he went to where he saw Otto waiting at the landing. The man’s intuitive reactions were a constant source of amazement