The Trousseau by Mary Mageau

‘You are indeed a genius and thankfully you also have my measurements. Please make this up for me when you have the time. I look forward to wearing it.’ But as Clotilde returned home she mused to herself. Whatever could Madame have meant when she spoke of Jacques, looking at her?
    At last, the day for the renaming celebration arrived. The entire settlement was filled with excitement. Boxes of flowers were planted along the two main streets. The paving had been swept clean and several of the shop fronts were repainted. The celebrations started with a solemn mass, celebrated by the Vicar Apostolic and Father Gilbert. It was here that the renaming of Noumea was formally announced to cheers and clapping. Afterward the official party enjoyed a morning tea in the Government Garden, looking its most beautiful for the occasion. Then the tour began and shortly before lunch the group of dignitaries entered the school. The children rose in unison and spoke as one.
    â€˜ Bon Jour , Good Day. We welcome you to our school.’ Then they sang a song of greeting and a French folk song. Clotilde was introduced together with Yvonne. Samples of their school work had been displayed throughout the room and this was examined by the Governor and Apostolic Vicar.
    â€˜What fine, careful work we see here. Well done children and to your teachers, Mademoiselles Clotilde and Yvonne.’ Clotilde accepted their praise with her usual charm. Then as a special treat, the governor excused all the children from school immediately after their lunch. Amidst loud cheers they were set free to enjoy the remainder of the day as they wished.
    During the evening, Anne and Commandant Fleurier hosted their gala dinner party. Anne looked her most beautiful in a lavish ball gown, with diamonds at her throat and ears; the gems sparkling in the candlelight. The food had been specially prepared by their French chef and the best wine saved for the occasion. Afterward when all met in the drawing room for coffee, sherry and cognac, Satine approached the piano. She was dressed in a green silk ball gown offset by a double strand pearl necklace, her blonde hair elegantly coiffed. Her singing and playing thrilled the audience and at the conclusion of her performance, the governor stood to formally thank her for, ‘… the finest singing I have heard in this part of the world.’
    Afterward Satine appeared in the kitchen where a plate of the same food, served to the guests was offered to her. As she ate at the cook’s great table, the kitchen helpers all thanked her. Anne had allowed them to listen to her performance, behind the double doors. Later a maid helped Satine unhook her dress and prepare for bed. Before the candles were blown out for the night, Anne appeared in Satine’s room. She embraced and kissed her, thanking her for the part she played in making the dinner a great success.
    â€˜Oh Satine, this is what I am made for, not only to be a wife and mother to our dear daughters but to be an outstanding hostess. In years to come the Commandant and I will entertain many dignitaries from many countries. This is my true life’s purpose and I have begun to fulfil it tonight.’
    â€˜And thank you, Anne, for providing me with your beautiful dress and pearls. This has truly been the happiest day of my life too. And to think we now live in Noumea on Nouvelle-Caledonie. What a day this has been.’

IX
    CLOTILDE’S school year of 1867 began with the arrival of three new children as more ships continued to reach Noumea carrying settlers and supplies. Two of her eldest students left the Government School bound for France and the homes of relatives. Here they would complete the remaining years of their upper school education before returning home to Noumea once again. With their loss and the addition of one extra desk, Clotilde was happy to accommodate the newcomers. One day after school was dismissed, she and Blandine sorted through