Free Acadian Star by Helene Boudreau Page B

the prettiest pink.” Geneviève was silent for a moment, then continued.
    â€œAnd I remember your face, Marguerite. I’ll never forget what you look like.” She turned to her side and traced her fingers around Meg’s brow and cheek.
    Meg was overwhelmed by the gesture. She felt Geneviève’s fingers slip over her hot tears.
    â€œNow I’ve upset you,” Geneviève said.
    â€œNo, it’s not that. It’s just…well, everything.”
    â€œI know.” Geneviève leaned back against the mattress and folded her hands on her stomach. Soon Meg heard Geneviève crying too.
    â€œWhat will become of us, Marguerite? All of us?” Geneviève asked into the darkness. Meg’s heart ached at the strain in her friend’s voice.
    Maybe it was the bond of the Gallant family ties throughout the generations or simply the quiet strength of the friendship that had grown between them, but in that moment, Meg made her decision.
    â€œ C’est bien .” She tucked the oyster shell in the pocket of her apron and reached for Geneviève’s hand in the darkness. Whatever she had to do, she couldn’t let this family—her family—down.
    â€œFriends forever, Geneviève. I promise.”

Chapter 15

    M EG AWOKE WITH A START . She felt for the shell in her pocket. It was still there. And so was she. An odd sense of relief washed over her as she awoke to the same reality as the night before.
    Meg couldn’t remember the moment she had fallen asleep. Her sleep had been so deep, she was sure she hadn’t moved a muscle. Her limbs felt like lead. Mosquitoes buzzed around her face, renewed by the warmth of the sunshine streaming into the simple house.
    But something was wrong. The pressure she had felt at her feet the night before was not there. She bolted upright in bed.
    â€œJoseph!” The little boy was gone. The cat had vanished.
    â€œ Mon Dieu !” Madame Galland was up in a flash. “Joseph!” Meg helped her search the house.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, what’s wrong?” Geneviève grasped the side of the bed and struggled to stand.
    â€œIt’s Joseph! Mache-couine must have wandered off and he’s probably gone after him!” Meg had only known the boy for a short time, but still a powerful force possessed her, willing her to find him. “I’ll go look for him!” Meg headed for the door.
    Madame Galland grabbed Meg’s arm and swung her around.
    â€œYou’ll do nothing of the kind. Stay here with the others. Keep the door latched until I return.” Her eyes were wild. Meg nodded, catching her breath. With that, Madame Galland ran out of the house.
    Meg did as she was told and snapped the latch closed behind her.
    To stop the English, you know.
    Tante Perle’s voice echoed in Meg’s mind. Had she gone through the same motions to try to save this family, only to fail? The reality of the moment flattened Meg’s resolve. Why would this time be any different? She leaned her brow against the door.
    â€œMarguerite, where are you? Are you still here?” Geneviève called out from the side of the bed. She had picked up baby Daniel and held him in her arms. Her eyes stared out into the house and her head waved back and forth in confusion.
    â€œI’m here, Geneviève. I haven’t gone anywhere.” Meg gathered up her courage and rushed to her friend’s side.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re here.” Geneviève rocked her body back and forth in an effort to soothe baby Daniel as he wailed in her arms.
    â€œLet’s get him settled.” Meg took the baby from Geneviève’s arms. Until yesterday, Meg had never even held a baby, let alone taken care of one. She did as she’d seen Madame Galland do the day before and prepared the milk.
    â€œWhat if the soldiers come before your mother returns?” Geneviève’s face was fraught with