Free The Trousseau by Mary Mageau Page B

then the framing of the house began. There was an abundance of timber nearby and two sawmills had now begun working, so a constant flow of timber was always available. By the end of February the shingled roof was finished, the walls were up and the exterior timber cladding had begun. Soon the windows were framed and glass windows hung and in mid-March the inner walls and doors were nearly completed.
    â€˜At the rate the men are working our house will be finished about three weeks before we are married,’ Jacques told her excitedly. ‘Next Saturday we can both walk through our new home for the first time.’
    â€˜I can hardly wait to actually move through the different rooms and begin to plan what we will need to get started,’ Clotilde replied. ‘We should have our kitchen and dining room furnished as well as our bedroom. The rest can wait until later and be set up bit by bit. There is so much I will have to do, as well as teach.’
    â€˜I agree with you. As we will be living at home by then only the essentials should be ready for us. You will be leaving your room behind the school and I’ll finally say farewell to my cramped garden shed.’
    â€˜Vivienne has told me that we may still take vegetables from the garden behind the school until our own garden can feed us. Everything should work out very well for us, but we won’t have a minute to spare.’
    A large warehouse and storage space had been built at the end of the third business street during the previous year. Many household items brought over on the supply ships, found their way there. Settlers could purchase home wares: bedding, crockery, cutlery and cooking items to set up housekeeping. These were available on credit for families beginning their lives in Noumea. Jacques’ wages were spent primarily on paying the builders. Clotilde’s extra wages were used to purchase a new bed, dresser, a large table and four chairs. Her kitchen goods and furnishings were bought on credit, to be paid for over time. Jacques bought himself a new suit and shirt to wear for the wedding while Clotilde had her beautiful wedding dress and veil safely stored in the trousseau.
    At last the house was finished. They hired a horse cart and together collected the furnishings for their home. Two of the builders offered an hour of their free time to help Jacques transport the heavy items. Blandine presented the couple with a large braided rug she and several women had made. This would be placed in the sitting room. A smaller rug found a space next to the bed. Piece by piece their furniture was carried into the new home and set in place under Clotilde’s direction. Kerosene lamps and candles were brought out for their use at night. She and Yvonne packed dishes and cutlery into a large kitchen cupboard, together with a few cooking pots and utensils. Lastly the bed was made and a dresser with six large drawers and a framed mirror completed their bedroom furnishings. Across a corner, a pole was placed for their hanging space and a low shelf below this held their shoes. Finally the new house was ready for Clotilde and Jacques to occupy after the wedding. Both of them could catch their breath now and attend to their everyday work.

XIII
    â€˜ CLOTILDE . Have you a minute to spend with me?’
    â€˜Come in. What can I do for you, Henriette?’
    â€˜First let me congratulate you on your coming wedding. Madame LeBlanc told me this wonderful news and everyone is so happy for you both. I’ve just spoken with Vivienne who mentioned that this school will be closing at the end of the year. I asked her if there were any sets of watercolours available and if so, could I have one. She was in agreement.’
    â€˜I have several of these just sitting in the storeroom because I don’t use them with my botanical art classes. I can even give you two sets if you’d like, with an extra brush for each.’
    â€˜I’m really grateful