T E R R A - F R A N C A

CHAPTER   PREVIEW

Chapter One - The Big Shift 

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     Mary was only seventeen, she didn’t even want to go to Francia, but her dad, Bruce MacNamee, had heard of many a tale, of the golden land, for breeding cattle and horses, as well as the magnificent farming land to be had, so he fancied such an opportunity and wasn’t going to let it slip on by. He was in desperate need of a fresh start, as he wanted to leave a great sorrow behind him. Bruce had married Eileen, twenty-one years ago, but tragedy struck the family, whilst they were living in Perthshire, in Scotland. This terrible misfortune came upon the MacNamee family, when complications set in. This occurred, when Eileen, was giving birth to their sixth and last child; George … and the tragedy took place over a year ago. He was the only son amongst five daughters and what a tragedy it was, to lose his wife when giving birth, when finally … they would get the son that they had both hoped for; to pass the family name onto.

     Bruce was wildly in love with Eileen, it was truly a deep love that they had shared, … so he struggled with the memory of her; everywhere he went, so a new start was definitely in order. He currently owned a good working farm of over 300 acres, which he used for mainly running cattle. He also had other animals and grew produce, which was mainly for him and his children’s consumption. He also had a jewelry store in town, that had been passed onto him and his siblings; from their father, Hennerby MacNamee. Bruce was the eldest of four sons; hence, he was left with the responsibility of running it. The store had been averagely profitable and had managed to sustained three generations, with many dealings over the years, hence, it was nothing to be sniffed at!

     Bruce didn’t want to sell the jewellery store, nor the farm; for family, as well as profitable reasons, therefore … he asked his brother, Gerald, if he could manage the both, whilst he ventured down to France; the home of Eileen’s family, … to see how he’d fair. It was a huge gamble, especially dragging six young children with him, to the other side of the world, who had not long lost their mother. Bruce knew that it wasn’t going to be easy for the lot of them, but remaining a widower, in the home and township that held Eileen’s memories everywhere, well, … he felt it would keep him miserable for far too long and he wanted to give the children a fresh break from the memories. He wasn’t sure if it was the right move, but he had to do something, so  he set out for the closest dock, to see if any ships were in and if so, what was their schedule and when was the next one leaving, … also to find out, if he would need to travel further. He needed to know, where he could find a large enough ship, to bring the family, all their possessions and some of their livestock with them.

It was the year 1875 and independent sources were sending news back through travelers; as well as local news sources, that France had wonderful lands for farming and would be a grand spot, to re-establish the family and possibly, an opportunity for Bruce to look about and see if it would be worth the while, him trying his hand at a new craft; as he was a smart, strong man and willing to try his hand at anything new. Not only this, … but Eileen’s family originated from France and it had been a while since they had seen them and also … shifting there, would immediately give them a welcoming place to stay, until he found a piece of property that would suit him and his family’s needs.

     So Bruce set off early Tuesday morning, it was cold and autumn was upon Perthshire. He rode his horse to his brother, Gerald’s home; which was roughly ten miles away. Bruce was an accomplished rider, he had even won a couple of local competitions, so he always made sure he had a good horse and this particular one, was extra large. It was as silky black as could be, except the tips of his ears, which had a touch of grey. He brought it as a colt from a local farmer who bred usually quarter horses, but his filly died giving birth to the colt and the farmer couldn’t be bothered with the extra trouble of a small one, … so Bruce who happened to be passing through; thence he eyed the colt, thus feeling sorry for the creature and always had a little extra time for animals; as did his children, so … he bought it for fifty pounds, named it Raspin and it has been a constant companion for him ever since. Even though it was quite small for a quarter horse, it was still larger than a normal one. Bruce arrived at Gerald’s home by mid morning; it was a nice little cottage on twenty acres. He mainly ran chickens and sheep, whilst his wife tended a wonderful herb garden, so this hard work brought fruitful wages, as all of their produce was of a high quality, hence everyone was willing to pay a good price.

Bruce put Raspin in the stable and ventured into Gerald’s home, it was a cold morning and he was hoping that his sister-in-law; Jenny, might have a cup of tea brewing. He knocked on the door and wandered in, after an immediate shout came from within side, “Come on in, I’ve been expecting you!” It was his brother Gerald and they quickly shook hands, then Bruce sat at the kitchen table, whilst Jenny made all a cup of tea and set out her lemon scones with some fresh butter, for all of them to try. Bruce stated, “They smell wonderful Jenny, … is it a new recipe?”

     She replied, whilst she kissed Bruce on the head and handed him his cup of tea, “It’s a recipe that my mother passed on, Gerald especially likes them with some lemon curd.” She then placed the butter and a small bowl of lemon curd on the table, … so they all sat and made a feast of it. After this Bruce said to Gerald, “I sincerely appreciate you looking after the farm and family jewellery store, whilst I try a new life in France; the born home of Eileen, … Are you sure that it won’t be too much bother for you?” He responded, “Our eldest, son, Mickey is now nineteen and a solid lad, so I suggested that he move over and live in your house whilst you are gone, in case there is any troubles with the herds of a night, as well as this, he won’t have to keep going back and forth. It will be a wonderful opportunity for him, as he wants his own farm and this will give him first hand experience. I will always be here if he needs a hand on the big days. As for the family jewellery store - ‘MacNamee Gems’, well, Jenny offered to run it two days a week and our eldest daughter, Nancy, will help out on the other days. Also, … I will be spreading myself out over the two farms and the store, so we will all manage just fine.”

Bruce was very grateful and added, “I truly appreciate your assistance in these matters. When the children and I arrive in France, I will send word for you to forward the mail to me, so I will still manage the bookkeeping for the farm and store. Please know, … that forty percent of the profits, are to be held for the upkeep for both farm and the store. With the remaining sixty percent, please keep thirty for you and your family; for your efforts. Mail through to Jaden and Seth, our brothers; their ten percent each and put the remaining ten percent, in my bank in Perthshire, as I already have enough to purchase some land and set ourselves up comfortably, when we get over there.”

     Gerald agreed and Jenny added, “Well it sounds as if you have it all figured out, Bruce. So don’t you worry about it, we will manage it for you, it’s the least that we can do. Get yourselves down to Australia and make a fresh start, … you might even find yourself a wife there; to help you out.” Bruce wasn’t happy about Jenny’s comment, so he quickly and sternly responded, “Jenny, … there will never be anyone for me, but Eileen. I will never stop loving her, … and I will do my very best to honour her memory, by raising the children, just as she would have wanted me to.” Jenny acted a little scolded, which was depicted in her facial expressions and Bruce could see this, so he added, “I appreciate the sentiment, Jenny. I know you only have our best interests at heart, but the love I shared with Eileen was incredibly deep and at least for the now and in the near future, I cannot possibly imagine sharing my life with anyone else, … it’s too soon, … it’s way too soon.” Jenny and Gerald could now clearly understand the deep love that Bruce and Eileen had shared, hence Gerald winked at Bruce, as if to say, that he understood, whilst Jenny came over to Bruce whilst he was still sitting down and she place her arm around his shoulder, kissed him on the head, then commented, “I understand! Always know how much we love you and the kiddies and if they get too much for you, you can always ship a couple of them back to us. We’ll gladly look after them!” Bruce then stood up and responded, “Well for the moment, let me get us all over there, see how we fair and see how the children will manage. Who knows, … they may love it! In the meantime, now that we have talked through these issues, I feel a lot better, knowing the arrangements that are in place. Also, once I am gone, you can always call on one or both of our brothers, … I haven’t seen them for a while, but they were always strong fellows and I’m pretty sure that they would gladly lend a hand on the farm, as well as with the store; if asked!”

     Gerald responded, “Yes! The boys were always robust on the farm. I will reach out to them, inform them of the goings on, as they are always amiable. They stick to themselves lately, as they both have large families, but, they are very charitable when it comes to family issues.” Bruce nodded in agreement, next hugged Jenny, kissed her on the cheek, whilst Gerald then walked him out to the stable. Bruce climbed upon Raspin, then Gerald remarked, “I see you still have this beauty, … he’s small for a quarter horse, although larger than a normal steed, but still very powerful! Look at the muscular definition in the front of him, in fact, … all over him! He is a beauty for sure!”

     Bruce smiled, knowing that he had a wonderful horse, then stated, “He is a hard worker on the farm! I know his limits! He lets me know when he’s had enough and so I obey his knowledge of self. God smiled upon me, the day I bought him and I’m hoping to bring him with me, … I couldn’t part with him.” Gerald ran his hands over the horse again in admiration, then added with a smile, “I wish you all the best, Bruce. I pray good fortune follows you wherever you go, … you deserve it!”  Bruce looked down at his brother, with a grateful glance, then commented, “You are a loyal brother and a good man, I can’t thank you enough! Now I better be going, … as now that these arrangements have been set in place, I need to  break the news to the children, as well as find a ship to get us over there. I’m hoping that the children will see it in a positive light; although it may be difficult for some of them.”

     Bruce and Gerald nodded at each other, as a courtesy goodbye, then he swiftly took off. He travelled a short while and next stopped off at the Perthshire bank. He wanted to inform them, that he was moving to France and that he intended to continue using the bank; to make deposits when over there. He also informed them that Gerald would be also making deposits from this end. Hence the bank staff were glad to be in the know, of the upcoming changes. Bruce then rode home and found that four of his children were playing in a paddock; with the lambs, while Ellie, his fourteen year old; who was second eldest, was getting some milk from their dairy cow. He stated to Ellie, “When you finish up there, I want to talk to you all; I have something important to say.” She responded, “Sure father, … I shan’t be too long.” He queried, “Where is Mary?” who happened to be the eldest daughter. Ellie finished milking then slapped gently, the cow on the rump to let her know that she had finished, hence the cow casually wandered back out of the barn and then she replied, “Oh, Mary, … she went into the town, to purchase material; to make some clothes for George and Stephanie, as all the hand-me-downs are too worn. She should be back shortly, as she left about three hours ago, not long after you left.” Bruce nodded and went to gather the children up from the paddock. After this he brought them all inside their lovely, spacious farmhouse and heated up the soup on the stove.

     Eileen always managed the household duties, so when she died, Bruce lent especially on Mary and Ellie, to help out with the cooking and washing, nevertheless, he also contributed. He sat the four younger ones at the table. Nancy was eleven and she helped set the table with   Ellie. Arline was next and she was eight years old. The second youngest, was Stephanie who was five and the baby, George was now a bit over a year old. He kissed the children on the head and sat down. Then whilst Ellie dished out the soup to the children, with George upon his knee, Bruce began to feed him the soup. Little Stephanie quickly slurped the chicken soup down then asked, “Ellie, can I have some more?”

     So, Ellie was about to stop taking her soup, so as to get Stephanie another bowl, however, Bruce said, “You finish your soup sweet one, I will get it for her.” So he got up from the table, with George sitting on his hip, as he thenerly dish up Stephanie, another bowl full. Soon after this, Mary came inside with a large brown paper parcel, which was tied up with string. She had just returned from the Perthshire township, after buying the new material. Bruce looked at her and smiled, then went and placed his free arm around her, kissed her on the head and said, “I’m glad your back! I have something that I want to tell you all.” Arline quickly asked, “Did you get us our horses, Daddy?” she asked this, because Bruce promised the three eldest, that he would get them all a horse, for them to learn how to tame and to be taught how to ride for competitions in races, as well as performing tricks. It was also a way that he could see, which would keep them preoccupied and not be missing their mother so much.

     He replied, as he sat back down, “No, … not yet! I want to pick very carefully, it is not so much about the breed, it is about the temperament of the horse. Don’t worry; it will happen! … Mary, could you please grab a bowl of soup and sit down, I want to let you all know, about what is going to happen and I want to start making all of the plans now, …as an awful lot has to be consider in creating such a big shift!”  Mary looked on curiously, thence she placed the parcel on the bottom step, which led to the upstairs bedrooms. Next she dished herself out a bowl of soup and sat down. She felt in her heart what her father was about to say, would be life changing, and she felt incredibly uneasy.

     So as they all took their soup and Mary also dished her bowl and sat at the table, Bruce began to inform them all, because even though, as young as they were; and possibly not knowing the importance of the upcoming shift; as well as all the implications, he wanted to be transparent broaching the subject, so none of them were left in the dark.He began, “So, … as you all know, it has been incredibly difficult ever since your mother died and it is very hard for me to remain at this moment in time, in this house; where I saw her every day. I know that you all miss her very much and nothing we do, can ever bring her back and although I do not want to forget her and what an amazing woman and mother she was, I feel a great need, for a fresh start; in another land. So I have looked into it and have decided that we are going to move to a

country called France! Mary and Ellie may remember this place, because your mother and I took you there, to visit Eileen’s family when you were very young” Instantly Stephanie started to say loudly, ‘Yarh yarh yarh,… we’re going on a trip! … We’re going on a trip!” She was overly excited and unaware of all that it implied. On the other end of the scale, were Nancy and Ellie who appeared upset and immediately Nancy said, as she pushed her soup bowl away, “I don’t want to go! I like it here! I love my bed; it’s cosy and the animals are my friends!”

     She then folded her arms, scrunched up her face and said, as she then stood up, “I’m not going!” and raced outside the house. After this, Ellie shot a firm glance at Bruce and said calmly, but firmly, “I want to go and live with Auntie Jenny and Uncle Gerald! Or you can let me and Mary stay here, and we can run the farm whilst you are gone!”

     Bruce’s face looked incredibly sad, as though he was stuck. He knew that remaining where he was causing him great sorrow and being a man and only 40 years old, he still had a fire in him to succeed in life, but remaining where he was, happened to be causing him emotional and mental stagnation; he felt trapped!