EXCITEMENT filled a beautifully appointed room as early morning sunlight slanted through its windows. The Empress Eugenie had gathered five elegantly dressed ladies around a large polished oak table. It was covered with swatches of cotton and printed muslin fabric, scraps of lace, ribbons, writing papers, and toiletries. A sturdy medium-sized sea chest served as its centrepiece.
‘I’ve called you all together to help me solve a problem.’ Eugenie addressed those present: the Princess d’Essling, her chief Lady in Waiting, her wardrobe mistress and her two dressmakers.
The ladies laughed lightly as they greeted each other, kissed one another’s cheeks and took their places. ‘I love solving a problem, especially if it has something to do with a woman’s wardrobe,’ the Princess replied.
After all had been seated Eugenie spoke. ‘If you were a young bride leaving France to sail to an island in the far South Pacific Ocean, never to return home again, what would you pack in your trousseau?’
A gasp was heard around the table. ‘Now please take a moment to think on this then we’ll hear from each of you.’ As the surprised group looked silently at the table Eugenie sat back, reflecting on the unusual circumstances that required her to hold this meeting.
During the previous summer, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, now Emperor Napoleon III, observed two footmen as they carried an ornate silver tray to his mahogany desk. In the centre of the tray rested a large, well-scrubbed rock. Louis had carefully selected this space so that full sunlight bathed the rock in a golden glow. On its surface many large veins of iridescent green and deep blue took on a sheen and sparkle, so beautiful, that he caught his breath whenever he looked at it.
‘You may leave now,’ he told the footmen. Louis then smiled at an elegant woman who had just entered the room.
‘Come and look at this, Eugenie.’ The Empress Eugenie, his beautiful consort, quickly crossed the floor and gazed in wonder at the shimmering rock.
‘What is this? Have you found an emerald in the stone?’
‘No, Eugenie, this rock contains nickel and has just come from the island of Grande Terre in the South Pacific.’
‘But it is so lovely. Whatever is nickel used for?’
‘In 1853 this island became a French possession to serve as a penal colony. But vast amounts of nickel have also been discovered in underground caves and rocks everywhere. When nickel is mined the mineral has many uses. It strengthens coins, it is ideal for plating iron and brass and this beautiful green provides an emerald tint for glass making. In addition cobalt can also be extracted from the rock and used for its rich blue colouring.’
‘This could be of benefit to all our painters and glass artisans, particularly those that make our stained glass windows.’
‘Now be seated, Eugenie, as I have a plan to discuss with you. I must turn to you again as you always offer me the best advice.’
Louis then explained that Grande Terre, now also called Nouvelle-Caledonie, had to be colonized and the French presence strengthened, so as to thwart attempts by the British to seize or steal away its valuable minerals.
‘Last year we transported a ship filled with our first convicts and some political prisoners to the island. There are a number of free settlers also in residence there as well. Many of the convicts are young men who have been sentenced for very minor offences. After these men serve out their sentences, the French Government will offer them a free parcel of land, should they choose to stay. Already there is a small settlement being built on the south west of the island around a chain of beautiful bays. It is known today as Port-de-France. However the most essential part of this colonial program is missing. All these men will need wives – strong young women who will marry them and raise children for France. Please think on this as I know you will find a way to invite young women to our noble calling. Yes, our Grande Terre settlement plan now demands your woman’s touch.’
‘Louis, I already have an idea taking form in my mind and I will give my full attention to your request. Leave this with me now.’
Eugenie had always found practical solutions for any requests made of her and she enjoyed planning ways to better the lives of French women, particularly those of the poor classes. This new challenge, involving an island paradise in the South Pacific, captured her imagination and would become a special joy for her to work on.
And in another part of Paris three young girls, Clotilde, Louise and Jeanne, were on their hands and knees singing happily. They had just finished scrubbing a hallway of hewn slate. It was a tedious job, keeping the entrance and main hall of the Mater Dei Orphanage clean and sparkling. Over the years the girls had become close friends and they enjoyed singing as a way to lighten their load.
‘Well done, girls,’ called Sister Celeste as she inspected their work. ‘After you have finished your cleaning, meet me in the large room for reading and numbers.’
All the girls at the Mater Dei home loved Sister Celeste. She was gentle and kind often interceding for them after a sharp scolding from Mother Germain. The home housed many young orphans, ranging in age from infants to girls in their late teens. All of them worked in some way toward maintaining the smooth running of the orphanage. The older girls were skilled in cooking, cleaning, washing, sewing and caring for each young child. In exchange for their work they were well fed, taught to pray and read, to do their numbers and excel in needlework. As they matured the sisters found placements for their charges in the homes of their wealthy benefactors.
‘If you need a perfect housemaid or even a governess, choose one from the Mater Dei,’ the women of Paris often said. ‘This orphanage turns out only the finest girls.’
Yet Mother Germain and her sisters were concerned as the numbers of older girls kept increasing. It was also becoming more difficult to find placements for them. They prayed for a solution to the problem, as help was needed during this challenging time.