Revelation: An intelligent, thoughtful woman
uses her talents generously.
With her husband busy overseeing the new sugar mill’s construction and her mother visiting a neighbor’s plantation, Marguerite ordered a carriage brought to the front of the mansion. She instructed the driver to take her to the Rue de Rampart in the city. No need to give the directions to the specific house; they had been there before.
Upon arrival, she bade the driver to wait. “I won’t be long.”
At the door, she said to the maid, “Hello, I’m here to see Madame Caresse. I hope she’s in?”
“Yes, madame; please come in and sit down. I’ll get her for you.”
A few minutes later, Catherine entered the parlor. “Madame de Trahan! How nice to see you again! It’s been over a year since . . .”
“Ah, Madame Caresse! A pleasure to see you also. Yes. Over a year.” Marguerite was nervously wringing her hands.
“You’re looking well.”
“Thank you. But . . .”
“What is it, Madame de Trahan? You seem troubled.” Catherine said gently. “How can I help you?”
Marguerite sighed. “Ah, Madame Caresse, as you may recall, my husband and I tried for a number of years to have a child. That’s why I sought you before. The tincture was wonderful; I became pregnant shortly thereafter. But the baby died at birth.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, madame.”
“I would like to have some more of your elixir.”
“Why, of course! I’ll get some now.”
Returning with a small vial of powdered black cohosh root steeped in brandy, Catherine reviewed the directions.
“As you may remember, you are to take ten drops every day with juice. Did you have any stomach problems when taking it before?”
“No, and, again, the tonic worked like a charm.”
Catherine laughed. “There’s no magic involved in this remedy, madame; the Native Americans have been using it for years. But if you’re interested in the supernatural, you might petition St. Anthony of Padua to help you become pregnant. And then invoke the help of St. Gerard Mejella; he’s the patron saint of expectant mothers.”
“Thank you, Madame Caresse. I’m very grateful.”
“You’re welcome, Madame de Trahan. Success be with you!”