Jeanne Dugas of Acadia by Cassie Deveaux Cohoon Page B

Pierre was Acadian and proud of it, but Jeanne was certain that he had never thought in terms of fighting for the Acadian cause. It was obvious that Pierre resented her easy access to her brother and her interest in events in the world outside her habitation, thinking it unseemly in a woman.
    Pierre knew that Joseph shared his news and plans with Jeanne, often when Pierre himself was not included in the discussions. And when he had asked Joseph about the possibility of Pierre using his new schooner to transport Acadians, Joseph had discouraged the idea. Jeanne was annoyed with her brother for excluding her husband – after all Joseph was only one of a number of caboteurs profiting from this trade.
    Pierre Bois did not lack confidence in himself. As a settler, as an Acadian, as a caboteur and as a family man, Pierre had his own strengths. But Jeanne knew that Joseph’s daring, his rashness, his enjoyment of risk, made Pierre look ordinary and plodding. She wished that Joseph could be more understanding.
    Joseph understood Jeanne’s concerns, and said he would keep her informed of any news he received. With a bitter smile Jeanne told him she would miss him when he left on the spring tides, but she would not miss having to listen to Le Maigre’s loud diatribes against the British and almost everyone and everything else.
    â€œI still don’t like him,” she said.

Chapter 18
    S pring of 1754 brought the news that Nova Scotia had had yet another change of governor. Peregine Hopson, on whom many Acadians had pinned their hopes for good governance, had returned to England on the last ship to sail the previous fall. Charles Lawrence had been named Lieutenant-Governor on November 1, 1753 – an appointment that did not bode well for the Acadians. Lawrence had been in the colony since 1749 and he was known to be very much a military man, not a conciliator or facilitator.
    â€œWhat does this mean, Joseph?” Jeanne asked.
    â€œI’m not sure. We’ll have to wait and see. But I know it’s going to be a busy summer for the caboteurs.”
    â€œIt’s going to be dangerous too, isn’t it? Are you going to let Pierre join you?”
    Joseph hesitated, looking at her. “Jeanne, it’s not dangerous for someone like me or my father-in-law, because we know the risks. We’ve made so many voyages. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to your husband.”
    She had known what he would say, but that didn’t make it easier for her husband. At least Pierre could get contracts for carrying supplies to Louisbourg.
    The men left on their schooners as usual at the beginning of the season. The families went down to the port to see them off on their first voyage.
    â€”
    Jeanne saw Martin Sauvage only once that summer, one day when she was out walking with the baby. He must have come up behind her very quietly, then deliberately made a noise so that she would not be startled.
    â€œHow is baby Marie?” he asked.
    â€œShe is very well,” Jeanne replied and handed her to him.
    Little Marie, who usually did not take to strangers, first looked at him solemnly with her big brown eyes, and then gave him a smile showing him her two new teeth.
    He gave her his special smile in return and said to her, “You know, I was one of the first two people on this earth to see you when you arrived here. You are very beautiful, petite Marie, like your Maman.”
    Jeanne blushed. Martin smiled, then handed the baby back to her and stole away.
    â€”
    The Acadians at Port Toulouse heard many rumours during the first part of the summer and there were many conflicting stories. Jeanne found herself wanting to believe the more hopeful news and to discount the less favourable. Pierre was home between voyages more often than Joseph, but his news of Nova Scotia and the British was second hand. Joseph, whose cargo was Acadians, had more direct information.
    He made a short visit home at the