Marguerite Volant

May 1763 marks the beginning of spring for the 18-year-old Marguerite Volant who only dreams of love and freedom. The much-awaited return of her father, Seigneur Claude Volant, confirms what everyone fears: that Louis XV has abandoned the colony and that their new king is George III of England. Marguerite wants to leave for France with her older sister Eléonore and her family but ends up staying.

September 1763. Since the sudden death of his wife, Claude has been inconsolable. Marguerite takes over as head of the family. A visit from uncle Godfrey a Jesuit and Claude’s older brother, seems to restore Claude’s health. Antoine de Courval, a widowed neighbour, petitions Claude for Marguerite’s hand. Claude agrees on the condition that Antoine obtains Marguerite’s permission as well.

October 1763. The stunning Marguerite makes her entrance at the masquerade ball on her brother Lambert’s arm. Renaud is already there; it becomes clear that he is the lover of Eugénie Beaubassin, the owner of the popular salon. Among the guests is Captain Chase who asks Marguerite to dance. At first she refuses but when she believes that Antoine is ignoring her, she accepts the handsome officer.

October 1763. Captain Chase appears, sees Marguerite Volant and their eyes meet. Captain Chase’s speech upsets the listeners. Claude grabs a rifle, shoots it in the air and addresses the English. Then, followed by his daughters, he leaves, a broken, bitter man. He locks himself in his office. Seconds later, a gunshot is heard.

November 1763. On the advice of Eugénie Beaubassin, Lambert once again suggests Antoine de Courval as a husband for Marguerite in the hope that, once married, she will receive clemency. De Courval pleads her case with Captain Chase. The Captain invites Marguerite to hear De Courval’s proposition. Antoine does his best but in vain. Marguerite refuses.

November 1763. A trip to New York is difficult for Marguerite and Lambert. Laval forces the members of the expedition to speed up because the rivers are about to freeze. Marguerite is intrigued by Laval, a cold and distant man. In Quebec City, the first task for Chase will be to satisfy the Canadians who want their own judicial system. Meanwhile, he discovers that is condemned to death.

December 1763. Antoine De Courval tries to win Eléonore’s favour. Laval leads his group to the trading post where they will spend the winter. Three days march from the post, the group is attacked by Bradley and his men. Lambert warns Marguerite. Chevigny is a dreamer haunted by vengeance for the death of his wife and children at the hands of the English.

April 1764. Winter is almost over. At the trading post, Marguerite awaits the return of her lover and Lambert decides to leave for Philadelphia. Charest and the men return without Laval. Marguerite learns that he has gone to Quebec on urgent business. Marguerite leaves for Quebec with Charest and two trappers. Laval discovered the man responsible for the fate of his family.

May 1764. Marguerite returns to the manor where she learns that is for sale. She insists her lineage rights provide previous owners the chance to buy back their goods at the same price. She leaves for Quebec City in order to explain everything to Eléonore and to attempt to recuperate at least part of the family’s money. But she no sooner arrives than she is arrested and thrown in prison.

June 1764. Eugénie Beaubassin welcomes Eléonore to whom she reveals the plot she and De Courval have set in motion. Meanwhile, Chase visits Marguerite in her prison cell. He offers her a proposition that would allow Governor Murray to pardon her. Once back at the seigneurie, Marguerite adjusts to her new life. Marguerite reveals her pregnancy to her family.

Marguerite’s pregnancy is difficult. In February 1765, she gives birth to a baby girl she names Isabeau. Blaise returns after a long absence and the summer begins with drama, Renaud has a serious accident. Marguerite contacts Eugénie in Quebec City and brings her to Renaud’s side. Upon her return to the manor, Marguerite, now free of any doubts, calmly looks forward to her future.