In 1838, “Ti-Jacques” Marceau, a valiant and courageous man, joined Les Patriotes, a
rebel organization created to free New France from the yoke of the English.
“Ti-Jacques” quickly became an indispensable messenger, carrying coded messages
to the leaders of the Rebellion, Nelson and Papineau. On the eve of a planned attack
of a weapons depot in Kahnawake, he was captured in an ambush. Along with 57
other Fils de la Liberté [sons of freedom] fighters, he was charged and judged by an
ad hoc military court. His sentence: seven years’ exile in Australia.
For five long months, he lived in the dark, close quarters of a frigate’s hold, seasick
and without enough to eat or drink. But to Ti-Jacques, who had a keen sense of
smell, the hardest part was the stench, so devoid was that place of even the most
basic hygiene. When they docked in Sydney, he was relieved to set foot outdoors
again.
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Alas, the sensation was fleeting. Forced labour awaited. His hardy constitution got
him assigned to a crew building Australia’s roads, breaking rocks hour after hour, day
in day out. The only solace came from the landscape of tall eucalyptus trees swaying
in the wind and their wonderful fragrance that elated his nostrils. He most preferred
their perfume during rainy season, taking deep breaths that filled his lungs with
oxygen. Those days, he worked ten times harder. For this exemplary conduct, his
obtained a reduced sentence. So it was much sooner than expected that he began to
prepare to return to his native land.
Ti-Jacques wandered the dock at Sydney Habour, plotting his return. Suddenly, a
unique smell wafted its way to his nostrils. No plants or trees were around, but there
was Mary Barrett, walking slowly, her hair swirling in the wind under her parasol. He
was drawn to her like a magnet. A sweet smell of lavender enveloped him and took
control of his spirit. He had to follow her. As he walked, he screwed up his courage
to compliment her on her perfume. Finding much in common, a secret rendezvous
was quickly arranged.
It was soon clear that more than fragrance united them. They were in love, and
Ti-Jacques settled permanently in Australia.