Light Falling on Bamboo by Lawrence Scott

Author:Lawrence Scott [Scott, Lawrence]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Witchbroom, Aelred’s Sin, Trinidad and Tobago, Michel Jean Cazabon, Caribbean, Night Calypso, patois, historical novel
Publisher: Profile Books
Published: 2012-06-21T00:00:00+00:00

‘She’s on the floor of the pantry,’ he kept repeating. ‘Mrs Prowder needs a doctor.’

The guard looked at him suspiciously.

‘She’s bleeding.’

‘You stay here,’ the guard ordered.

Michel Jean felt helpless. He kept seeing Elizabeth Prowder’s face. She had been so insistent that he did not come near her. He then felt that it must be women’s business, something relating to her menstruation.

The doctor arrived with the guard, who was still looking at Michel Jean suspiciously.

‘What is it?’ the doctor asked.

‘It’s Mrs Prowder. She went off to the pantry and then screamed out for help. I found her on the floor, bleeding. She insisted I call a doctor.’

‘What were you doing in Mrs Prowder’s house?’

‘Doing? I’m here to give her painting lessons.’

‘Painting lessons? My good man, you better stay here with the guard. Hold him here while I go and see what the matter is,’ the doctor instructed the guard. They both looked at each other and then at Michel Jean.

Michel Jean protested.

‘Sir. I must prevent you from leaving.’

‘She’s my student. I’m concerned about her.’ He wanted to mention that he thought it was women’s business, maybe nature’s way. But he knew that to say any of this would sound too intrusive.

‘The doctor will examine and assist her. If what you say is true … I’ll get the resident officer to go and investigate further. You must stay here.’

‘Why are you doubting me?’ Michel Jean could see that the soldier had every intention of barring his departure.

‘This is a military barracks, sir. We have intruders. We must investigate.’

‘Ask the guard at the gate. They let me in this morning. I have an arrangement with the Prowders. The Governor and his secretary know about this arrangement. I insist.’

‘Sir, you must do as I say, or I’ll be forced to restrain you.’

‘Restrain me? I’m an artist doing his job.’

‘That’s what you say.’

Michel Jean was frustrated by what he saw as the injustice of his confinement. He knew the suspicion must be because of his colour, and he resented it.

‘The laws were changed in 1829, young man. I expect you’ve not been in the colony long.’

‘Sir, I must caution you.’

‘The Governor’s secretary will investigate this.’

‘Sir, I must caution you again.’

Michel Jean relented. There was no sign of the doctor returning.

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