Genevieve Murrell

Maggie Flynn

Maggie plays Genevieve Murrell, the mother of the Murrell family who fears what the revolution will bring.

The following is Genevieve's story, written by Maggie:

When Genevieve was very young her mama and papa moved to a small village where Genevieve would spend the majority of her life. Now at 11 years old, Genevieve was the oldest of three, followed by 7-year-old Chantal and baby Marcelle. Mama would mend clothes and embroider for people while Papa worked tirelessly in the factories just to put bread on the table. Genevieve helped with the washing and the mending and taught Chantal these crafts too. There was a village school composed of poor children but Genevieve hardly had time to attend, as she helped her mama daily, cleaning and running errands. Bands of Brigandes often roamed the countryside looting whoever they wished, and Genevieve distinctly remembered her papa telling her, “Stay clear of those Brigandes. They’ll take whatever they please, even from a pretty girl like you.”

Genevieve never fully understood those words until one day when they came into play. It was a Saturday evening, the whole family was home, and Genevieve and Chantal were sent to the bakers for some bread. She smelled the smoke first, but as Genevieve turned around she could see it just as well. The house was on fire. Genevieve grasped Chantal’s hand and they ran back as fast as they could. Marcelle’s screams could be heard above the roar of the fire as it choked the house in flame, and there on the doorstep lay Papa, soaked in his own blood. As the fire turned to ashes, Genevieve was too stunned to spill tears. Her whole life, everything she had known, was gone.

After that point Genevieve’s life changed. She spent all day working in the factories and for other people, trying to keep herself and Chantal alive. Nights passed huddled together on the streets, hungry and cold. This went on for two years. Genevieve didn’t believe things could get any worse, until they did.

She never allowed herself to let Chantal out of her sight, but this day was a very busy one, so she asked Chantal if she would cross the street and bargain with the butcher while she went to tend to a neighbor’s cows. At this point Chantal had watched Genevieve bargain so many times she was almost better than her. Genevieve made her way through the bustling crowds, and quickly dodged a horse and cart that careened down the street. The scream was unmistakable. Chantal. Genevieve knew what was coming before she even saw it. The crushed body of Chantal lay in the street, lifeless. Genevieve broke down beside her and sobbed. What little kindness in this world she had had was lost. There was no one. She was completely alone. Genevieve didn’t even notice as the strong arms gathered her up.

His name was Monsieur Murrell, and he was the one who had carried Genevieve from the streets to his home. It was the first time Genevieve had been offered a place of rest for the night, so she gladly took it. When she wasn’t working, Genevieve helped in the house. Monsieur Murrell had a boy he had also taken from the streets named Jerome who worked in the blacksmith shop with him. He and Genevieve would cross paths every so often, and at first Genevieve was shy, but as time went on, she became more confidant. Jerome would tell her stories about different travelers who passed through the blacksmith shop. He showed her different skills with his hands. Jerome taught Genevieve many things, including how to love again. When Genevieve was 16 she married Jerome. Monsieur Murrell died soon after, and they inherited the blacksmith shop. They still had to work hard, but Genevieve was happy. They had three children, Francois, Andre, and Charlotte. Genevieve watched them grow and all was well. But now times were getting harder. Bread was becoming scarce. Word spread of a revolution. Little did Genevieve know it would play such a big part in her family and change them forever.