Writing in process.
Set in 1876.
This novel is based on my paternal pioneering ancestors.
They immigrate to America from England and Denmark in the 1860s and 1870s, by sea, then by covered wagon, handcart, or train. Leaving the comforts of home life in Europe, some suffered storms at sea, immigration hardships/poverty, frightening Indians, a bear attack, or family members freezing to death in blizzard, to get there, as they all started life anew in a strange land.
1 comment:
Elvine Svendsen was my great-grandmother.
The story begins like this:
Amalienborg Palace
Copenhagen, Denmark (København, Danmark)
January 1873
“Good day, Miss Svendsen. How are you today, Veena? You look lovely, as usual.”
Elvine blushed and touched her necklace, a nervous habit of fidgeting with things. “Anders, you mustn’t be so familiar. You are an Amalienborg guard for the King’s Palace!” She was on her way for her sewing lessons from the Kingdom’s very best, her own mother, Catherine, the King’s seamstress.
“I cannot help it, with you. Others I can merely observe and disregard, but you stand out.”
“I know, it is my black hair in a world of blondes.”
“It is beautiful, especially with your gray eyes.” He silently added, ‘your catching smile, beautiful mouth and nose, and perfect body’. “Are you fully Dansk or perhaps part Deutsch?”
“As far as I know, I am fully Dansk. My Family has been in Denmark for many generations.” She took a moment to look out across the Oresund Strait toward nearby Sweden, then down toward Koge Bay off the Baltic Sea, and then north up the strait to Kattegat Bay, enjoying the salty air and gentle breeze. Copenhagen, on the east side of the Zealand island, had a lovely view and a peacefulness she enjoyed. She noticed a ship with tall masts and billowing sails arriving at the port by the Kastellets Fortress this morning. She turned back around to face the Amalienborg Palace. She found it impressive as she gazed down the center at The Marble Church, Frederick’s Church, with four palaces, two on each side. The farthest two on the west side, nearest the church, were completed first, nearly 110 years ago. The four palaces were similar on the outside. She would be going to the King’s Palace on the southeast side, the nearest one to her left. The architecture was impressive, although the four palaces looked more like mansions than castles. King Christian the 9th was the first of the new royal line, as King Frederick the 7th had no heirs. That had been a disgraceful line, embarrassing the kingdom with their sinful ways. Hopefully, she mused, this royal line will represent the crown better. She knew that people with power thought they were above all rules and laws, even God’s. After all, since the government owned the Church of Denmark, the king probably felt he owned the Church, even though King Frederick VII was the last Absolute Monarch. Heirless he chose Christian IX to be his successor, the first Limited Monarch, now bound and restricted by a constitution. It appeared that King Christian IX tried to set a good example for the Danish people. He and his wife were friendly towards her and she liked them.
Post a Comment