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Fiction Historical

Catherine of Cannington Manor

by (author) Shirley Harris

Publisher
DriverWorks Ink
Initial publish date
Mar 2015
Category
Historical
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781927570142
    Publish Date
    Mar 2015
    List Price
    $$19.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781927570180
    Publish Date
    Mar 2015
    List Price
    $13.31

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Description

After tragedy strikes her family in England, Catherine Hensen decides to explore a new life in Canada. While working as a governess for an Anglican reverend and his family, Catherine discovers the many challenges and joys of the Canadian prairies in the late 1800s. She grows to call Canada home, but her heart will forever be in two places – England and Canada.

About the author

Shirley Harris is a Master Gardener who is interested in heritage gardens and has written extensively about the association of art history and garden design. Recent trips to England and Northern Europe have increased her awareness of the important role gardens have had throughout the development of civilization.

 

Shirley was born at Kennedy, Saskatchewan,graduated from Luther College in Regina and is a former teacher. She and her husband Gary live in Wolseley, Saskatchewan where they own a forty-acre garden centre consisting of a 1912 guest house, show gardens and arboretum. In the late 1990s they received an environmental award from the Canadian Tree Foundation for the planting of many trees and shrubs on the property, as well as for the maintenance and care of their mature trees. Their passion for plants, art, black and white photography, books and antiques has been brought together in a unique store, Heritage Furnishings, also located in Wolseley. Shirley continues to design gardens and especially enjoys the mature and colourful gardens around her home.

Shirley Harris' profile page

Excerpt: Catherine of Cannington Manor (by (author) Shirley Harris)

“The sorrow in my heart ...”

Catherine opened her eyes to a clear bright morning. Sunlight was streaming through the lace curtains on the window, splashing rays of gold onto her black crepe dress. She had hastened out of that depressing dress last night and left it lying across the small davenport at the foot of her bed. She had been in a hurry to get into bed and be able to finally sob her sorrow into her pillow. The sight of the black dress, now reflecting sunlight, suddenly brought back the turmoil of the past days; once more, she recoiled in disbelief. Finally, she fought back her despair as she struggled to swing her slender legs over the side of the bed. She slipped her feet into soft satin slippers, then pulled her dressing gown from the wardrobe, put it on, tied the sash, and went to the window to look out. There was none of the usual activity in the gardens and the grounds. The fields beyond were deserted. Bird songs outside her window did not bring her the joy she usually felt at hearing their melodic notes. The freshness of the morning was not invigorating; she just felt numb. Sounds of voices from the entrance hall below caught her attention. She had wanted only quiet today, but she heard Mrs. Moore, the housekeeper, and her small staff discussing the tasks that must be done this day. The events of the last week had been overwhelming and grievous for everyone; work today would be comforting and they were off to an early start. Only a short week ago, life for Catherine was near the ideal. She was the youngest of three children. Her two older brothers and her father treated her with love and respect. She was finishing her senior year at school; she planned to attend Normal School to train for a vocation in teaching.