Joachim de Montailhac
In Spring 1818, 27 year-old Joachim is delighted that this year, for the first time he is in sole charge of running the family estate. This is a great challenge. As the youngest of five children, he has always had to fight for his dignity. So with this new responsibility he is determined to do as well, if not better than his two brothers.
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| Flocon, Joachim's faithful old lurcher |
Athletic, handsome and always a gentleman, he is devoted to his parents, plays the violin like a dream, rides and shoots well, goes fishing with his father and is very much a hands-on worker.
Attempting to equal his brothers, he made a few bad mistakes growing up. Ten years after one episode he still feels guilty at the effect his actions had on family and close friends. It doesn't help that the other person involved in that scandalous episode has no shame and continues to torment him over it.
Just when he needs to give his full attention to running the estate, his problems multiply.
A big disappointment is the arrival of his mother's guests. Having two young ladies to stay was meant to be a pleasure but very quickly Joachim considers them to be the visitors from Hell. Being gentlemanly becomes a struggle, especially when he is so busy.
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| A Merens horse |
The estate consists of the family chateau and a vast stretch of lands in the foothills of the Pyrenees. As well as livestock - horses, cattle and sheep - there is an iron mine on the estate, worked by tough, independent minded peasants, as proud as they are poor. Joachim is determined to improve their lives but so far they resist any change.
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| The iron Mine |
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| New gallery at the Mine |
Desperate to find more iron ore, the miners hastily dig a new tunnel. A week of heavy rain causes the roof to collapse, and four men die, others are badly injured. Joachim does all he can to help in the aftermath.
To complicate his life, his tormenter from ten years ago is stalking him again.
And worse still, he becomes the victim of a kidnap and is badly injured.
When will his luck turn?
Even when life calms down, something occurs that stirs his resentful temper - for even a gentleman has some character faults and Joachim has reached overload.
How will it all end....?
BREAKING FREE by Beth Elliott
(c) Beth Elliott
