Hidden from the outside world by a vast
swamp and ridge of gray rock, a group of Detroit River French got
down on one knee and took an Oath of Fealty to the man who led them
out of British rule at Detroit. Thankful for their new home they
called it Paradis, or Heaven. And on that day in 1766, they vowed
loyalty to Anton Gauchere and his heirs, pronounced him Lord of
Paradis, and swore to keep their settlement "forever
isolated, peaceful and French."
For six generations they thrived in
Paradis. In its beauty and quiet they became vividly alive, drawing
the joy of life from their marriages, their many children, their
Catholic faith, and the strength of their Seigneur, the Lord of
Paradise.
The Last Lord of Paradise is a series
of six books. As in any real life family saga each generation builds
on the one before it. So here is Generation One, Jeanne and Anton. Enjoy.
