As I mentioned in an earlier post, I met Gordon Hall at Varlet Farm, the B&B where my husband and I stayed in the Ypres area of Belgium. Gordon is a Tour Guide whom I’m quite sure had no idea he was actually an answer to my prayer about using my time in Europe wisely. He’d asked about the origins of my interest in the First World War era and I told him I was a writer, but that I do fiction with a bit of romance. He then began to tell me about a romantic story he was familiar with, of a British soldier caught behind the lines and hidden by the occupants of a small French village.
It was another one of those moments! Imagine our excitement when I told him I’d read about Robert Digby, that his was in fact one of the stories that inspired me to write the very book I’m working on now. I think both of us had goose bumps. Gordon told me if I’m familiar with Digby’s story then surely my husband and I planned to go to Le Catelet when we were in France? I nodded, that was on our agenda, although at that point all I knew was that Digby had been hidden and subsequently arrested in the small town of Villeret, then taken to Le Catelet where he was executed.
This is the church in the center of Villeret,the little town where Digby was hidden and then betrayed.
The Town Hall of Villeret is not in a Market Square as it would be in most other towns, I suppose because Villeret is still such a small town it doesn’t have a Square. It has only the one street going in and out of town—a lot like a small town in the U.S. actually. Villeret was completely destroyed in WWI so this building dates after that, but it’s the model on which I imagined the Town Hall for my book.
Gordon gave us exact directions not only to Le Catelet but to the church where Digby is buried.
The Insignia at the top of Digby’s headstone is from his regiment. The headstone starts with his rank and #:
# – Private
R. Digby
Hampshire Regiment
30th May 1916 Age 31
Gordon also told us exactly how to find the spot where Digby was shot. There is a wall, he said, set just off the road with a bit of grass in front of it, and barbed wire. An old stone wall, like one that might have edged a field. Nothing elaborate. On this wall you’ll see a small plaque, inscribed with the names of Digby and the chums who were betrayed and executed with him.
To my knowledge there are no maps, no guidebooks, not even a street sign pointing visitors to Le Catelet because of Digby’s story, to the graveyard beside the church, to this plain little wall marking the spot where a British soldier had been shot. But God had planned for me to meet a Tour Guide from the War Research Society to give me the directions we needed. Otherwise I’m sure my husband and I would have gone through Le Catelet, probably found the church but maybe not the grave. I certainly never would have found the execution wall nearly at the edge of town. It was hard enough to find with explicit directions! Amazing guidance that somehow made me feel secure that God had a hand in this trip, affirming that not only should I be writing this particular book, but be writing in general. I felt blessed and affirmed.
Okay here’s a question for you. After having read the above post and knowing the inspiration behind my story was taken from real life events, which option do you think I’ll go with for the ending to my current work-in-progress:
- My story will have a tragic end with the hero being shot by the Germans, as Digby was.
- My story will have a relationally satisfying but materially tragic end with the little town being destroyed, as Villeret was.
- My story will have a complete HEA (happily-ever-after) ending.
Let me know what you think! Anyone who leaves a comment will have their name put into a drawing for one free book of their choice: Pieces of Silver, Remember Me, The Oak Leaves, On Sparrow Hill, or My Sister Dilly. I’ll announce the winner on Monday morning.
How about option #2. Realistic but happy in the relationship area. That way we keep the hope thread alive.
I think the second ending is the best. But I also love HEA endings. I love what God is doing through your writing and affirming all that you are doing.
I like #1. As I’m sure you know Americans are huge on HEA endings. The French on the other hand usually have realistically and tragic endings. I would think in a tribute to France and Digby keep the tragedy and sorrow of the sorrow.
I love all things French so I totally relish these pictures. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!!
I’m so jealous of your trip. Seriously, my husband is a history “nut” so if you ever have any completey way out there pieces of info that you need, feel free to write, he has the info, I guarantee. Be blessed
Oh yes, the most important part. I think reality dictates that you have to include a little reality with the happy ending. So, option #2!
your pictures make me wanna hop on a plane and get outta here!!
Keep it up!!
I think option #2 will be the ending–bittersweet, but at least the relationship will have a HEA!
Thanks for sharing your pictures and experience with us. It’s fascinating!
Laurie P.
HEA all the way!
Hope I win!!
🙂
Hi Maureen, I am going with the middle option…a semi-happy ending. Your visit surely was divinely inspired. What a wonderful story, and what a wonderful opportunity. Thank you for sharing this with us today.
I’ll go with option 2 – it seems more your style. Can’t wait! Although I’m usually a fan of #3’s, sometimes a #2 ending is refreshing.
What a blessing to have had the research opportunities you did in France! I love HEA
endings, but wonder if #1 would be a better
tribute to a hero and the example of character
we need for today. Just a thought.
I’m hoping for #2.
And I’m hoping I win the drawing!
say you go with your soldier hero dazed in the middle of the rubble being led away to convalescence by the caring and devoted Mlle. Toussaint. Book two will chronicle their battles with despair as the war rages around them. The trilogy ends with the armistice and a restoration of faith. They both live but are changed forever.
Hello Maureen
I’m enjoying reading your travel experiences so much.
I’d love for you to choose the second option- it’s important to have a relationally satisfying ending but the destruction of the village will raise your novel to the level of one of those books that haunt you and that you think about long after its finished.
God bless
Ruth Dell
ruthdell@mweb.co.za
Wow! Thanks for all the comments and interest, everyone. And here I thought it would be pretty unanimous for a HEA. Silly me.
I’ll be selecting the name of a randomly chosen winner at the end of today, so before Monday I’ll contact the winner and ask which book he or she would like.
Other than that, I’m going to control myself and not be a spoiler by giving away my ending before the book is even in print. 🙂