Culross, Scotland
Tuesday 13th September,
1805
Janella Craig Ailsa's home was a small stone cottage, nestled in a sheltered valley. The roof was made of thatched straw, and the windows were small and square, letting in just enough light to illuminate the cozy interior. A hearth fire burned brightly in the center of the room, casting a warm glow on the rough-hewn walls. A few simple pieces of furniture were scattered around the room, and a small kitchen area was tucked into one corner. The cottage was humble and rustic, but it was a place of comfort and refuge for Janella.
Janella lived alone. Her parents had died when she was 17 years old and all she had inherited was a small stone cottage somewhere on the Scottish Highlands.
....
....
"Good morning Ellie" Said Mrs Anne MacGregor
"How are you doing today"
"Fine thank you. And you?"
" Great as always. I came to see the progress of my dress.The wedding is only in 3 nights."
"It's almost done. Come back in 3 hours."
"Thank you Ellie."
....
Wren House,
Kensington Palace,
London,
England.
3:23pm
"Simon!!!!!"
"Yes sire"
"Hand me over some ink and paper and the correspondence sent by Lord Ashburn to myself."
"My lord, if I may be so bold, I have a suggestion to make." The butler spoke with a respectful tone, yet his words were direct and to the point. "You have many important matters to attend to, and I believe it would be best if I were to handle your correspondence on your behalf."
Edmund, the Duke of Kent, gave the butler a thoughtful look. "You would take on such a task, Simon?" he asked. "Are you certain you are up to the challenge?"
"My lord, I am more than capable of attending to such matters.
"I understand that some of the letters may be of a sensitive nature, and I can assure you that your privacy will be my utmost concern," the butler continued. "You have many demands on your time, and I believe that allowing me to handle your correspondence will free you up to attend to more pressing matters."
Edmund considered the butler's words for a moment. "You make a compelling case, Simon," he said at last. "I will grant you this task, and I will trust you to carry it out with the utmost discretion and efficiency."
...
4:30am
Lord Dominion Archie George, the Marquess of Kent took strides as he made for his father's court.
"Father, I must speak with you on a matter of great importance," Dominion said, his tone serious and determined.
The Duke, his father, looked up from his papers, his brow furrowed. "This sounds serious," he said. "What is it, my son?"
Dominion took a deep breath. "I have heard tell of a situation in Scotland that requires my attention. There are rumors of unrest and discontent, and I believe that I must go and see the matter for myself."
The Duke's eyes widened.
"You would travel to Scotland, on your own?" the Duke asked, his voice laced with concern. "It is not safe, my son. There are many dangers, and you are not experienced in such matters."
Dominion's expression hardened. "I am more than capable of taking care of myself, Father," he said. "And the situation in Scotland is too important to ignore. I must go, and I must see it with my own eyes."
The Duke considered his son's words, his mind racing. "I cannot dissuade you from this course of action?" he asked, his tone resigned.
"No, Father, you cannot," Dominion said, his voice firm but respectful. "I understand your concern, but I am resolved to see this through. I only ask that you support me in this, and trust that I will take every precaution to ensure my safety."
The Duke sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I cannot deny you the right to make your own decisions, my son," he said. "But I will always worry for your safety. Please, promise me that you will take every care while you are away."
Dominion stepped forward and placed a hand on his father's shoulder.
"I promise you, Father," Dominion said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will take every precaution, and I will do my best to return to you safely. I will not let you down."
The Duke met his son's gaze, and saw the determination in his eyes. He nodded slowly, his expression softening. "I will trust in your judgment, my son," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "And I will pray for your safe return."
Dominion's expression softened as well, and he drew his father into an embrace.