Chapter 1
JULY 23, 2006
The Rampant Scotland Newsletter:
On this date, July 23, 1745, Charles Edward Stewart landed on Eriskay, ushering in the campaign of the '45.
CHANCELLOR BECOMES A FATHER AGAIN
The expected successor to Tony Blair has a new son named James Fraser Brown.Gordon Brown, the Scots-born Chancellor of the Exchequer, became a dad again this week, when his wife Sarah gave birth to a baby boy weighing 8 pounds (3.6 kilos in this metric age). The couple's first child, Jennifer Jane, who Mr Brown has said was an "inspiration", died aged 10 days after being born prematurely in 2002. Their second child, John, will turn three in October this year and the new baby is to be named James Fraser Brown. Prime Minister Tony Blair sent his congratulations to the couple when he spoke to reporters at the G8 Summit in St Petersburg. Gordon Brown is widely expected to succeed Tony Blair when the Prime Minister decides to step down - at a date of his choosing. Brown has headed HM Treasury since May 1997, making him the longest continuously serving Chancellor since the early 19th century.
A tall. slender, middle aged woman , stood staring at the scrunched up face of the newborn baby boy, as he screamed and clenched his fists in protest. The nurse uncovered him and held him up for the woman and her companion, the proud Papa to see.
"Oh, Gordon, he's beautiful!," she sighed wistfully. "Mama would have loved to see him. How is Sarah?"
"Oh she's a wee bit worn out just now, but I know she will be so happy to see you. and Mandy, "
As if on cue, a striking young woman, stepped off the elevator and strode towards them, arms extended. "Mama!, Gordon!," she exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear and hugging them each in turn. "I got here as quickly as I could! Which one is he?, " she asked , peering through the glass at all the infants in their plastic basinets.
"See if you can guess, Mandy" said her mother, her cat-like smile, matching that of her daughter's.
Mandy turned and studied all the tiny faces, one by one, but her eyes were drawn to one little face in particular. "That's him !" she whispered, somewhat in awe. "He has your temperment, I think, Gordon, and Sarah's beautiful, blue eyes, and oh my", she said as the nurse uncovered his head," Where did he get that gorgeous red hair?"
"From Granny Bree," Gordon said, chuckling, as the older woman poked him in the ribs.
"Maybe so, maybe no," Brianna replied.. "Let's go visit Sarah.."
Sarah's tired, but contented face lit up when they entered the room. Mandy and Bree each kissed her cheeks and they settled themselves in chairs near her bed. "He's beautiful!" exclaimed Mandy. "He looks a wee bit like both of you."
"He is quite beautiful, isn't he?," Sarah asked, beaming. "I hope you approve of his name. We meant to ask before it was official, but you know the press." She shrugged and looked to Brianna for approval.
"Ach, aye, of course it's okay," answered Mandy also looking to her Mother, "…it's, it's,…"
"An honor." Brianna finished for her. "After all, it's a family name and he was a part of your family tree, too, Sarah." Sarah smiled and nodded in reply. "I, I, … I wish…", Sarah mumbled tiredly.
"Dinna fash lass," Brianna said, in obvious imitation of a Scottish male voice, as she affectionately pushed the hair back from Sarah's face. "Sleep now. We'll be back ."
"She believes us, without a doubt now, doesn't she? " Mandy asked her mother , as they drove up the bumpy road towards home.
" Yes, I think she does. Sometimes it seems like yesterday." Brianna sighed, turning into the dirt lane leading to the old farm that was their home. "I can scarcely believe it, myself ."
"It is an unbelievable story", replied Mandy as they reached the driveway. "We only believe it because of Granny Claire, and because of Jem. I miss him so!"
"Me, too, darling!", sighed Brianna. "Me, too!"