Kenna looked out her window at the dew covered field. Her older brothers are overseeing the servants harvest the crops for the autumn. A cry pulled her from her thoughts. She walked into the chamber that connected to hers and found her daughter Evangeline sitting up in her cradle. Kenna smiled at the little girl.

"Did you wake all alone?"

Evangeline smiled and rested her head on her mother's shoulder and sucked her thumb. Kenna carried her down the stone steps and out to the kitchen. Their cook Poppy was busy stoking the fire. She turned and grinned.

"I see that our little one is up."

Kenna smiled. "Is there any apples?"

She handed her an apple and grabbed a pot to place over the fire. Kenna cut up the apple and handed Evangeline a small slice. Poppy grinned as she started stew for supper.

"I spotted some of the pumpkins in the field. I suppose I will be making some pies tomorrow."

Kenna smiled. "Well Poppy your pies are the best in all of Scotland."

She blushed. "You're sweet Lady Kenna." She had just begun to busy herself with the pot when she pulled something out of her apron. "I nearly had forgotten. This arrived for you this afternoon."

Kenna accepted the letter and carried Evangeline back into the main house. She set her daughter down by her rocking horse before sitting down and reading her letter by the fire.

My Dearest Kenna,

I hope this letter finds you well. As always we miss you here everyday. How are you family? You would not believe how much Jean has grown. He has began to walk everywhere. I can hardly keep up. Francis and Mary are negotiating a new deal with The English. I doubt that it will be agreed upon. You know how Elizabeth can be. I do hope you would come visit. Especially with how dangerous Scotland has become.

All my love,

Lola

Kenna smiled. She heard the front door shut and tucked the letter into the pocket of her dress and stood. Her mother walked through the door with her younger sister. There arms were laden down with rolls of fabric. Kenna smiled.

"Shopping again?"

Kenna's mother Rosalie smiled. "Well I suppose this is too much but I can have the seamstress make you girls some new winter cloaks and gloves."

She set the fabric down and took off her white gloves.

"Have your father and brothers come in yet?"

Kenna shook her head. Rosalie sighed.

"Of course they have not." She marched to the door and shouted. "Coilin! You best be bringing my sons inside. Hurry now before you all catch a cold."

Kenna's father Coilin came riding up the road and tied his horse to the fence.

"Now Rosalie the harvesting has to be done."

"That is what we have field hands for."

He rolled his eyes. Kenna's older brothers came behind him. Douglas and Ian followed their father into the house. Soon they were all seated along with Kenna's two younger sisters McKenzie and Paisley. Poppy brought the pot of stew into the dining room along with some freshly made bread. Evangeline sat in a wooden chair with a tray that a farm hand made for her. Kenna set a small piece of bread and started to feed her spoonfuls of stew. It was then that a knock came to the door. Poppy opened it to reveal a messenger.

"Evening miss. It is my duty to inform you that Mary de Guise died this evening. Her body will be set to France to be buried."

Poppy shut the door and Kenna clapped her hand to her mouth.

"Oh Mary will be distraught."

Rosalie looked to her husband. "Coilin."

He looked at his wife. "You and Kenna will leave for France in the morning. I will send word to the castle that you will accompany your sister in law's body to your niece."

Kenna stood and hugged him. "Thank you Papa."

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Kenna stared at the casket. It swayed with the boat. Evangeline was asleep beside Kenna's brother Ian. He was sent for protection. Rosalie was staring at the casket as well. She spoke quietly.

"When James died I was distraught. I remember the funeral. Ian and Douglas sat still through the whole thing. You were just a baby, as was Mary. Her mother was beside herself with grief. We knew of the danger that the English posed to Mary. That is why she came to live with us. We felt that a private undisclosed home was best. She became, in many ways, my fourth daughter. You two were inseparable. I remember the day she was taken to the convent. You ran after the carriage until it picked up more speed then your little legs could carry you. You wept for days. I had hoped that when you were reunited in France that you would grow close again."

Kenna didn't say anything. And the rest of the journey was spent in silence. The boat docked in France and they were rushed into carriages. That is when Kenna got her first glimpse of someone familiar. She grinned.

"Leith."

He grinned and hugged her tight. "Kenna. Welcome home." He pulled away and then his smile dropped. "I wish it was under better circumstances."

She nods. "As do I."

Ian came over and stepped next to Kenna. She rolled her eyes at his overprotective nature.

"This is my elder brother Sir Ian of Kimross."

Leith bowed and then smiled. "It I nice to finally meet one of Kenna's brothers. She spoke of you both often."

Ian nodded. "Thank you. Well I should see to the body."

Rosalie stepped off the boat with Evangeline still asleep in her arms. Kenna took the little girl and introduced her mother.

"May I present The Duchess of Kimross Rosalie Beaton."

Leith bowed and Rosalie smiled. "That is not necessary. You are a friend of Kenna's."

Leith nodded. He then motioned to Evangeline. "And who may I ask is this little Beauty?"

Kenna smiled and adjusted her daughter. "This is my daughter Evangeline."

Leith looked shocked but hid it well. He smiled at the little girl.

"You are just as beautiful as your mother."

Evangeline buried her head into Kenna's neck shyly. Leith smiled and looked at them.

"We best be on our way. The castle is in mourning. They are waiting."

Kenna nodded and followed her mother into the carriage. As they made their way to the castle the butterflies in Kenna's stomach started to act up. Evangeline was wide awake and playing with her rag doll. When the carriage slowed Kenna began to hear the trumpets sounding. People rushing around. When the carriage stopped completely Kenna wanted nothing more then to remain in the carriage. She heard someone begin to announce the arrival of the royal family. That went straight through her. Then they began to be ushered from the carriage. Her mother stepped out first and she heard the man bellow.

"Presenting The Duchess of Kimross Rosalie Beaton."

Rosalie stepped out with grace. She stood tall and waited. Then the man announced.

"Presenting Sir Ian of Kimross and Lady Kenna de Poitiers."

Kenna stepped out with Evangeline in her arms. Thankfully Ian shielded her from the others. They all turned as the casket was brought out. Rosalie nodded for the servants to but her down. She walked over to the casket and placed her hand on it.

"Rest in peace Mary. I take comfort knowing that you have been reunited with my brother."

Ian simply gave the sign of the cross. Kenna placed her hand on the casket.

"I will look after her. You need not worry."

She adjusted Evangeline. As they walked forward Kenna tried her best to ignore them. When they reached the royal family Rosalie motioned for all of them to bow. She then spoke.

"Mary, darling."

Mary hugged her aunt tightly. "I can not thank you enough for accompanying her."

Rosalie touched Mary's cheek. "My darling she was my sister. It was my honor."

Mary nodded and motioned to Francis. "May I present my husband King Francis."

Rosalie bowed once more. "Your majesty."

Francis smiled politely. "It is an honor to meet you. Mary speaks very highly of you."

"Of you as well. May I present my children Sir Ian and I believe you know my daughter Lady Kenna."

Francis nodded to Ian but beamed at Kenna. Mary gathered Kenna in her arms.

"Welcome home sister."

Kenna cried quietly into her shoulder. "I am so sorry Mary."

Mary sniffled and then pulled back. "We're together again. That is what truly matters." She brushed her hand over Evangeline's face. "Hello Little One. I am your Aunt Mary."

Evangeline smiled shyly. Francis then turned to Kenna and hugged her.

"Welcome home."

Kenna nodded. Soon they were being led into the castle. Once inside Greer and Lola attacked her with hugs. Kenna giggled and they squealed.

"We've missed you so much!"

Kenna pulled away grinning and caught sight of three people who did not seem glad to see her. Claude, Catherine and Bash stood in the back. Catherine faked a smile and walked over.

"Kenna dear. Welcome back."

Kenna gritted her teeth and hugged her. They both pulled apart quickly. Lola eased the tension by setting Jean on the ground by Evangeline. They were a year apart. Lola smiled.

"Who is this little beauty?"

Kenna knelt down next to Evangeline smiling. "This is Evangeline. But you may call her Evie."

Jean looked at Evie and then held a grape out to her. Evie looked at him before accepting the grape. He smiled.

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Kenna had changed into her white lace long sleeve nightgown and was combing through her hair when a knock came on the door. She turned.

"Come in."

Mary walked in wearing her nightdress and carrying two steaming mugs. Kenna smiled. Mary handed her a mug.

"Francis purchased a coffee plantation. We are now overrun with coffee beans."

Kenna smiled and tried a sip. Mary had the cooks sweeten the bitter drink with milk. She smiled.

"So how are you doing with all of this?"

Mary sighed. "I miss her more then ever. It comforted me to know that she was out there. Keeping my country safe."

Kenna nodded and looked around. "believe it or not I missed this place."

Mary smiled. "I understand. Are you going to stay?"

"Just long enough for the funeral.'

She nodded and spotted Evangeline fast asleep in the bed. Her dark brown hair covered the ivory pillow. Her soft pinks lips were parted. Mary smiled.

"She is beautiful."

Kenna nodded. "She is. Inside and out."

Mary then threw Kenna a look. "She resembles Bash more so then Renaude. And if I do recall you gave birth weeks sooner than planned. Yet she appears healthy."

Kenna sighed. "To what are you asking?"

"Is this Bash's daughter?"

Kenna sighed and went quiet before whispering. "Yes."

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Yes I am well aware that Francis dies in history as do a lot of others in this story. This is why I love fanfiction, you can make history whatever you please.