Entry 25

From th' first I awoke efter th' sinkin' o' th' Endeavour all I mainly remembered to have felt was pain. Great pain that shot throughoot me body, 'til a muffled voice sounded from above me. Slowly piercin' me hazy consciuous, th' sensation o' agony slowly givin' room to other senses as I then found meself coughin' furiously. Tastin' th' irony aroma o' blood mixed in wi' th' bitter saltwater, pairs o' hauns takin' hold o' me as me lugs picked up freish noises. Mair people talkin', creakin' o' wood 'n' stompin' feet that made th' hard platform I laid upoan to vibrate, me heavin' in laborious, airless feeling breaths in middle o' gaggin' as me other haun instinctively moved towards th' greatest centerpoint o' th' pulsatin' pain. To feel somethin' warm gush oot plentifully that gave aff a similar sickenin' whiff that neist filled me owersensitised nostrils, me tremblin' fingers then fumblin' their wey to me eyes to feel th' wetness, afore me haun was caught 'n' set ontae th' deck by someone. As that was where I laid I realized, me tryin' to open me eyes but conjured up only another surge o' paralyzin' pain. Panic risin' when efter a few times o' tryin' I couldn't see a thing, fear clutchin' me hert when I discovered me vision to consist only o' pitch black nothingness. A startled cry escapin' me burnin' throat that sounded mair lik' a gurgle, th' voice stairtin' to speak yet again as noo several strong pairs o' hauns tried to keep me from fidgetin' in excruciatin' agony 'n' dread o' nae kennin' where I was. Th' heavily accented voice o' a man movin' closer, makin' it easier for me to make oot th' words that came oot o' this stranger's geggy whom I found nae to recognize.

"Ma'am, calm yerself. Ye can hear me voice, can't ye?"

"Where…I…What…I-it hurts", I bemoaned, floppin' back doon wi'oot makin' any progress in me desperate attempt to rise 'n' fight against those hauns that strived to keep me oan me back. Feelin' meself powerless 'n' unable to move while completely numbed by pain, th' voice payin' heed to me distress as it assumed a soothin' tone. Th' haun that was large 'n' defintiely male settin' ontae th' bend o' me arm as th' voice draw nearer, lowerin' close to a whisper.

"It's awright, Ma'am. Ye're safe 'n' sound noo. We found ye afloat in th' ocean amongst th' remains o' th' wreckage. Juist try to remain still. Ye're badly injured."

"Where's…P-Peter…Is he…Maggie…Edward…William."

"I'm feart that ye were among th' only survivors Ma'am. There were naw signs o' other people who would've survived th' explosion o' yer uncle's vessel…includin' yer husband. Yer maid 'n' ye are th' only ones we found alive."

There had been a slight falter in th' Scottish man's voice at th' mention o' Taran, but I cared nae o' that at th' moment, as another kind o' pain grasped me then. Fillin' me anxious hert 'n' twisted it as a miserable breath left me lips, among th' liguid matter that seemed to cover me face 'n' which I noo identified as blood tears tricklin' doon th' corners o' me eyes under th' coarse dressing that I but then realized to cover 'em. Me nae bein' able to hold back th' snivels o' both physical 'n' emotional torment when I then juist laid there. Rememberin' William, me dear William, nae efter all wantin' to rise from that place 'n' come in terms wi' truth o' his death. Cursin' th' God that had let me live 'n' left me carry oan wi'oot 'im. Wi' this grief that grew in me chest lik' a crushin' weight, me hopin' it to turn intae th' poison that would bring forth me death, me tears nae comin' to an end even when I then felt a familiar palm to set ontae mine in turn. Squeezin' it encouragingly as I was neist hauled ontae th' side carefully afore I was hoisted intae th' air. Me lettin' oot a loud, pained wail as th' although subtle, careful lift still caused me left leg to twitch so that it felt lik'detachin' from its place. It feelin' lik' me whole body was broken along wi' me bones, Margareth's fingers squeezin' mine again hearteningly. Juist as everythin' stairted to fade under freish, owerpowerin' haze that was me conscious, draggin' me back deeper 'n' deeper intae th' blissful oblivion.

"It's awright, Ma'am. Ye're goin' to be awright. Ye're goin' to survive this", Maggie told me, me however wantin' to damn 'er reassurances to hell as another flood o' painful emotions surged thro' me, 'n' me defiance flared up in what was left o' me. Me shakin' me heid as much as was able as felt tears to drench everythin' that wasn't already stained to me blood. Me soundin' extremely frail 'n' lethargic even to me ain lugs as pushed me leftower strength to th' extreme, to stand against those strivin' to save me 'n' to make sure it went against everyhtin' I currently wished for.

"Naw. N-naw, I don't…want to, do ye h-hear me? I j-juist…want to die wi-wi' 'im. Please let me die 'n' go to 'im…Please, Maggie…I can't stand this pain. Juist l-let m-me d-d-die…"

"Shhh, Ma'am. Ye need to save yer strength. Ye are safe noo, 'n' will be weel cared for. I won't leave ye alone."

Oan th' brink o' faintin' I suppose I let oot another despondent breath, ran oot o' words 'n' will to do anythin' else than lull in that bittersweet feeling o' affection that surfaced shortly afore I embraced th' misery again. Th' gey thought o' William twingin' me hert 'n' makin' me fall intae desperation, nae findin' comfort in anythin'. Me indeed hopin' me wounds to be this time so serious that I would ne'er recover from 'em, 'em to swiftly drain any remnants o' life found in this shell o' bein' I felt meself to have reduced to. There bein' but a sea o' tears 'n' bottomless pain found within me, nothin' worth savin', me last thoughts afore desired death bein' dedicated to who else than William. 'Em conjurin' up a spark o' joy as I remembered his voice that soon called oot to me from th' dark I was slowly driftin' towards, askin' me to join 'im.

I'm so sorry William…Forgive me.

Regardless o' me hopes at th' time, I'd been due to notice much later that efter all Maggie had been right. Against me fondest wishes n' prayers for God to claim me I wasn't allowed to die then, but survived. Precisely ten years efter th' destruction o' th' Endeavour in th' eftermath o' th' battle o' Calypso's maelstrom (as I'd come to learn that particular event to be called in th' tales that told o' this grand confrontation in years to come), I was still alive. Oan this particularly early July mornin' standin' at th' edge o' a cliff facin' a vast cove that led passagewey from me hometown's harbor to th' sea, nae all that far from me hoose. Lik' so many times afore recallin' those times that had come to pass ower a decade ago, lik' every time during this particular day o' commemoration o' th' battle that had left a great impact in me life at its wake, shapin' it to th' form it was today. A slight, remiscent smile oan me lips me tightenin' me hold o' meself against th' forceful wind which was rather cold taken that were were in middle o' th' warmest period o' th' summer in th' Scottish highlands. Th' moist seemin' sea air that usually felt invigoratin' informin' o' th' possibility that th' day could perhaps become a dreary one, although th' currently risin' sun would've given an impression o' otherwise while caressin' me skin wi' its first rays. Me sensin' th' yet prominent lack o' sunlight as goosebumps that rose upoan me skin when th' neist breeze comin' from th' sea enveloped me, flutterin' me hem violently, as I then picked up th' faint sound o' footsteps to approach along th' cobbled path leadin' from th' hoose doon to th' cliffs thro' th' garden. This time wide smile risin' oan me lips as that familiar, large haun I'd come to ken by hert soon pressed against me back. Rubbin' it consolingly as me juist arrived companion came to stand by me side, 'im udoubtedly castin' a keek doon at th' roses I was holdin' afore his arm wrapped aroond me.

"So it's been awready ten years. Time sure flies wi' swift wings."

I broke intae much sadder smile, releasin' a sigh as touched th' petals o' th' roses in brief melancholy, 'til leant me heid against Malcom's. Closin' me eyes curtly. "To me it feels lik' it all happened juist yesterday."

"'N' yet ye've kept oan comin' to this cliff oan this same day for th' past seven…Although I understand why ye've come to remember it so weel. He's a lucky blighter to have ye remember 'im by even efter all this time."

I separated from Malcom as took a step closer to th' cliff's edge, raisin' th' flowers 'n' closed 'em atween me palms, breathin' in their sweet scent that went weel wi' th' memories that came floodin' to me mind then. All traces o' sadness however swiftly turnin' intae mere joy then as I turned me heid towards th' Scotsman, th' man I was glad to have come to share this moment wi' me, although I'd long ago gotten ower William's death 'n' come to accept it, therefore nae in true need o' support…But still simply happy that since he'd come to ken me so weel during these past ten years he was also 'ere to honor th' memory o' th' only person that had stuck wi' me thro' th' tribulations o' me so far life along wi' 'im.

"Ten years…It's hard to believe it has been that long since I lost 'im. When it indeed feels lik' only a day when I last saw 'im", I stated, that certain type o' longin' in me voice which Malcolm had come to understand from th' beginnin', since he was aware th' meaning William still had for me, although he'd been long dead 'n' oot o' me life. Malcolm's haun restin' against me elbow as he placed a winch to th' side o' me foreheid, smile in his voice.

"He sure to be glad that ye still luv 'im this much", he remarked, me concurrin' wi' this time a gentle smile as then took th' final step closer to th' drop doon. Lettin' meself to be filled wi' th' luv I wance felt for th' man who was th' first to ever capture me hert, 'n' lik' Malcolm mentioned still did in some part o' me. Th' passed time to have simply healed ol' wounds 'n' made room for somethin' freish, as a sign o' that lik' I did every year oan this anniversary o' th' battle against East India Armada I pressed a light kiss intae th' flowers meself afore threw 'em ower th' cliff. Releasin' a content, but a tad wistful sigh as was then framed by Malcolm's arms again. 'Im pressin' his heid juist slightly against mine as I put me haun oan his shoulder, lik' all those times afore feelin' utterly at peace.

"Fortunately he did die kennin' that."

"Then he was indeed a fortunate man."

I smiled at Malcolm's response, however frownin' then in slight wonder as I felt 'im flinch juist slightly. Me turnin' a bit aroond to face 'im wi' a questionable mien. "What is it?"

"I don't ken, for a moment…I thought I saw somethin' flash at th' horizon. It's streenge…It was likelie juist th' sun playin' tricks to me eye. There's nothin' but a lone ship at th' horizon."

I didn't comment, however then becomin' even mair pensive as efter listenin' to th' silence that I sensed to have become rather contemplative oan Malcolm's part me raisin' a quizzical haun to his coupon when he turned me fully aroond. To trace th' corner o' his geggy 'n' his eye for some answers, but he explained everythin' to me 'imself by slidin' his hauns softly doon me arms afore they set behind me waist lik' so many times afore. Me bein' able to feel what I assumed his tender eyes to roam aboot me as he brushed a longin' finger across me temple as weel, briefly touchin' th' faint scars delvin' under me hairline.

"I am aware that this day is definitely nae th' one to have me wishin' ye to change yer mind", he spoke, me tiltin' a questionable heid at 'im although naturally kenned what he was referrin' to. To have gone ower this topic in so many forms 'n' so many times afore that it had became some sort o' undisclosed dialogue o' oors, although we would've been talkin' aboot somethin' entirely different. It bein' always there, present, left to th' background wi'oot ever truly discussin' aboot it other than in moments lik' this…When there could've been hope for somethin' mair, but which we'd always decided nae to pursue to th' end although we'd grown closer by each passing year. As he then captured me chin, addressin' me wi' such tenderness me becomin' mair than tempted to give in to his prompts this time aroond. Oan this particular day however Malcolm nae even tryin' to win me ower so strongly wi' his ever so discreetly conveyed feelings lik' he 'imself had said, but simply remindin' me o' th' chance that had been hangin' in th' air atween us since meeting one another. "But I have a request to make o' ye, Miranda. One I always hope for ye to fulfill, but which I also always understand ye to steer clear from accordin' to oor mutual agreement along th' years. 'N' in so wishin' that ye have nae come to have second thoughts aboot me, when I am to return from th' journey wi' th' lad…would ye consider o' givin' me yer final answer to th' question ye've thwarted so many times…'n' finally agree to marry me? Since ye ken it mair than weel that there hasn't been any woman for me besides ye in th' past ten years…"

His question although awready familiar, did then leave me somewhat thoughtful meself despite o' me usual reaction to any o' his proposals he'd stairted to make regularly efter three years o' acquiaintance while comin' to visit me from th' McTavish estate. Me considerin' his suggestion much mair carefully than I would've oan some other day, th' anniversary o' William's death indeed to have made me mair emotional, which is why Malcolm to have nae actually asked me haun in marriage straightforwardly oot o' respect he'd always felt for me as his brother's wife 'n' a friend… Afore becomin' somethin' much mair to me than me brother-in-law (but although sensin' it every time we were together, neither o' us bein' able to actually name it). Me eyes turnin' gentler then as I released a longer sigh, wrappin' me ain arms lightly aroond his back as swept me palm doon his firm jaw that he shared wi' his elder brother. Tippin' me heid at 'im wi' a concurrin' smile, comin' to a decision that during th' first times o' havin' 'im ask me to marry 'im I'd been afraid to make, but which noo only felt natural to me since Malcolm was efter all a man who'd taken care o' me all these years 'n' ensured me weelbein' in th' absence o' me husband…It only fittin' that efter a decade o' comin' to return his growin' attachment me givin' 'im a chance in lettin' 'im take his place, 'n' continue to care for me wi' mair purpose from afore.

"I promise to consider it…Although I think ye awready ken how am I goin' to answer this time aroond."

I could tell Malcolm was curtly taken aback by me response, 'im likelie eyein' at me in fleeting loss o' words afore his arms found their wey aroond me again. Th' man releasin' a laugh as he then startled me by hoistin' me up in th' air shortly in honest joy o' receivin' a real concurrin' reply from all his tries to secure me attachments. Slight giggle eruptin' from me lips as weel as he then set me back doon, his hauns scoopin' me coupon afore they brushed behind me neck, to brin' me closer again as I leaned intae his touch. Hearin' 'im sigh contentedly.

"'N' 'ere I was thinkin' ye preferred to remain a widow th' rest o' me life", he teased me, bringin' forth another laugh from me afore I could feel his coupon to inch towards mine. His intent o' kissin' me however remainin' yet again as a mere intent as th' voice that then called oot to me caused us to separate. Us both releasin' an amused sigh each at th' always impeccable timing o' me son.

"Maw! Maw!"

"I had hoped that lad to sleep a few hours longer", I said wi' a palled breath, still nae helpin' but breakin' intae a slight grin as Malcolm's right haun slid behind me back, me swearin' th' man was raisin' matter-o'-fact eyebrows at me although I couldn't see it.

"Can ye blame 'im? It's an excitin' day for 'im", he reminded, me offerin' a slight heidshake to 'im at th' sound o' th' laugh in his voice afore turned towards th' hoose, hearin' me son to come to a halt juist ootside th' gate leadin' to th' garden. Soundin' far too giddy 'n' zappy for a boy who usually had to be dragged oot o' bed afore midday.

"Come oan, maw! Ye promised that I'd get me presents afore uncle takes me exlorin'!" Finn exclaimed, this time me shakin' me heid at his impatient tone. 'Im bein' right at me to have indeed considered 'im to possibly have his birthday presents afore he 'n' his uncle left to th' long awaited hike aboot th' Scottish wilderness wi'oot actual consent however (since he'd insisted efter his 7th birthday that his 8th should be celebrated oan th' same day as his cousin's, Edwin's, whom Finn had come to admire at a gey young age, although he'd been born in May 'imself), but to realize that to have lured 'im oot o' bed in such highly uncharacteristic early hour for 'im made me only awestruck.

"Naw, I said that I would consider it. Bu ye aren't goin' to see a single gift afore ye two have returned 'n' we've held yer party", I rectified 'im, earnin' a grumplin' response for me patient effort to curb Finn's enthusiasm.

"But maw…Can't we have th' party th'day? Noo? I can't wait till neist week!"

"Weel ye juist have to. That's what we agreed, uncle Edward is goin' to come wi' Edwin 'n' Colin juist to attend, so we can't cancel it at th' last minute. Ye ken yer uncle is a busy man."

"Maaaaw…"

"Finn, naw. I may have agreed to have yer birthday delayed this long 'n' celebrate it oan th' same day as Edwin's, but I meant what I said. Naw presents till neist week. Mairower, ye should still be sleepin'…"

"Who could sleep when their maw said there'll be cake for breakfast!" Finn remarked, me quirkin' me eyebrows in remembrance (noo fully understandin' why exactly had th' boy crawled oot o' bed this early), as heard Malcolm shift towards me.

"He's right. Ye did promise 'im that."

"All I recall is a mention o' someone's favorite pie, nothin' mair", I corrected again, Finn however conductin' 'imself steadfast against me objections.

"Come oan maw, pleaaaase. If nae th' cake, I promise to milk th' cows 'n' chop twice as much firewood afore we leave, if I can juist have th' presents th'day. Please maw."

Efter a curt moment o' contemplation I let oot a scunnered sigh but in th' end sent a wide smile to me son's direction as beckoned to th' hoose in surrender. In too guid o' a mood to remain too strict, 'n' lik' sometimes happened gave in to Finn's entreats for th' utmaist gaiety o' his…But I had me conditions, as I ne'er cave wi'oot 'im havin' to do at least somethin' to earn his petitions whatever they might've been for a lad o' his age. "Gey weel. Ye can open two, but that is all ye're goin' to get. 'N' that is only if ye go 'n' change intae proper claes! Ye can't go frolickin' aboot in yer nightwear. It is summer, but ye may still catch yer death, 'n' won't live to see yer eleventh… " I shouted in response, kennin' Finn to have ran straight ootside efter wakin' up in his thrilled state wi'oot botherin' to put oan breeches 'n' a shirt, 'n' th' followin' silence as weel as Malcolm's laughter both proved me to have wance again hit th' nail oan th' heid.

"At times ye do sound lik' a maw even to me lugs."

"'N' how many bairns have ye had to raise again?" I asked back, teasin' Malcolm in turn as lik' 'im kenned gey weel 'im nae to be in any position to chaff me, 'n' as expected th' man broke intae another significant laugh. Maist likely pointin' towards Finn who by that time had ran back to th' hoose 'n' at that same moment slammed th' door shut efter 'imself.

"I don't think I had much choice when me brother left me wi' both his wife 'n' son to watch ower...Wi'oot havin' th' decency to even ask me may I add, so ye dear Madam cannot complain."

"Granted, 'n' thank god for that…I'm so glad Finn didn't have to grow up wi'oot any kind o' father figure to take 'im campin' when I ne'er could…"

I then sighed at this, somewhat dejectedly as wance again secretly bemoaned ower me physical restrictions as Finn's maw that prevented me to be that to that specific extend that I'd always craved to be. For that exact reason bein' extremely grateful that I'd had Malcolm supportin' me since Finn's birth…Nae kennin' what kind o' life we would've turned oot havin' if Taran's brother hadn't been there to help me adjust to parenthood 'n' taken th' role o' a father Finn had been deprived o', carin' for his nephew lik' any unmarried, so far childless man could…This fact only addin' to th' fact how th' three o' us together had greatly come to resemble a family as me son grew older, but which had ne'er been made official by me acceptin' Malcolm's offer in becomin' permanent part o' it as somethin' mair than me brother-in-law 'n' Finn's favorite uncle…A competition which had remained rather heated atween Malcolm 'n' Edward as long as Finn was old enough to make such a conscious choice in its smallest, innocent forms, but which always ended to a draw when both o' th' men had their moments o' preferance in th' bairn's mind…At th' same time o' bein' equally irreplacable to th' lad as th' years went by, 'n' me fears o' 'im stairtin' to hope for an actual father would increase.

Whiskin' all that from me mind I then was aboot to return back to th' hoose meself, however a painful twinge runnin' doon me left leg stoppin' me efter but a mere two paces 'n' as I made a familiar slight grimace 'n' faltered Malcolm took instant hold o' me. Momentarily even further bothered by me ailments me releasin' a frustrated sigh afore placed a brief haun oan me thigh, rubbin' it. Malcolm nae havin' to ask what was wrong, as it had been 'im who'd first helped me take me first steps efter recoverin' from th' injury that had left me daunerin' wi' this wee limp.

"Did th' doctor visit ye?" he inquired instead, me noddin' me heid afore cast a smile at 'im. 'Im releasin' his grip as I tipped wonderin' heid at 'im afore daunerin' towards th' garden.

"It's fine, th' same ol' ache as always…But it's as if th' wound also kenned what day it is."

"They say that hert ne'er forgets…but so does nae th' body", Malcolm jested, me narrowin' me eyes slightly at his comment as we both made oor wey up th' cobbled path.

"It was Edward who said that, wasn't it?"

"Ye got me…We got a wee carried awa' th' other night last month while contemplatin' aboot th' true meanin' o' life till dawn efter a successful hunt….Th' man sure kens how to use a rifle in th' dark, which is possibly a gift bestowed from a devil…He managed to shoot doon three mair rabbits than I did oan me first hunt."

"Men 'n' their amusements", I simply stated, flashin' Malcolm another smile 'til fastened me steps. Soon enough feelin' th' fence surroundin' th' garden to meet me palm 'n' I took hold o' th' open door o' th' gatewey to move past it, listenin' to th' juist recently oiled hinges to release barely audible creak even to me sharp lugs as crossed th' garden 'n' entered th' hoose. Me to have but stepped ower th' threshold afore th' ever racin' feet o' Finn's came barrelin' doon from upstairs 'n' afore I could even turn aroond he was awready standin' neist to me. Undoubtedly gazin' up to me wi' eyes glowin' for anticipation, as I could hear 'im bounce up 'n' doon wi' excitement. Me holdin' back me laughter as wrapped a fleetin' arm aroond me son's shoulders, soon enough feeling his other arm to settle itself oan me waist afore I shooed 'im aff to go sit to th' dinin' table. This lad would ne'er spent a moment still in one place, I swear to ye…

"Awright then…Did ye put oan those socks I took oot for ye? Ye have plenty freish pairs, wi'oot needin' to dauner aboot in those ol', holey ones…"

"Maw", Finn stated, irritated 'n' palled in turn, pickin' up me sarcastic tone 'n' wish to tease 'im, me smile widenin' as I listened Malcolm to pass me 'n' go to th' proximate room to fetch th' agreed two gifts from where he kenned me to have hid 'em. As I went to stand by th' table 'im steppin' back intae th' scullery, indeed two parcels in haun as signified by th' thuds that echoed in th' silent space as they were then laid oot in front o' Finn. Th' slight scrapin' o' th' lad's chair signalin' o' his impatience this time aroond, till efter keepin' up th' suspense in unison I eventually made a nod as Malcolm set a haun back to me lower back. Me to have expected an excited squeal to have erupted from Finn's geggy, but instead he immediately lunged at th' foremaist present 'n' ripped th' wrappings apart in a record time. As th' delighted utterance came but later, me then leanin' closer to Malcolm in wonder.

"Which ones did ye brin'?"

"Mine 'n' th' one from Edward. Th' latter one is still waitin' for its turn…"

"Amazin'!" Finn rejoiced, me turnin' me attention back to 'im 'n' raised me eyebrows in interest, placin' a inquisitive haun oan me son's arm.

"What is it?"

"A sextant, a compass 'n' a spyglass! Thank ye uncle Malcolm!"

"Ye've ne'er grown tired o' tellin' me how much ye ached to go to an adventure at sea", Malcolm remarked, in far mair amused tone than I would've tolerated, but although I had nothin' against his gift that apparently was gey welcome to Finn who dashed from his chair to likelie go embrace his at th' present favorite uncle, I still couldn't help but quirk questionable eyebrow at th' man…Since I had me reasons to harbor some reservations aboot goin' oot to sea to do some innocent 'adventurin', 'n' how it could end to some...

"'N' noo he's all set to leave th' nest, noo isn't he?"

"He can practice usin' 'em durin' oor trip", Malcolm replied, me eyebrow fallin' as I then but shook me heid. Th' rustle o' paper tellin' me Finn to have taken upoan 'imself to open th' second present, me beckonin' towards 'im remarkably.

"That one is from yer uncle Edward."

"I hope it's nae another teddy bear", Finn huffed, both Malcolm 'n' I holdin' back a laugh at th' sound o' his voice, but I then but inclined me heid as th' man by me side hid his chuckle behind a cough.

"What do ye mean? Ye luv yer uncle's presents", I said, although I could understand Finn. Last year it had been clearly Edward's wife Anne who'd been in charge o' acquirin' a birthday present for Finn, 'n' since he stairted to be in th' age when stuffed animals didn't anymair have th' same flair as they used to 'n' since it was many years since Anne's sons had been Finn's age, I couldn't blame me ain to be lackin' in anticipation in regards to this particular gift. But weren't both o' us surprised when th' last wrappings had been removed 'n' efter a curt silence Finn picked up th' item within 'n' released an impressed breath. For a moment me thinkin' his silence to be a sign o' indeed dislike ower what he'd gotten, but even broader smile rose oan me lips as I soon heard freish delighted utterance to erupt from his ain. Malcolm's voice reflectin' surprise as he also took in th' present.

"A violin?"

"This is awesome! Uncle Edward remembered! He promised that I could have his ol' violin efter I told 'im I wanted to learn to play, 'n' that he would teach me one day!" Finn explained, possibly even mair excited than afore, 'n' his clear enthusiasm caused me to bend doon 'n' give 'im a slight squueze. Which he didn't mind, since Finn wasn't lik' many lads o' his age who wanted nothin' mair than to be left ootside o' any form o' displays o' their maw's affection. Me turnin' slightly towards Malcolm neist to give 'im this time a tantalisin' browlifting, kennin' 'im to be smilin' in feigned defeat at th' face o' his nephew's zeal.

"Yer uncle also learned to play at yer age. Ye must treasure it, since it's gey important to Edward ", I told Finn, brushin' a haun thro' his thick, uncombed hair 'n' felt 'im nod afore he unclasped th' instrument's case 'n' took th' violin oot. Us allowin' 'im to admire it for a while afore I heard Malcolm to stride ower to Finn, hoistin' 'im up from his chair 'n' ontae th' floor.

"Gey weel noo…Ye got yer presents, 'n' it's time for us to leave yer maw to prepare that pie for ye afore she heads to th' bakery…'N' ye need to change yet again lad…yer breeches are all topsy-turvy", he announced, me finally breakin' intae a slight laugh o' me ain, 'til heard th' significant thud o' th' case to be placed oan one o' th' side tables afore I followed Malcolm 'n' Finn's chatterin' voices wi' a smile. 'Em goin' straight to upstairs, where I stairted to clear oot th' dining table from th' remnants o' wrapping paper 'n' other matter scattered aboot by th' zealous hauns o' th' bairn, followin' th' wall wi' me haun in a familiar fashion afore throwin' th' papers intae th' fireplace 'n' stashin' th' still usable ribbons intae a wee chest oan th' rim o' it. Neist turnin' aroond to dauner ower to th' cabinet to fetch th' lemons 'n' th' rest o' th' ingredients from their ain places I'd last left 'em to wait for th'day, while kennin' every nook 'n' corner o' this hoose 'n' th' locations o' its furniture nae to trip ontae 'em me steps swiftly takin' me across th' scullery. Me havin' th' followin' hour to prepare th' promised pie, till efter a usual breakfast it would be th' time for me to say me temporary farewells, since I wasn't to be home to escort Finn 'n' Malcolm to their trip when they would eventually leave efter doin' th' agreed hoosework to help me get by oan me ain….Me nae helpin' but sigh at th' thought, as although I was awready accustomed to spend even several weeks alone whenever Finn had traveled to his father's estate wi' Malcolm, for some reason this time aroond to be left to me ain devices for even week felt somewhat challengin'…Lonely. But as I gave it a mair profound thought I came to th' result that such sentiment must've been caused by th' emotions that this day always resurfaced naw matter how long it had been since all that which had set me life intae this particular course had occurred…Changin' it permanently. Although I hadn't thought so at th' time, becomin' a maw to have been th' best thing that could've happened to me then. Because if I hadn't had Finn'n' his future to consider, I was sure I wouldn't have been able to recover from th' trauma that day had left at its wake ten years ago.

"Ye have all ye need? Warm claes 'n' enough provisions till ye get to Roshven?" I inquired as fiddled wi' Finn's backpack, efter th' breakfast aboot two hours later indeed inspectin' its contents to make sure everythin' previously talked upoan from blankets to any minor but essential piece o' equipment had been packed. Earnin' meself likelie a frustrated eye-roll from me son as I heard 'im snort, even he rarely expressed it, his voice havin' a clear tint o' irritation ower me expected fuss (since he'd ne'er spent a night ootdoors, yet alone several o' 'em wi'oot any possibility to return home to sleep afore venturin' oot again. This adventure o' 'em naturally causin' me to have some motherly reservations, although Malcolm would be wi' Finn at all times as barefooted Scotsman, who'd practically been raised by th' Scottish moors).

"Aye, maw. Ye've rummaged thro' me things enough many times to make sure that I have", he sighed, me lettin' oot an amused sigh as then turned towards 'im to pull 'im closer. For his this time further annoyance to stroke his hair a bit mair afore me hauns moved doon to straighten oot his still quite awry shirt 'n' vest, me smile widenin' as I could feel 'im fidget under me fingers uneasily.

"I suppose I have. Ye haven't lost th' penknife I gave ye last year?"

"Naw, maw."

"Awright then. Have a safe trip 'n' take care o' one another. 'N' noo that ye have yer compass 'n' are much adept navigator than yer uncle his, make sure he doesn't get lost to th' highlands 'n' gets back home wi' ye", I told 'im wi' a laugh, at th' sound o' Malcolm's consentin' huff comin' from behind me me kennin' 'im to be smilin' as Finn nodded in concur. His lips as weel spread intae a joyous grin as me fingers lastly brushed ower his cheeks, his forehead however then retreatin' intae a scowl as me left haun still lingered oan his dear coupon. Me then hearin' 'im shift to his left to snatch his hat I'd previously fetched from his room, me somehow much mair emotional response to this moment o' but brief separation apparently bein' too much for 'im 'n' he sounded givenly timorous as he then broke th' ensued silence.

"I will maw. Can I go do th' firewood noo?"

"'N' th' cows?" I asked challengingly, hardly holdin' back me snicker at th' lack o' response o' Finn's in regards to his earlier promise he as expected hadn't probably intended o' keepin'. Malcolm however savin' 'im by th' time th' lad had frozen to th' doorwey by joinin' 'im, equal mirth in his voice.

"Ye say what? Let's see who'll be finished first…'N' th' one who wins gets to eat third o' yer maw's delicious pie, sounds guid to ye lad?"

O' coorse it did, 'n' almost instantly efter Malcolm had said that Finn let oot yet another enthusiastic utterance afore dartin' towards th' garden (that was th' shortest wey to get to th' woodshed that was located at th' sidelines o' th' residence neist to th' wee barn where we kept oor few animals) 'n' screamin' his goobyes to me as he went. Wishin' me a guid day, me simply daunerin' to th' door as weel wi' a sweet smile afore leant against th' frame o' it, both Malcolm 'n' me kennin' that regardless o' th' competition juist agreed oan Finn nae to be able to get thro' th' load o' cuttin' all that wood awaitin' within th' shed wi'oot his uncle's necessary help. Speakin' o' th' man, me soon feeling his haun to wrap aroond mine afore raisin' it by his chest. Squeezin' me fingers in a manner that urged me to be at ease.

"I will keep an eye oan th' lad. Fret nae."

"Ye always do…Which is why I won't. I juist shall feel so terribly alone when neither o' ye won't be 'ere", I answered truthfully, even allowin' a slightly despondent sigh to slip me lips afore I returned back inside to go fetch me shawl 'n' cane, ready to leave meself. However me gettin' stopped by Malcolm's ever so gentle hauns that secured oan me arms afore th' usual wey o' cannily bringin' me closer, somethin' at his hert he nevertheless was unable to say then although I could tell 'im to want to. 'Im simply goupin' at me for a moment afore releasin' an amused breath o' his ain, instead o' me lips 'im placin' this time a lingerin' winch oan me cheek.

"Then wait for th' end o' neist week wi' anticipation, for then ye have much mair to be glad aboot. Have an enjoyable day, Miranda."

"Ye too, Malcolm."

I then lastly brushed a haun across th' man's cheek as weel wi' a tender smile afore exited th' hoose, stoppin' at th' porch only to wrap meself wi' th' shawl 'n' to thread th' basket oan me left arm afore ascended th' few steps 'n' turned to me right. To follow th' front o' th' hoose to one o' th' three gates cornerin' th' sides o' th' garden that would take me to th' path leadin' towards th' town that was but a few minutes dauner awa'. Breathin' in th' freish air as listened to th' sounds o' birds singin' in th' trees aroond me 'n' th' townsfolk along wi' their animals enlivenin' th' mornin', indeed comin' to th' conlusion that it might've as weel been that at some point that day it would stairt rainin'. Th' chills I then got provin' that, 'n' which made me happy that I hadn't indeed left th' hoose wi'oot th' scarf, indicatin' th' by this time fully risen sun to have become obstructed by th' amassin' clouds. Me only hopin' these signs o' an upcomin' doonpour nae to develop intae a storm this very evening Malcolm 'n' Finn were set to set oot to their trip.

I have somewhat meandered from th' initial story, noo haven't I? From th' one that I stairted to tell, which explains how did I find meself from this secluded town at th' Scottish highlands, livin' wi' a son 'n' leadin' a whole freish life despite o' all that happened oan that day ten years ago that could've destroyed any chance for that I noo had should I have let it. Weel, as I told ye afore, efter th' battle o' Calypso's maelstrom I'd been found from th' sea by one o' Taran's ships, 'n' th' man who'd been beside me wi' Margareth th' moment I'd first come to had been naw other than Malcolm. Taran's younger brother by ower twenty years, th' family's evening star so to speak, whom me late husband had placed second in command o' his fleet in case somethin' lik' th' destruction o' th' Endeavour would've happened…'N' despite o' me dear hopes 'o dyin' to both to that physical but also mental torment I'd been under due to me severe injuries 'n' hertbreak, efter recognizin' th' brooch wi' his family crest oan it pinned to me dress 'n' realized me identity, Malcolm to have done everythin' in his power to help me recover. Me to have been placed intae one o' th' ship's cabins under th' care o' th' Naval Surgeon, regardless o' his efforts to heal me, th' attack oan th' Endeavour to have still left me wi' permanent damage. Deprivin' me o' me eyesight, as I'd come to learn efter wakin' up aboot a week later, 'n' neither had th' doctor been able to restore me leg to th' same state as it had been. It bein' a doonright miracle accordin' to 'im 'n' Malcolm that I'd been able to keep it, as th' impairments had been that terrifyin'…But there I'd been. Alive, but in every wey broken 'n' losin' all will to live wi' every wakin' hour enablin' me to think back to all that I'd been deprived…Th' cruel destiny th' Goddess 'erself had warned to play a major role in me life to have stolen everythin' from me. William to have died, 'n' me husband to have also left me wi' nothin' noo that I'd been totally alone…Crippled 'n' forlorn…Or so I'd thought, as lik' ye've awready come to ken that wasn't all Taran had left me wi'. Efter I'd recovered maist o' me strength wi' tenacious support o' both Maggie 'n' Malcolm, aboot three months in oor journey to Scotland I stairted to experience seasickness unlik' I'd ever felt. As th' nausea however didn't relent wi' any remedy th' doctor came up wi', 'n' I continued to show signs o' somethin' utterly else than mere sickness caused by th' rockin' o' th' vessel, soon enough me findin' oot for me at th' time utmaist terror that I was wi' child. Me state to have gone completely unnoticed to that point because o' me other injuries, but efter th' doctor had examined me he'd confirmed Maggie's suspicions aboot me to be pregnant wi' Taran's bairn.

Th' thought o' a baby growin' inside me had filled me wi' horror, only addin' to me awready existin' feeling o' loneliness as I'd been then forced to think aboot raisin' a bairn I hadn't even wanted all oan me ain. It however bein' indeed much due to Malcolm's influence 'n' kindess that had helped me to accept me situation 'n' th' eventual comin' o' th' bairn rather quickly, me however still havin' me reservations aboot takin' upoan th' task o' becomin' a parent all oan me ain lik' me maw wance, as in th' weeks that followed we came closer to th' shores o' England 'n' I eventually had been given permission to leave me cot. Me nae to have believed it, but given wi' a bit mair purpose to go oan wi' th' baby 'n' all that I still had awaitin' me, me findin' meself able to stop lullin' in me sorrow ower William 'n' join Malcolm for dauners oan deck. 'Im doin' a remarkable job at bein' able to brin' me oot me cabin entirely wance aboot two mair months later efter crossin' th' vast Atlantic we arrived to oor destination. Oor still long journey from there continuin' by carriage, as due to th' shortage in th' ship's provisions efter th' lenghty crossin' we'd been forced to dock to a port ootside o' Scotland, from where we then crossed th' border oan land. During th' weeks o' travelin' thro' th' Scottish highlands 'n' sleepin' in several inns along th' wey Malcolm 'n' I connectin' in a wey that had carried throughoot th' passed years, naturally lik' a man 'n' th' wife o' his late brother would, but he also became that sole mainstay that prevented me from gettin' owerwhelmed by th' changes happening aroond me. His gentleman lik' manners 'n' instant familiarity that had felt but congenial in me frail mental state to have brought me th' comfort I'd desperately coveted to maintain me stability, th' man succeedin' in bringin' me closer to meself again by th' time we'd reached th' end o' oor voyage 'n' arrived to th' McTavish estate. By which time I was wee ower me sixth month in th' pregnancy, 'n' th' constant shakin' o' th' carriage had stairted to bother me a great deal.

I still remember th' first time I arrived to th' family manor o' me husband's crystal clear. Everythin' that noo was to be mine as th' widow o' th' former Laird o' th' hoose however still feelin' but streenge 'n' unwanted, th' vast halls 'n' grand rooms that I could see in me mind while Malcolm described 'em for me 'n' which echoed from oor steps fillin' me wi' nervousness wi' their emptiness. As regardless o' how weel Malcolm had tried to prepare me for th' challenges awaitin' me at th' manor as th' freish Lady o' th' hoose, I hadn't still been prepared enough for me intake to be able to keep up wi' th' reality. 'N' neither had I been ready for Malcolm 'n' Taran's great-grandmother (th' self proclaimed patriarch o' th' hoosehold, since for many years she'd been th' sole woman to carry th' McTavish name afore me), whom I'd met immediately without a delay when Malcom had first given me a slight tour aboot th' manor 'n' detailed th' gardens spreading behind it for me while bringin' me ower to th' windows o' one o' th' numerous parlors, where he'd then left me to wait while he went to inform th' woman o' oor arrival. Me nae kennin' was it th' bairn movin' aboot me womb or was it me nerves causin' me stomach to turn as I waited 'er to be brought doonstairs to meet me, nae findin' meself able to sit doon, as I'd heard a number o' things aboot Mrs. McTavish, 'n' Macolm's talks aboot 'er had given me an impression that she was truly disinclined to suffer any strangers in this hoose. It naturally causin' me to fear for 'er in some wey due to me acquired station as th' woman who in a few months time would give birth to th' heir o' all this land 'n' this estate. Nae helpin' but think how it would affect th' elderly Lady's perception o' me efter gettin' accustomed o' managin' th' affairs o' th' manor within th' family alone. However efter some time waitin' 'n' hearin' steps to approach th' parlor, me turnin' aroond wi' as stoic expression oan me coupon as I could muster. Remindin' meself that I had naw reason to fear for th' woman, since I indeed was noo Lady o' this hoose, wi' noo need to kowtow 'er in any wey. Me hauns settin' ontae th' huge grown bulge o' me midriff as me brother-in-law's voice reached me lugs 'n' he walked his great-grandmother intae th' room, although I couldn't see th' woman me bein' able to sense 'er expected aloofness from th' wey I heard 'er halt juist ootside th' first row o' chairs. 'Er indeed somewhat dissappointed soundin', age ridden voice stairtin' to address me.

"So it is ye then?" she'd questioned, me tellin' meself to stay composed as gathered 'er to be keekin' me up 'n' doon, assessin' me. "I have to say to be quite put oot. Doilt, taken me great-grandson's as weel as men's general notably mair stunnin' taste in wummin."

Th' jab in 'er comment aboot me given plainer appearance in comparison to other representatives o' me sex, but I didn't let it bother me as had decided nae to try to adopt a guise o' any other kind o' person from who I was. 'Er juist havin' to come to accept me th' wey I appeared to 'er, me then inclinin' me heid slightly as made a slight curtsey to greet 'er. "I am what I am, Madam."

"Aye. 'N' th' soon to be maw o' yer late husband's son, I see", she remarked, 'er then startlin' me as I felt a tip o' an unmistakable cane to touch me side, turnin' me aroond mair soo that th' woman could take a guid keek at me belly afore she soon continued. "'N' by th' extent ye're showin' at this point, it it certain that th' bairn will grow to become a strong 'n' resilient one, juist lik' his father…'N' hasn't anyone told ye that ye're in naw such position to curtsey to me? Since as o' th' night this bairn came to be, ye've become th' unquestionable Marchioness o' Rothesay."

I was somewhat stunned by th' woman's words, but in a different wey than I'd imagined. 'Er then surprisin' me even further by releasin' another disappointed sigh, but this time 'er disenchantment hadn't been reserved for me, or as it was neist proven ne'er had when she continued to be th' one to brin' th' silence to its end as th' sole person who carried oan th' conversation.

"To wed 'n' impregnate a young thing lik' ye 'n' then have th' gall to die…In all me years o' keepin' a close eye oan his doings I ne'er learned to understand that lad…He wasn't a young man any longer for heaven's sakes, 'n' yet he decided to tak' upoan 'imself yet another wifie ower twice younger than 'im! Juist lik' his maw he was, in which case I believe we could deduce all o' this nae to have to come as that great o' a shock when th' apple indeed doesn't fall that far from th' tree…Weel, let us thank th' same heavens for 'im nae to be 'ere efter all to ruin ye as he did with th' other lass. Taran ne'er learned how to treat a woman right, but oan th' second thought…noo we'll ne'er ken whether or nae he'd paid heed to th' fate o' poor Marjorie 'n' decided to re-invent 'imself as a husband wi' ye, especially when God decided to bless ye wi' his son 'n' heir, where such fortune ne'er befalled upoan 'er…"

I made a slight confused frown, th' revelation o' me nae efter all bein' Taran's first wife dismayin' me only briefly, when I then came to think aboot th' emotion I could've heard in Mrs. McTavish' voice when it spoke o' Taran 'n' me marriage 'n' in which predicament it had left me. Me then releasin' a sad sigh as I relaxed a wee mair, cradlin' me stomach in slight woe then as I realized that behind th' poignant delivery o' th' woman there was still a relative that must've mourned ower Taran's death.

"I am sorry for yer loss, Madam."

"Weel, I'm nae. Sadly he only got what he deserved by insistin' to play those political games wi' th' English, I say. 'N' sure that noo that he's gone ye're life will become much mair easier to tolerate, since ye don't seem all that distraught ower th' fact that yer husband has died, 'n' ye are carryin' his bairn maist likely but unwantedly. Which raises th' question which I nevertheless am gey sure aboot wi'oot askin'; did ye even care for me grandson? 'N' don't ye mince yer words nor spout oot comfortable lies, juist th' truth will suffice. As I ken that he couldn't have luved ye. He was incapable o' expressin' such sentiment that would've provided a foundation for a happy marriage…His foremaist wifie proved that assumption correct. Wasted awa' by misery she was…Which must make ye glad that ye don't have to face th' same fate."

She had utterly shocked me wi' 'er directness, but lik' she urged me, indeed acknowledged it to serve naw purpose to even try to come upoan a believable lie when she seemed to have a talent to see thro' people 'n' their facades. Therefore wi'oot me wi' naw avail tryin' to fool 'er only tellin' 'er th' truth, but nae all o' it includin' th' fact how me hert would forever belong to certain other man only, but only that me union wi' Taran hadn't been a product o' any such emotion as she'd deduced.

"In truth, Madam…Oor marriage was arranged but oot o' convenience. A transaction made atween two people hopin' to benefit from oor union…That is all oor marriage was. 'N' I agreed to it while under such knowledge…But also because I believed havin' 'im as me husband would also profit me by securin' me future. But although oor agreement to wed was but for practical reasons, I am sad that he has died. For if anythin' he was thoughtful o' me to th' end", I revealed, in th' end lettin' me coupon drop as I placed a haun oan me stomach again. Ravaged by th' turmoil o' emotions wance mair, 'n' for a moment I gave meself permission to keek as in fact rueful as I still in some part o' me was aboot bein' there. Interrogated o' me attachments to Taran by his great-grandmother, who nevertheless didn't seem to become offended by me response lik' previously expressed. Efter one mair, but this time aroond contemplative silence oan th' ol' woman's part me simply hearin' 'er shift slightly afore apprently turnin' oan 'er heels, me hearin' th' clatter o' 'er gutties as she daunered awa' from us 'n' oot o' th' room.

"Come along then. I'll brin' ye to yer husband's rooms that are to be yers from this day oanward. Malcolm shall instruct th' servants to brin' yer belongings upstrairs later oan."

Th' months leadin' to me eventual labor went past slowly. In me tryin' to come to terms wi' th' life in th' McTavish manor, me however nae feelin' meself quite at home as Malcolm by every passin' day hoped while doin' his best to welcome me to th' family while aware o' th' tribulations all that had taken me there had brought upoan me. Me still even becomin' quite attached to Cullodena, nae all that much later from comin' to live wi' 'er findin' that from that at first hard to approach, pride ol' woman I could find a similar warm individual I'd had in Mattie, although th' women's personalities were completely different. Malcolm's great-grandmother bein' indeed willful 'n' doonright stern woman, but wance one got to ken 'er 'n' saw past 'er age 'n' th' bitterness that had built within 'er during th' lone years spend as part o' McTavish family, she came aff as a benevolent soul. One from whom I received th' much needed advice 'n' support in th' matters concernin' th' bairn soon to be born, Cullodena who'd personally delivered several babies to th' McTavish clan includin' Taran 'n' even Malcolm preparin' me to th' eventual delivery, 'n' wance th' time finally came stayin' wi' me at all times from th' moment o' th' first trevails to th' eventual birth (by th' time th' family doctor as weel as a midwife had been called, since th' woman was over 90 years o' age, 'n' by naw circumstance could've done th' same to me to what she'd done to many wives o' McTavish clan afore me).

Me spirits had conclusively bettered th' minute I'd made th' final push efter hours o' strugglin' to cope wi' th' pain but mildly dulled by th' consumption o' th' strong McTavish whiskey, 'n succeeded in bringin' Finn to this world despite o' all me fears 'n' doubts o' bein' able to live thro' th' dauntin' experience. Upoan receivin' 'im in me arms for th' first time 'n' feelin' his toaty body to fit perfectly to th' bend o' me arm indeed wakin' somethin' within me I hadn't afore believed to conquer th' ever harrowin' misery that had kept me captive for th' whole durance o' th' pregnancy. However that perfect, wee creature o' me ain changin' all that, as although I was still gey much horrified o' th' challenge o' motherhood noo that I was finally holdin' th' livin', breathin' offspring o' me ain but seconds efter his birth. Lik' all maws were kenned to have said instant bond formin' atween me 'n' me bairn which I couldn't explain, even I hadn't given much thought o' lament to me blindness afore due to me owerall apathy to th' present itself, that moment me wishin' mair than ever that I could've seen me son wi' me ain eyes. Wanted to behold th' bairn that in a blink o' an eye by simply layin' there, screamin' his lungs oot in me hold, had saved me from eternity o' wallowin' in squalor that perhaps wi' time could've sent me doon th' same path as Taran's first wife…(It bein' however ne'er told what actually had happened to 'er by neither Cullodena nor Malcolm, who'd been too young o' a lad to remember 'er 'n' 'er death).

I hadn't heard from Peter since th' day I'd last seen 'im aboard th' sinkin' Endeavour. I was convinced he was alive, but where he currently was remained as an utter mystery to me as time continued to pass 'n' I adapted to me role as a maw 'n' th' Lady o' th' hoose, where I'd left all th' matters involvin' th' clan to be handled by Malcolm, who efter all was a McTavish by blood 'n' was much mair knowledgeable aboot their weys 'n' culture than I was. Me concentratin' maistly in raisin' Finn to th' best o' me ability while still carryin' me inescapable duties as th' Marchioness o' Rothesay manor, one year turnin' to two, till somethin' unexpected happened in that particular spring. Me to have been oot daunerin' in th' gardens when one o' th' servants had come to inform me to have a visitor who claimed to be me brother. Th' instant 'n' surprisin' thought o' Peter to have turned intae mere shock as instead o' 'im I'd been greeted by Edward 'n' his family in th' foyer they'd been left to wait in. Me nae bein' able to descibe me joy to have heard his voice call oot me name in delight wance I stepped inside, efter th' made introductions 'n' when I'd gotten th' chance to familiarize meself wi' Edward's sons 'n' Anne, me hearin' what had happened to 'im efter we'd last met. Since survivin' th' sinkin' o' th' Endeavour due to th' circumstances I but later learned to have involved Peter, Edward to have gone to Spain to continue his search o' his family, eventually findin' 'em wi' th' unexpected help o' who else but Jack, but wance th' reunited family had traveled back to their home in Cornwall they'd found almost nothin' to be left o' their past life or posessions. Their hoose naturally abandoned 'n' looted from everythin' valuable along th' years. In th' end decidin' to take that wee that was left o' their belongings 'n' journey to Scotland to McTavish manor efter Edward had accidentally learned me to have survived th' annihilation o' th' ship from one o' his ol' friends who was engaged in some business wi' th' McTavish clan…Juist like I'd lived years under th' belief that he'd perished along wi' me uncle 'n' everyone else….Only one I knew to have survived wi' certainty bein' Peter whom I hazily could still remember to have returned back to fetch me 'n' therefore barely saved me from ultimate death.

Efter Edward had settled 'imself 'n' his family to Scotland permanently, he'd finished his studies, in a few followin' years earned 'imself a doctorate 'n' opened a practise to keep 'imself 'n' his family provided for. Where I, although life couldn't have had mair wonderful turn by me brother turnin' up to brighten up me days further, as said even I had everythin' a woman could desire for to maintain a happy, content life, mine wasn't lik' that in close inspection. Nae wance in those three years that I lived in McTavish manor me to have felt meself completely content, therefore me eventually makin' th' decision o' leavin' me husband's family 'n' movin' awa' to th' far awa' town o' Glenuigh. Malcolm to have understood me reasons o' leavin', 'n' wi' Edward's encouragement me brother-in-law had helped me arrange me affairs at Finn 'n' me freish home. Us to have found a hoose that naw one had lived in for years by th' cliffs, but which still had been in quite decent condition, Malcolm owerseein' th' restorarion o' it, during which th' hoose o' three rooms was enlarged to six. Three in both floors, accordin' to me wishes Malcolm makin' sure that a barn as weel as a garden were also part o' th' finished construction. Afore I moved in us acquirin' th' needed furniture 'n' animals, makin' th' finished hoose inhabitable, afore I'd gotten th' chance to stairt to plan th' neist stage in th' plans involvin' me future; stairtin' th' business o' me ain.

Th' local baker hadn't been all that pleased when I'd gotten meself a store from town 'n' established me bakery, it becomin' mair successful than I imagined in a year's time wi' at times some serious hangin' oan, when th' clientel stairted to get to ken me 'n' what me bakery offered compared to th' rivarlin' one (that sold close to nothin' else than bread 'n' rolls, where from th' stairt I'd decided to give me clients th' best selection o' both sweet 'n' salty baked guids)…It shortly efter becomin' clear which o' th' establishments th' townspeople preferred, 'n' although I hadn't created me ain business for th' sake o' drivin' me rivals to shut doon their ain shops, I hadn't felt guilty when th' other store had been closed due to th' growin' success o' mine. It to have nae happened however if I hadn't had th' wonderful employees to help me business to reach th' popularity it noo enjoyed, one o' 'em bein' Maggie, whom I'd taken wi' me from th' McTavish residence efter releasin' 'er from th' family's service. Along wi' th' rest o' th' slaves Taran had acquired throughoot th' years afore meetin' me, feelin' therefore obliged to continue to serve me in some form Maggie to have been mair than eager to stairt to work in me bakery…But th' greatest reason 'o coorse was that as much as Malcolm, also Maggie had made me stay in th' McTavish manor greatly mair bearable, 'n' she'd become dearest o' all me friends I had in this town. Us to have continued to support one another during this past decade, especially efter she'd also found 'erself a husband aboot five years ago 'n' stairted a family o' 'er ain. Also although I'd had years gettin' used to life as a blind person, me still nae to have been able to get thro' th' days wi'oot 'er always bein' there to help me, especially at th' shop. For she as weel as th' other lasses I'd hired to help me in th' bakery did maist o' th' practical work, where I concentrated to th' general upkeep o' th' establishment. Me nae to have been able either to tak' care o' th' financin' or survive th' squiggles o' managin' a business if it weren't for Malcolm's occasional input thro' advice given in letters 'n' during his visits wance every couple o' months.

So noo mair than satisfied o' th' wey me life had turned oot I released a content sigh as came to a halt in front o' me shop efter roundin' th' familiar last corner I kenned from memory to signify me to have reached th' correct street. Me to have come to ken th' streets o' this place lik' me ain pockets, which was only given 'n' essential for me to move aboot th' town wi'oot a constant need o' an escort, 'n' therefore free o' all fear or doubt aboot me trained, infallible sense o' direction I daunered across th' street till felt me arm to meet wi' th' iron railin' o' th' few stairs leadin' up to th' bakery. Me directin' me steps then to me left while let me haun slide across th' wall afore I was met wi' nothin', neist headin' forward within th' alley separatin' me shop from th' neighbourin' dress shop, as me intention to enter from th' back door since th' front entrance was always kept closed 'til th' time th' bakery would be opened, 'n' as I kenned Maggie was awready inside makin' th'day's vendibles. Efter but a few paces me reachin' th' end o' it 'n' arrivin' to th' backyard, me haun wance again runnin' across th' wall til it found th' door handle 'n' turned it. As always it swingin' within 'n' lettin' me inside, th' wonderful, 'n' extremely strong scent o' cinnamon pastries 'n' currently cookin' cornbread fillin' th' room as smile rose oan me lips, me placin' th' basket oan th' table situated directly to me right as I pushed th' door closed. Listenin', callin' for Maggie whom I'd heard nae to be in th' scullery, thinkin' 'er to have gone ower to th' shop. As she however didn't answer me deemin' 'er to have perhaps stepped ootside to go fetch some igredients that had managed to be left oot o' th' invetory yesterday 'n' therefore ran oot, me hangin' me shawl to th' coat rack afore went ower to th' table to check what Maggie had had th' time to cook up in regard to th' hour that we still had left afore openin' th' bakery. Satisfied wi' 'er progress as always me then movin' ower to ingredients cabinet to take it upoan meself to stairt th' preparations for th' scones that sold lik' hot cakes during midday, however efter I'd been able but to take doon th' flour 'n' sugar along wi' a clean bowl, sudden rattle comin' indeed from th' shop woke me attention. Me haltin' in middle o' claimin' th' honey from one o' th' shelves as turned me heid towards th' door leadin' to th' shop side, callin' Maggie's name again. Wonder fillin' me as I was met but wi' silence, everythin' wance again seemin' lik' I was alone in th' bakery. But I wasn't, me then pickin' up th' low thuds o' uneven, saunterin' steps that I now quickly recognized nae to belong to a woman.

Somewhat suspicious 'n' guarded I then rounded th' table, wi' silent, careful steps meself daunerin' ower to th' second door 'n' unfurled it slowly, wi' some mair intent listenin' to th' quiet me then distinctly hearin' someone wander aboot th' shop. Clatter o' steel scrapin' against metal tellin' me th' intruder to be armed whoever he was, this observation only addin' to me caution 'n' wi' a slight frown I came to a brief halt 'n' extended me left arm to me side. To locate th' linen cabinet at th' wee corridor that separated th' scullery from th' bakery 'n' inside which we stored a flintlock pistol in case o' situations such as this (Malcolm to have taught me to shoot, much to me surprise for 'im to have even suggested th' idea, since at th' time I'd been mair than convinced o' nae bein' able to do close to anythin' noo that I was blind). As I drew 'me ain only weapon me attentive lugs pickin' up th' sound o' smackin' as th' person currently loiterin' at th' premises had probably found whatever products Maggie had awready placed oan display. Th' creek that I then heard th' front door to release tellin' me it to have indeed bein' open, unlocked by th' character who'd broken in, upoan takin' in these facts me takin' a sturdy hold o' th' pistol afore released a long sigh. Comin' oot from behind th' wall efter hearin' th' man to stop his sneakin' aboot th' room in presumed search o' money or other valuables, me apparently causin' 'im to stiffen to his spot by th' sound o' th' scrapin' noise one o' th' tables made when he undoubtedly turned towards me efter hearin' me enter. To face th' barrel o' th' pistol that I raised towards 'im, although I naturally couldn't see 'im, to have been able to pinpoint his rough location thro' mere sound o' his breathin' that was rather loud in fact.

"If it is money ye're efter, ye find none 'ere. Oor revenue isn't stored within' th' shop, 'n' futhermair there's nothin' 'ere that could interest a thief lik' ye. So please, if ye have naw other business to attend 'ere, I ask o' ye to leave immediately…Otherwise I'm feart I must fire this pistol 'n' pray for me lucky stars to hit somethin' to make ye think better o' stayin'."

"Then thank goodness that I have not in fact come in mind of thieving…But you are wrong though love, in fact I have found something in here that is highly worth of me interest…if not these cream puffs."

I frowned in utmaist bewilderment then, lowerin' th' pistol juist slightly as mulled ower th' familiarity o' th' replied man's voice, afore for me ultimate dismay found meself recognizin' it. Nae to have believed to come to hear it 'n' its swaggerin' intonation ever again in me life that had been filled wi' amusement, probably due to th' sight o' me astounded face.

"Jack?"

Scottish vocabulary:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, me = my, nae = not

Recurrent & other words:

maw= mum/mother, hoosehold= household, afore= before, me= my, hert= heart, aye= yes, ne'er= never, wee= small/little, awready= already, ken= know, efter= after, doon= down, as weel= as well, goup= stare, wance again/mair= once again/more, 'til= until, likelie= probably, keek= look, ower= over, claes=clothes, aboot= about, streenge= strange, wey= way, haun= hand, ain= own, oot= out, neist= next, winch= kiss, efternoon= afternoon, lik'= like, gey/pure= very, stairt= start, turn up= arrive, awa'= away, wey= way, wi'oot= without, o' coorse= of course, heid= head, dauner= walk, timorous= shy, freish= new, wi'= with, juist= just, toaty= tiny, doilt=confused, gutties= shoes, thro'= through, ne'er= never, geggy= mouth, lugs= ears, naw= no, th'morra= tomorrow, scunnered = bored/fed up, wummin = women, tak' = take, coupon= face, face= expression, glaikit= stupid, th'day= today, wifie = woman/wife, scullery = kitchen, 'ere= here, bairn= child, jalouse= guess, goup=stare, wheest= quiet, aff= off, luv=love, atween = between, I'm feart = I'm afraid