The Laird

Sidney Montrose spent his time in the club catching up with his kin. He was the chieftain of his clan and was now expected to take on his full responsibilities. His mother had been assisting him since the death of his father but had been gradually stepping away to give him the space to grow into the headship. His Uncle Steward has been making trouble claiming he was the rightful Earl. It was one reason his father 'Hector' had ensured Sidney was a tough fighter and expert gunman. Since the death of his father he had already escaped two attempts on his life. He always travelled with two bodyguards who had sworn their loyalty to their laird.

The relations between the Scott's and English had always been difficult. Due to their various wars some Scottish traditions had been banned. The most sacred of ceremonies were conducted in secret which the gentlemen were now speaking about. Sidney had taken on a brooding look as he listened to the older men arrange a secret ceremony to officially recognise him as the head of the family.

"It will keep our Uncle Steward quiet and force him to show his loyalty to you" Angus Montrose spoke and watched as Sidney weighed up the words. In the end it was up to him.

"Tha, mi ag aontachadh….. Yes, I agree" Sidney giving his command and watched the older men leave to organise the event. He was going to have to go and warn his mother. She was one of the strongest women he had ever known and had put her own life in danger to save his. He looked over to observe his university friends and their fathers. They were the typical English gentlemen, but Mr Sidney Parker was different. He had discovered as a youth that Hector Montrose was not his birth father but an English gentleman. His mother never told him the name but was certain he had just met the man.

"I accepted you as my son and was present for your birth… you are a Montrose and I need you to lead our family. Your Uncle Steward is an evil man and would destroy our family if he ever gains control." Sidney never doubted the love Hector had for him and would always see Hector as his father 'athair'."

Sidney Montrose knew Sidney Parker was assessing him. He had to confess to himself he was curious about a man who had left his mother alone and pregnant. His attention was taken by Angus Montrose and knew he had Montrose family business to attend too. He had promised his mother he would be at the family dinner and had much to achieve before that time.

"Montrose! Are you leaving now? I was hoping to invite you for dinner tonight" a disappointed Charles asked while ignoring Christopher's warnings. Christopher had learned never to cross his friend when he was in his brooding moods.

"Sir, I have business and bid you a good day" Sidney Montrose taking on a serious stare and walked towards his bodyguards who followed him out of the room. He was only 20 but the young Earl carried himself with authority. Crowe whistling as the Earl left the room.

"Well son… you have a very serious and capable friend. He reminds me of my old friend Parker" Crowe spoke in a teasing tone, but Sidney knew he was asking him a silent question. Sidney and Charlotte had a secret. They had done more than kiss. Sidney often dreamed about that encounter but had never spoken about it to anyone.

"Who is the Earl's mother?" Sidney asked casually.

"I believe his mother's name is Charlotte. It was controversial when Hector Montrose married an English woman, but she proved herself to be just as tough as any Scottish woman" William answering the question. Sidney couldn't think and suggested they go back to their daughters. He couldn't get the image of the Earl from his mind and needed to know more about this young man. The boy was of the right age and his mother's name was Charlotte.

"Charlotte is a common name" Babbington commented to Sidney as they entered his home. Joy confessing to her father they had been out and ignored the looks given to her from her friends.

"We only went to the dress maker and met a lady who knew Mama. She has invited us for afternoon tea and promised to tell me about Mama" Joy gushed out. She wanted to visit Charlotte and needed her father's approval. Joy pointing to the letter that was in Charles hand.

"Well, daughter it looks like we will be visiting Lady Montrose tomorrow" Charles smiling as his daughter collected her friends to go and pick out an outfit. Charles inviting his friends to the study and poured them a drink.

He took a deep breath….

"It seems the Earl of Montrose's mother is the former Charlotte Heywood!" Charles announcing this piece of information and watched Sidney Sn turn pale. Charles was the only one who knew of Sidney's past with Charlotte poured the man another drink. Sidney Sn asking if Anne could stay with Joy and excused himself. He needed to walk and calm his racing mind.

'I have a son!' the words racing through his mind as he walked the streets of London. Sidney had no idea that Charlotte had been pregnant, and he suddenly felt angry she had denied him the knowledge of his child. He ended up at his favourite pub deciding he needed a drink.

While Sidney was drinking to deal with the news of having a son…. his son was holding a meeting with all the elders of his clan. Steward Montrose had caused a disruption but had been forced to concede with the clear arguments presented by the Earl. The young man was clever and was not easily scared. His reputation rising amongst the family when he personally apprehended those who had organised his assassinations. Sidney Jr knew his Uncle had been behind the attacks but had yet to gather the needed evidence.

"Are we all satisfied?" Sidney M firmly asked and stared down every man who was in the room. He had learned this from his father 'Hector' which was not lost by the men in the room.

"Tha sinn air codhunadh… we have decided" Sidney M stated and called for scotch to be poured for every man. They stood together and repeated the oath of the Montrose family. It was only in secret the men paid their true homage to their Laird as they would appear disloyal to the King. The older men filing out of the room leaving Sidney M with his cousin Angus.

"Bhithinn a 'basachadh air do shon… I would die for you" Angus always thought his cousin would make a great laird and today he had witnessed his cousin's strong leadership. The two men embracing and were more like brothers than cousins. They walked into the room and found Angus's mother Janet enjoying afternoon tea with Charlotte.

"Have you finally dealt with my brother?" Janet asked nodding when Sidney M silently confirmed the fact. Charlotte beaming with pride and knew he was going to be just as good as Hector. She had wanted to be present for the meeting but knew it was something Sidney had to do on his own. He sat next to his mother and relaxed as he drank the tea poured for him.

"Christopher introduced me to his father Lord Babbington today. I also met a Mr Henry Crowe and Mr Sidney Parker" Sidney M watching his mother.

"That is nice" Charlotte trying to maintain a steady voice and looked bravely into the eyes of her son.

"Mathair!" Sidney M using his soft voice and could see his mother was upset. He took his mother by the arm and they found a private space.

"Sidney Parker is my father?" Charlotte confirming by nodding her head.

"I know I should have told you but…" tears falling from Charlotte's eyes.

"Shh… it is alright I understand…" he kissed the forehead of his mother and gathered her in his arms. She had saved him from a life of shame and he had been blessed with a loving father in 'Hector'. He held his mother and let her cry.

"What are we going to do?" Charlotte finally asking

"We are here for the coming out of Elizabeth, spending time with family and I have many responsibilities being the head of the Montrose family." Firmly stated Sidney Jr who led his mother back to the morning room and proceeded to enjoy the company of his family.