Your Hair

Sidney Montrose was found at the boxing club. He needed to keep up his fitness and ensure his people knew their Laird was able to defend them. He had received a message from a source informing his Uncle Steward was planning another attack. Sidney M had assigned more bodyguards for his mother and sisters as he feared they could be kidnapped.

"Don't worry my love… you know we can defend ourselves" Charlotte reminding her son. She had been present during the second assassination attempt and had shot the man herself in the leg.

Carrying weapons was a common occurrence in Scotland but in London it was going to be difficult. Sidney M was going to have to depend on a knife hidden in his boot and another in his cane. His bodyguards carried guns and he would only carry one when not in polite society. He found the English not very security conscious and seemed to only use their weapons when attending house parties.

Sidney M had been so focused on his boxing that he hadn't noticed a number of men entering the room.

"Mac mo bhrathair"…. Son of my brother" spoke Steward Montrose

"Uncail…Uncle" Sidney M answering and strode over to meet his Uncle. Sidney M was 6'3 and towered over the older man. Hector had ensured Sidney M was the strongest fighter in the clan and taught his son how to demand the attention of anyone in a room. The men exchanging greetings and Sidney M waited for his Uncle to pay him the proper respect.

"I thought I would come and see how you are this morning… you must be nervous about your ceremony… you are taking on so many responsibilities" Steward implying Sidney M was ill equipped.

"My father has prepared me, and I have already proven my authority to the clans. I warn you Uncle… don't cause any more trouble!" Sidney M deliberately stepping into his Uncle's personal space which forced the man to step backwards. Sidney M maintaining his eye contact and nodded once his Uncle deferred to his command. Angus passing a towel to Sidney M while they watched their Uncle retreat from the gym.

Angus and Sidney M deciding to fight with their knives. They were circling each other when Christopher and William arrived. The young English men stood and watched as the two Scotsman engage in a combat match while taunting each other in their mother tongue. The Scott's were known as warriors which was clearly on display today. At one stage Angus had his cousin in a dead lock but was short lived as Sidney suddenly had Angus pinned on his back with a knife pressed against his neck.

"bheir mi suas… I give up" Angus cried, and Sidney M easily pulled him up from the floor. It had been a good fight, and both were satisfied they would be ready if they were attacked. Sidney M looking over and gestured for his friends to meet his cousin.

"This is my cousin Mr Angus Montrose" Angus greeting the men before standing behind Sidney who had seated himself in a chair. As a young boy Angus had been given the honoured role of being Sidney M's friend and protector. He took his position seriously and wouldn't let anyone hurt his Laird. William and Christopher were both amused at the behaviour of Angus but often thought the Scott's were a strange people.

"The way the man is acting I wonder if you are a prince!" teased Christopher but stopped laughing the moment he observed the serious faces of the men in the room.

"I am the Laird of my clan and such treated like a Prince" spoke Sidney M.

The English had no comprehension of the complex relationships of the Scottish clans. Sidney M could hear his cousin grinding his tooth as Angus found the English tiresome. Sidney M not wanting to create further friction suggested the men come and meet his mother and sisters. Harriet and her husband had arrived the previous night with their boy Matthew. Sidney M loved spending time with his nephew and planned to play a key role in his upbringing. He had been blessed from the mentorship of his Uncles and he would do the same for Matthew.

"Mac-peathar.. my sister's son!" Sidney M cried as he entered the morning room and spied his small nephew. Matthew smiling as he recognised his Uncle. Sidney M gently picking up Matthew and bestowed a special blessing over him before kissing him on the forehead. Charlotte claiming her grandson who happily snuggled with his seanmhair or grandmother.

Sidney M turning to his sister and brother-in-law. Harriet and Angus paying their respects to Sidney M with Angus going on his knee. Angus was the oldest son of the Laird who controlled the Campbell clan. The marriage between Angus and Harriet had resulted in unity between the two clans.

Sidney M extending his hand to his brother and the two men embraced. The Scott's were much more open with their affection and the Englishman watched on with interest. Their friend clearly was an important person of the Scottish nobility.

"They are very different" William observed quietly to Christopher who was openly staring at Elizabeth Montrose. Christopher had never seen such a beautiful woman and was eager to be introduced. Charlotte and Harriet taking notice of the attention this young man was paying to their Elizabeth. Elizabeth who was used to Scottish men made her own assessment of this English gentleman.

"We are expecting your father and sister this afternoon" Charlotte speaking directly to Christopher Babbington to draw his attention away from Elizabeth.

"Joy informed me that you knew our mother?" Christopher himself had limited memories of his mother. Charlotte inviting Christopher to attend the afternoon tea and he willingly accepted the invitation. After an acceptable time, the men bid the family a good morning. Once home Christopher urgently calling for his valet to prepare his clothes for the afternoon.

William Crowe finally arrived home finding his father and friend together in the study. Sidney was needing a distraction and Crowe was always good company… not to mention a full drinks cabinet. William pouring himself a drink before sitting down. He was annoyed his friend had been invited back to the Montrose and he was stuck at home.

"What have you been up to young buck?" Crowe asked with a mischievous grin.

"Father! No one will ever be able to overtake your reputation!" William snorted and went back to pour himself another drink.

"What is wrong?" asked Crowe recognising the signs his son was frustrated. William recounting his morning including his introduction to the Montrose family.

"I tell you father! Those Montrose women are beautiful! Lady Montrose!" William never finishing his thoughts as he was punch in his arm by his father. Crowe quickly observing Parker who had fisted his hands.

"No wonder you were not invited back! Lady Montrose must have read your mind!" Crowe trying to repair the damage done by his thoughtless son. Sidney deciding he needed to return home and complete some business. He was tired due to the fact he had spent the night pacing his study thinking about Charlotte and his son. He knew he couldn't just call on the Montrose's and had to put himself in the path of the family. Sidney was jealous of Babbington who without any effort was seeing Charlotte and becoming better acquainted with his son.

The Babbington's were warmly welcomed by Charlotte who proudly introduced her family. Charles finding them a handsome family and would be happy if his daughter was matched with Charlotte's son. He had seen some encouraging signs in observing the Earl's eyes remaining fixed on Joy as she found a seat with Elizabeth. Charlotte knew Sidney M found women with auburn hair beautiful and she gave her son a smirk when catching him staring at Joy Babbington.

"Alory … red hair" Janette Montrose or Aunt Janette openly admired Joy's beautiful hair.

"Yes… I take after my mother" Joy spoke. She gave one of her beautiful smiles as it was the first time someone besides her father admired her hair colour. Joy had always wished she had blond hair like Anne Parker and Isabella Crowe.

"Joy you remind me of someone … child what was your maternal grandmother's name?" Janette taking hold of Joy's hands and studied the girl's face carefully.

"I believe my grandmother was Elizabeth Frazer before she married my grandfather. It was on my mother's birth certificate" Joy answering with confidence and even was able to name her grandmother's place of birth. Janette suddenly crying out in joy and kissed Joy on the forehead.

"My child you are a Scot and from your features bear the traits of the Frazer clan. Elizabeth Frazer was my father's sister and was the daughter of the Laird. She ran away to England and they never saw her again" Janet started speaking a Frazer blessing over Joy and then turned to view Christopher.

"Come! let me take a look at you and see if you bear any Frazer features" Janette taking a firm hold of Christopher. Charlotte laughing as her bossy sister-in-law inspected the face of Christopher Babbington.

"Hmm… not as much but you have the Frazer forehead…. Come Angus meet your 'chairdean'" Janette commanded and watched with pride as her son welcomed the long-lost family of Elizabeth. Charlotte translating for Charles the blessing Janette was bestowing on Esther and Christopher. Charles had always thought his wife was wonderful, but this made her even more precious.

"I wish Esther could see this. She always was told by Lady Denham she was a poor relation and not very noteworthy" Charles sharing with Charlotte who had first hand experience with the sharp tongue of the great lady.

Charles who had first been looked upon with suspicion was welcomed with open arms. Charlotte who had been seated beside Charles commented "I advise you start reading up on Scottish history and customs". It seemed the house was suddenly full of many Scots who were introduced to Joy and Christopher. Instruments were brought out the Babbington were traditionally welcomed into the clans. There were many tears of Joy and Joy Babbington felt she had found a place she belonged.

"Mac mo bhrathair! you must perform your role as Chieftain" Janette calling out amongst the noise and there was sudden silence as everyone waited for Sidney M to speak. He directed everyone to wear their tartan and meet in the ballroom.

Charles who was watching the proceedings had been thankful for Charlotte's commentary. She explained what was to occur and she was also to participate. The wearing of tartan's had been banned the previous century but thanks to Hector Montrose it was allowed to be worn for ceremonial purposes. Everyone moving towards the ballroom and sat in their respective family positions… Charlotte standing behind Joy and Christopher… Sidney Jr standing on the raised platform.

"As Laird of the Montrose Clan and Chief of the Chieftains I recognise Christopher Henry and Joy Esther Babbington as members of the Frazer clan." Sidney M speaking solemnly and oversaw the formal proceedings in the acknowledgment of Esther and Christopher. Janette's brother Charles was also present and performed his duties for the Frazer clan. Charlotte wiping tears away as she watched her son begin to fulfil his destiny. He spoke with authority and clearly had gained the trust of his people.

Joy raising her own eyes to admire the handsome and powerful Earl of Montrose.