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A week after the funeral in the early hours of the morning…

James Parker stepped on English soil savouring the sights and sounds of the London docklands. He had been away for more than five years and was pleased to be home. He had left his brother Henry in New York and was unsure when he would see him again.

The last conversation they had flashing in his mind…

"Henry! It is time we went home! We have visited most of the world and have made our fortune" James quietly spoke. He had read a letter from his mother and was worried. His mother sounded lonely, and his sisters rarely visited her. He had found his brother in his favourite bar enjoying the attention of a lady called Sally. James rolling his eyes… Henry loved women who was well endowed. James didn't live like a monk but was more careful than his brother.

"No! There are more opportunities in America and what is there at home… Sanditon?" laughed Henry focusing his attention on Sally's assets.

Their father's fixation on Sanditon and lack of parental care was a major factor in their decision to travel. Tom had been placing pressure on his sons to join him in reviving his dream of a seaside resort. When Henry was 19 and James 17 they inherited money from an Uncle on their mother's side. Instead of speaking with their father they sought the advice of their Uncle Sidney and invested their money in other businesses. Their father had hit the roof when he had found out as he had already spent the money in his head for Sanditon.

"I am your father, and you will do what I say… Sanditon is the future of our family!" Tom roared at his sons and had stalked out to find Sidney. The argument between the brothers could be heard across the whole of Sanditon.

Henry and James finally having enough with their father's control kissed their crying mother before heading to London. A month later they were on a ship bound for parts unknown and began their years of travel. Travelling had been the making of James who had become a skilled businessman. He had taken on all the lesson from his Uncle Sidney and had been successful in his various business ventures. While on the other hand travelling had created much dissatisfaction for his brother Henry who had inherited his father's lack of business sense. With James help Henry had created wealth but easily lost it on foolish ideas. James often advising his brother he needed to be careful, but Henry often showed the same erratic behaviour their father. James had tried to protect his brother, but knew he needed to set his own course and stop being his brother's keeper.

"I will be taking the first ship home and hope you will join me." James leaving his brother to his night enjoyments and started preparing for his journey home. He had been selling off his assets but kept various properties he had acquired over the years. He was able to secure passage for two but bordered the ship alone. Henry was heading inland with some other Englishmen and the brothers parted ways. Henry had pleaded with James to stay but James walked onto the ship. Henry riding away seeking new adventures in the middle of America.

The trip across the Atlantic had been dangerous and everyone was happy to be back in calmer waters. James was up with the crew when he finally saw the shores of England. James observed London was busier and more developed. He had earned his own fortune and was interested in starting his own trading company. James arriving at the Parker London home finding it closed up. The housekeeper informing him it has been a number of years since anyone had stayed in the home.

James deciding, he would take rooms at the White Club instead bidding the unhappy housekeeper a good morning. After a long bath and change of clothes he went down to the dinning room. He listened to the various conversations and asked if anyone had seen Mr Sidney Parker. He was surprised to hear his Uncle was now Sir Parker. There was much talk about a young gentleman called 'The Earl of Montrose' who was engaged to a Lady Joy Babbington.

Joy Babbington?' the name sounding familiar, and he remembered Babbington was one of his Uncle's closest friends. The Earl was an accomplished boxer and was currently in the gym. James taking himself towards the gym and joined other gentlemen who were watching two figures engage in a hand-to-hand combat fight. It was something he had seen many times around the world and done it himself to earn money. He watched with admiration at the mens fighting skills and when hearing their accents identified them as Scottish. It had been a burly Scotsman called Angus Frazer who had taught him to fight while he was in the Americas. It had saved his life a number of times and he wanted to see if he could match it against these men.

James taking off his coat and vest…

"Sabaid… fight?" approaching the two men who warily observed him. James was clearly an Englishman but could speak their mother tongue. James had learned many languages and Angus Frazer had taught him his mother tongue.

"Cuiridh mi geall 5 notaichean gun urrainn dhomh do bhualadh sabaid… I bet you 5 pounds I can beat you!" dared James and watched as the one of the men nodded and the other who was larger moved to the side.

"Sgeinean… knives?" his opponent asked, and James held out his hand to receive his weapon. James couldn't help feeling he had met this young man before or reminded him of someone he knew.

The two men circling each other before engaging in battle. Their skill level were similar and there was much groaning as they tried to gain the upper hand. James believing, he was in a winning position when he had the man in a head lock. Angus Frazer had taught him that move and it had won him many matches but before he knew it he was on his back.. pinned to the ground with a knife up against his throat.

"Bidh mi a 'geilleagdh… I surrender!" James breathed out when the knife was taken away and was helped up. While he was trying to get his breath back James was slapped on the back by a mountainous man who introduced himself as Angus Montrose and the man who had beaten him was Sidney Montrose.

"Co theagaisg thu… who taught you?" asked Sidney M

"Angus Frazer of Bellaire" James answered and watch as the two men smiled.

"He was the one who taught us to fight. He is my mother's brother, and I was named after him" proudly spoke Angus Montrose. The three men instantly bonding, and they spent time speaking about Angus Frazer and the various ways he taught fighters. James pleased to know the man was living in Scotland and planned to visit him.

Once the men were refreshed, they made their way to one of the club's saloons. Sidney M had taken an instant liking to this man and felt a connection. Once he had learned the man's name realised, he was meeting a cousin from his father's side.

"I understand you are engaged to be married to Lady Joy Babbington. Her father is one of my Uncle's friends" spoke James.

"Yes… your Uncle Sidney married my mother and is my stepfather... that means we are now cousins" Sidney M spoke and watched James's reaction to the news.

"Posta… married" James was shocked as he had left his Uncle a widower who claimed he would never marry again. Sidney M and Angus were heading to Sidney's home and James asked if he could go with them. The three men making good time and James observed furniture and boxes being removed from his Uncle's home. He followed the two men in and when he walked into the drawing room was met by a room full of beautiful women and a little girl.

Sidney M introducing his sisters Harriet, Elizabeth and Anne…. his fiancée Joy…. cousins Claire and Flora… family friend Isabella Crowe and finally, the little girl called Cassie.

"lmatin vah… good morning" he addressed each lady and found they were pleased with his language skills. James was 6'2 muscular with a handsome countenance. He had taken after his mother's side compared to Henry who was like his father Tom.

"Anne" James giving his cousin an embrace and noticed he was being closely watched by Angus. James sensing a connection between the two ensured he was polite. He had seen the man fight and preferred to be friends rather enemies.

"Charlotte! I think we will sell these items… what do you think?" James heard his Uncle bellow from the back of the house. Elisabeth who was getting used to Sidney smiled as she heard her mother firmly telling Sidney what to do. James who had never seen his Uncle ask a woman for advice or defer to their judgement had to close his mouth in shock.

"James…well met!" Sidney spying his nephew and pulled him into bear hug. James himself observing his Uncle closely.

"You are looking different" observed James and watched his Uncle chuckle while placing his hand over his growing beard. Charlotte appearing behind him carrying Matthew who happily went to his own Uncle Sidney M. Sidney placing his arm around Charlotte.

"James… Let me introduce you to my wife Charlotte" James had never seen his Uncle show such affection or the large smile that appeared on his face.

"Aunt Charlotte" James paying her his full respects. He observed she was an extremely beautiful woman who had a kind face.

"I knew you as a babe when I visited your family in Sanditon" Charlotte speaking warmly and answered James question about her connection. James could see his Uncle was happy and found everyone welcoming. Afternoon tea was being served and Anne begged him to sit with her. She listened intently as he told her stories of his travels.

"Henry?" Sidney asked and had taken on a concerned look when James explained Henry had decided to stay in America. James noting with curiosity when Charlotte stroked the head of the sleeping child next to her.

"He knows Uncle Angus Frazer!" Angus spoke up and explained James's connection with their family. The Montrose members all smiling as Angus was a legend for his fighting skills. Everyone sharing their own stories with the man including James.

Angus and Sidney M sharing a story about the time when they had been left out in the wildness to survive.

"What do you mean?" Joy asking as she enjoyed hearing Sidney M tell stories and found his accent endearing.

"I remember that day… I couldn't believe Hector, Clyde and Angus deciding to take the boys out.. it had been snowing" Charlotte spoke with anger in her voice. It had been Angus's idea and the men thought it best not to tell their mothers.

"I was 10… Angus 13 years old, and it was time we showed them we could survive in the wild. We travelled for three days when they finally left us with limited supplies. We were told to find our way home." Sidney M reflected. Angus eyes sparkled as he told everyone of his hunting success and Sidney M spoke about a Scottish wild cat they captured.

"You Aunt Janette and I decided we were going to even the score. We went out ourselves and found you. We would creep into your camp and made sure you were warm" Charlotte spoke and looked up when her husband had taken hold of her hand. Sidney had taken on a look of horror as images of little boys wondering alone in the Scottish Highlands flooded his mind. He fisted his hands and found Charlotte hand slightly rest on his.

"They were never alone. We found Hector, Angus and Clyde camped on the other side of the ridge and other kin were strategically positioned. They would die saving their future Laird and his companion" Charlotte spoke quietly. Sidney nodded and looked up to find his nephew watching him. He knew he was going to have to speak with James about his marriage.

Sidney M and Angus laughing as they remembered the kiss of their mothers but had thought they had dreamed the event. Sidney M rubbing the back of Matthew who was asleep on his shoulder.

"Don't get any ideas … Matthew must be at least 11" spoke up Harriet while giving a pointed glare at her brother.

"Harriet! the Scots are born to live in the open and we shouldn't fear our homeland!" Sidney argued. Sidney M and Harriet's husband had already picked out the place for Matthew's adventure and couldn't wait for him to be old enough to be taken into the wilderness.

Conversation moved to the various activities associated with the wedding of Elizabeth. There was to be a family shoot in the morning and James was invited to stay at the Montrose Estate as it was going to be an early start. James happily accepting and spent time speaking with his Uncle.

James couldn't get over the change of his Uncle. His Uncle had always been a quiet and often silent man but before James eyes he had be transformed. His Uncle's eyes rarely leaving his wife and James recognised his Uncle was in love … something he never saw when his Aunt Eliza was alive.

Much had changed since he had left England!