Surrender your Title

"Wake up!" Steward threw water on Irene's face. Irene gasping for air as water had gone down her windpipe. She suddenly recognised Steward's voice and became afraid…. she had been caught. She was bound and lying on a bed in a bare room. Judging by the noise outside she was in the servant's quarters of the house.

When a note had been passed to her the previous day, she knew her life was in danger. She had gone to town as Steward had threatened to kill her mother. She had been able to slip away when it was still dark and arrived at the designated meeting place.

Steward was waiting for her and welcomed her with a 'Judas kiss'. Pushing Irene into a chair opposite him. A small rat like dog appeared from under the chair sniffed her feet before jumping onto the lap of Steward…. baring its tiny teeth at her.

"This is my little attack dog whom I acquired for my trip to Sanditon. I have become quite attached to this vicious little thing". He laughed as he scratched the ear of the little dog.

"If you value the life of your mother, I suggest you follow my instructions." He waited until she nodded.

"You have to find proof that Sidney Montrose is the true son of Sidney Parker. You have until the end of the day" Steward spoke with a deadly warning. Irene looked at this man she once loved. He had made so many promises, but he had used her for his own evil plans. He had made her a traitor and she would have to carry the guilt of this for the rest of her life.

"Sidney Montrose is the son of Hector Montrose and is the Laird of the Montrose Clan" Irene exclaimed and found herself being picked up and pushed against a wall.

"I need your face undamaged so you can go back and find my proof" he snarled, and Irene could feel his breath against her face. The little dog snapping at her feet while adding its own high-pitched snarls. Steward finally releasing her and warned Irene not to disobey him. She quickly run out of the house and raced through the streets. Looking back in fear of being followed. She ran back via the beach and up a deserted path towards the Babbington Estate.

Irene spending the morning in her room debating what she was going to do. She knew Steward would go through with his threat, but she wanted to show the Laird she was loyal to him. In the end she had decided not to seek the information and prepared for the garden party. Irene would speak with the Laird once it was over… she didn't want to spoil it for the engaged couples.

"Have you got the proof?" Irene jumped as she was not expecting to see anyone from that house.

"Sidney Montrose is the son of Hector Montrose" she breathed out even though she knew this could mean her end. She felt a hand on her mouth, and everything went black.

The mood at Babbington House was tense as everyone was worried about Irene. The women believed she had been kidnapped while the men thought she had been helping Steward.

"We will be married in two days Joy" Sidney M spoke firmly when Joy suggested they delay the weddings. Joy worried for him and all she could do was stand by him. Even though there was a cloud of black descending it was not going to stop them from preparing for the weddings. They had an appointment with the local dress maker to complete the final fitting. All the women visiting the township except Mary, Harriet, Flora and Claire. They were taking Cassie, Matthew and the youngest Crowe children to the beach. Mary smiling brightly as she held Cassie's hand as they made their way down the path.

While at the dress markers Charlotte, Janette, Susan, Amanda and Isabella were seated in the main reception room while Joy and Anne were helped into their gowns. The girls looked beautiful, and the alterations needed were minimal.

"Ahh" Anne exclaimed as the lady stuck her with a pin

"Will they do?" Joy asked as she touched her gown and thought about her mother. Charlotte getting up and giving each young woman an embrace. She turned to Susan and Janette who in unison repeated a Scottish blessing for their marriages. It was a scared one which was only used by the senior members of the family. Joy and Anne wiping away tears as they felt they had been touched by an angel.

This special moment was interrupted by Georgina who greeted everyone enthusiastically. She had wanted to come earlier but had been side tracked.

"Two beautiful brides and might I say one future one!" sparkled Georgina. The women all laughing as Georgina could be funny if she deemed. She was given a seat and accepted the refreshments being offered to her. The women spending their time speaking about fashion and the gown they were planning to wear for the weddings. The dress fitting was finally complete and the girls were taken to be change.

"Why don't you go ahead to the bookshop? I know you wish to purchase a book for Papa?" Anne suggested. They would not be long, and their guards were out the front. The older women getting up and heading out of the store. Georgina at the last minute decided she wanted to check on her gown she had ordered for the wedding.

While….

All the men had had a busy morning searching for the carriage and gathering information. Sidney M and Angus in their bones knew their Uncle Steward had been on the carriage and was in Sanditon. The accounts of witnesses stated that there were two passengers… an older and younger woman plus a small dog. Their Uncle Steward was a master of disguise and they would not put it past him to have transformed himself into the older woman. They knew the women were well guarded, but they needed to satisfy themselves. They found the older women in the bookstore, but the younger women were missing.

"Where is Joy, Anne and Isabella?" asked Sidney M and urged his horse towards the dressmaker. His heart dropped as he observed the front door. It looked like his men had to force the door open.

"Tha iad ann an cuunart.. they are in danger!" Sidney drawing his gun and without thought entered the store and found it empty. Angus following behind and they found the dressmaker and assistant unconscious. At the backdoor a dead Montrose man had a letter placed in his pocket. Sidney M knowing instantly it was Steward…. he opened the letter and read the messaged that was directly addressed to him.

'I have what is important to you and you have something that is important to me. Surrender you title or these women will die'