"What a glorious relief. Pity we did not supply the emeralds for the proof?"

Uriah flinched slightly, "If I had any emeralds, I would not waist them on a man like that."

Mary sweetly smiled.

Letter from Mary

3 December 1764

My Dearest Hendersons,

Last night Elizabeth found herself in great travail and nearly a month before her time. My dears, we have not one, but two -- twin girls! And not once did any of us suspect. Caleb has named them Roselee and Maralee. Elizabeth is quite well. Sarah keeps the babies warm by the hearth while Caleb and Peter rush to build a second cradle. How very delighted we all are.

We simply cannot wait for you to see them when you come to us in April.

Love Mary

Express from Matthew

Boston, 12 December 1764

My boys, word has only just arrived. John Stuart, the Earl of Bute, has resigned his position and vows to abide no more. He grows weary of reports citing undue influence over the King's mother. In Boston, Scotsmen mourn the loss of him and for now, the Stuart line fades away.

I am left to wonder how different life might have been had Bonnie Prince Charlie won his war.

Matthew

John Samuel Carson was born in England on the 21 of May, 1761. When he reached America, he was two. At the age of three, he became the eldest of the Carson cousins -- and their protector. Then at four, he wanted nothing more to do with Roselee and Maralee. On the other hand, John and seven-year-old Adam Williams were inseparable.