Chapter Text
October 1757 - Albany, New York Colony
My Dearest Alice,
I can hardly believe you have only been gone a month. I so miss your female companionship in this new world, especially surrounded by my new family. I have come to love them as dearly as my husband but I confess so much time with men can be quite taxing. Thankfully, being so near to Albany I have taken to going to town at least once a week and have made some new acquaintances there. Still none can compare with having my own dear sister beside me.
I hope you will forgive me for saying this when I encouraged you to go, but I do so believe that it was in your best interest.
Nathaniel and I are beginning now to prepare for winter in our little cabin while his father and brother will set off to winter with the Delaware by week's end. My husband says they need not leave so soon, but Uncas seems particularly anxious to go. I must confess that while I have formed a quick bond with my new father whom I call Nooch, it has been harder to connect with Uncas due to his quiet temperament. He is still dear though, always doing little silent things to help with my load and teaching me little tricks as I adjust to this new environment. (You will laugh as I think my husband sometimes forgets I was not raised to this life as he was!)
So while I will be sad to see them go, if I am truthful I must say that I am greatly looking forward to the winter alone with Nathaniel!
I imagine now you are somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic and I pray that the journey has been smooth. There have been talks of the seasonal storms and I could not bare if I pray daily for your safe passage. Though I know it will be some months, write to me as soon as you are able.
Your loving sister,
Cora
November 1757 - London, England
Dearest Cora,
Your sister has just arrived in such a state! I can hardly countenance it still! And such horrid things she tells me. Both your father and Major Heyward dead? Can this be true? She also says I must congratulate you on your marriage, which I presume must be the truth since you have stayed in that savage country, but whom pray is your husband? I would wished to know more of him. To what family does he belong? I can get nothing else out of your sister except this little information which I have already imparted.
In truth she is very ill, the poor child. She has been abed this full week and can scarcely keep any but the most simple dishes down. I think the voyage nearly did her in, though perhaps it has also to do with the passing of your Papa. She does cry so. Write to me as soon as may be for I dearly wish to know the particulars of everything that has taken place while in the Americas and I do not think it healthful to press upon your sister’s delicate condition for it.
Until then, happy tidings to you and your new groom.
Aunt Eugenia
November 1757 - London, England
Dear Sister,
I have arrived safely in London. Please do not worry over much at whatever my aunt has to say. I am not doing as poorly as all that. Only the voyage was quite rough in comparison with the crossing earlier in the year and in truth I simply miss you dearly. Despite everything I find myself mostly reliving the good memories and wishing I could have
Well, how is your husband and new family? Are you finally happy with your cabin? Has Uncas healed fully I hope? I still can never forget the service he did for me. Do you think you or perhaps your new father-in-law could send me some words of their language to learn? It would make me feel close to you all though so far apart. Please give everyone my love.
Your devoted sister,
Alice
⚘⚘⚘
January 1758 - London, England
Alice sat at her window looking at the soft flakes of snow descending in the failing afternoon light. The worn edges of her sister’s letter held in her hand. She read it religiously over the past few weeks.
“You know you can not stay here my child.” Her Aunt Eugenia’s voice consoled. “Life would be impossible for you.”
“I understand.” The younger woman replied softly. It did not matter to her much where she was at this moment as the only place she truly wished to be was unattainable. Yet London in particular seemed an anathema to her now.
“If you would only tell me what happened. . .?” Her Aunt’s voice drifted off with a sigh. She must know by now that such questions were futile.
Alice merely moved her arms to wrap protectively about herself. For the millionth time she reminded herself that there was nothing for her in that world to which her sister now belonged. He had told her so himself.
In the window's reflection, she saw her aunt ringing her hands to try and find the right thing to say when a knock at the door broke their stalemate.
“The Baronet, madam.” The footman bowed.
“Oh cousin!” Her Aunt rushed to the newcomer with obvious relief in her voice. “Thank heavens you’ve come.”
“And this is the lass?” The man’s voice lowered but Alice could barely bring herself to care. Her eyes stayed fixed on the falling snow.
“Yes, this is Edmund’s youngest,” Aunt Eugenia half-whispered. “Oh Cousin, I can’t not begin to tell you all the horrors Cora tells me they lived there. And now this on top of it all!”
“Hhmm. . .Have no worry Eugenia, I will speak with her.” Soft footsteps brought a new reflection to Alice’s window and her eyes reflexively flicked to his before the man sat himself opposite her and she was forced to turn and meet his gaze directly.
He was a middle-aged man of perhaps 40, and despite the white wig and tight formal clothing, his face reminded her of her father’s in earlier years. . .before- That thought she cut off directly.
“Do you know who I am, child?” His voice, like his eyes, were soft as if dealing with a spooked animal. For all the emotions rolling through her, she hated feeling once again like she was constantly the weakest person in the room. Someone people had to cater to or tiptoe around. Thus, she kept her voice low and even.
“Your are Sir Harry; Papa’s cousin.”
“Yes, indeed." The smile he gave her held a hint of sadness. "I am Harry Munro, Baronet Foulis and current Head of Clan Munro and therefore responsible for the welfare of all my kinsman, including yours.”
Alice sucked in a deep breathe through her nose. This man seemed kind but he held her fate in his hands. She knew logically what everyone would expect of her, but though she cared not about where she lived or with whom, as long as she was safe, there was only one thing she wished for. Her hands clenched to fists over her abdomen.
“I-I do not wish to be a burden, but I can’t-" her voice caught unintentionally, belying the calm she'd been trying to project. How would they ever understand her reasoning? "I won’t give up-” Her little strength was gone, but the tear surprised her as it spilled over; she had thought she had used them all up these past months. Her last words came out as a whispered plea. “Please don’t make me.”
The soft blue eyes so like her father’s turned kind as the man’s hand came up to brush away her tears.
“Oh lass, dae not ye worry.” His proper English slipped into a slight brogue. “Ye choose a hard road, but ye’ll not be alone. I’ll see tae that.” Alice's mouth parted in astonishment. Did he truly mean it?
At that he gave her hand a gentle pat and stood to speak to her aunt back in proper English once again. This time he made no overture of lowering his voice. After all, it was her fate they were deciding. “To Scotland she must go. It’ll take me a week or so to make the arrangements.” He said as they walked to the door, “And I’ll be expected in Parliament for months still, so I’ll have to send others to travel with her.”
“Thank you cousin. I think it will be the best for her.”
“I can not but agree. Until then, stay out of company and put it around that she is still grieving.” Her aunt gave a soft agreement and the young lady watched as Sir Harry Munro put his arms about her aunt comfortingly. “Do not worry cousin; all will be well. And I dare say it will do her much good to be among our kin after so much loss.”
Her aunt had seen him to the door after that and Alice had turned back to her window.
It was to be Scotland then. A small stirring in her chest unsettled her for a moment until she identified the emotion, one she’d long since forgotten: hope.