Sample from most recent work..first draft

The highlanders worked hard over the next months, completing the construction and began the planting of crops. This was accompanied by great ceremony. Before the first plow moved across the field, a sheath of grain that had made the journey across the sea was given to the team pulling the plow. Earth from the first furrow was rubbed over the neck and shoulders of the horses. Bread, cheese and a glass of whisky were given to the plowman, who drank then filled the cup again and poured it over the bridle, saying, “ G’wee speed the labour”. After the blessing no further work was done on that day, a supper and dance followed as was the custom.

During the supper a ring was hidden in the brose and whoever found it would be the next to wed. There was much laughter when the ring was found by Ian Baillie. The towering Scotsman blushed as he was teased by the women. There were few unmarried women among the settlers. Most of them women who had been widowed on the crossing or girls to young to be thinking of marriage yet. Ian had loved one woman and she had married his brother. When she died shortly after her husband’s death, it was more for her than his brother that Ian took on the task of raising the two boys. Though he was often stern with them , he loved them as if they were his own sons.

When the meal was finished, the musician brought out their instruments and the familiar sounds of Scotland filled the air. Dancers whirled about in abandonment. Robert watched as young Anne McIntosh parroted the steps of her parents, whirling about with more enthusiasm that expertise. With a smile, Robert walked over to her and executing a smart bow asked,” May I have this dance, my Lady?” and taking the young girl by the had led her into the dance while her brothers doubled over with laughter at the sight of their little sister with the tall highlander. When the dance was over, Robert again bowed and thanked her for the dance. With a shy smile Anne raced over to where her parents stood and pulled at her father’s hand to get his attention and then announced, “I’m going to marry Robert.”

Her father looked at his daughter and then across the gathering to where Robert Baillie stood with his Uncle. “ Aye Annie you couldn’t find a finer young man but you are only ten and the young man might not want to wait for you to grow up.”

“ I’ll make him wait!” was the reply and Anne skipped off to join her brothers.