The American and the Duke

Chapter 1 Katerina

After a month long journey. We had finally arrived in London. The Thames was packed with ships, and the docks were lively. Much like Boston. It made me long for home. Even though we had only been away for a month. I had already missed home. The sea voyage was not kind to my brother James. He was sick almost the entire voyage. The sea did not agree with him. But the sea air, and the sun agreed with me. I often spent much of my time above deck. Often walking around the ship. Talking with the other passangers. Many were returning to England. Some just stopping in London before travelling onto other parts of England. When we arrived on the docks, we looked around. I had never met my uncle, but surely he would come and greet us. A man who appeared to be my father's age walked up to us. He had a kind face, he was slightly shorter than James. He pulled his hat off and gave us a smile.

“Katerina and James Malcolm,” he asked. He had a kind twinkle in his eye. As if he knew us from somewhere. But we did not know him.

“Yes, and you are sir,” James asked, straightening his coat and hat nervously. I chuckled and touched his arm reassuringly. I had a feeling that this man meant us no harm.

“Forgive me Mr. Malcolm, my name is Thomas Hudson, I am your Uncle Edward’s lawyer and dearest friend. We left the colonies together after attending your parents wedding,” he said. I smiled thinking of how long ago that was. James held out his hand and Thomas took it, shaking it firmly. He gave me a small nod. I nodded back and took my brother's arm.

“Why did you leave the colonies, were you a loyalist. Like my mother's family,” I asked. James cleared his throat loudly. I looked up at him and rolled my eyes. I could not help it, I was curious and wanted to know. Thomas sighed and lifted his trouser leg. To reveal a peg there. Instead of a leg. I immediately felt regret in asking. No doubt he had fought in the Revolution. And no doubt he understood the lost that felt.

“I lost my leg at the Battle of Yorktown. I thought for sure that the King’s army would win. And I was young and loyal to my King and country. I was born and raised in Virginia. Now I know that I was wrong, and that I shared many of the opinions of the patriots. I left the colonies knowing that I could never return,” he replied. I felt sad for him, he did what he thought was right at the time. And now he could not go home.

“Anyone who fights in a war is a hero in my eyes. No matter the side you fight for. You fought for your convictions. And the patriots did the same,” James replied. 

“You are quite kind Mr. Malcolm, but it is over now. I have accepted the past and your uncle has been generous to me since our return. And the world has their eyes on your fledgling nation now. I suspect it will rain soon. And your uncle will not be pleased with me if I let you both catch a chill,” Thomas replied. James nodded, and we followed Thomas to a carriage. The driver tipped his hat to us, and James helped me into the carriage. And Thomas instructed the sailors to put our trunks on the back of the carriage and then we were off. And a few moments later it began to rain. It was as if the sky had opened up. It was just sunny a few minutes ago. The weather here was very differen than Boston. I wondered if it would rain all the time.

“Tell us about our uncle and aunt,” James asked. I stared out the window. Drinking in the city of London. The cobblestones, and the many town houses. Just like those in Boston. There larger estates much like those down south. The plantations that papa always told us about. Though he and our family were very much staunch abolitionists.

“Your uncle Edward is a kind and honorable man. He works in government, and spends much of his time here in London. Your aunt is an ambitious woman, wanting to climb the social ladder. And will do anything to do so. Much to the disappointment of her husband,” Thomas replied. He had a look in his eyes. As if something had happened between them. Though I did not know what.