SFSD-X Smackdown Challenge ✔️

2.3 The Highlander And The Salesman (The End Of The Highland Clearances)

3 - The End Of The Highland Clearances

Don watched as the sails of the last ship disappeared on the horizon - his work was done here. There were no families of the old Highland clans left in Scotland, he had convinced each and every one of the proud men to seek their fortune in America. His client, Washington Duke, was thrilled about his new workers, and so were many of the other farmers in the south. Who needed Negroes when they could have cheap labor that didn't even want to run off?

He looked at Ian next to him who watched the ship disappear with puckered lips. The boy had impressed him over this past year. Those families showing reluctance were quickly convinced by his persuasive skills, the fire in his eyes spreading to their hearts like wildfire. He had a bright future ahead of him, maybe even in politics. Hell, if they changed the constitution, he could even be president.

"What do you want to do tonight to celebrate our victory?" Don asked the boy.

Ian's eyes sparkled. "We are leaving tomorrow so I think a visit to the Sutherlands should be in order. After all, we can't leave the ladies without saying goodbye. They would be heartbroken."

Being a lady's man was one of the first lessons Don had taught him and Lizzy had been very receptive to his advances, forgetting all about Ian's lack of noble blood. Elizabeth and Don had also gotten quite close when her husband was not around and he would miss her and even more so, her Scottish whiskey.

Turning the horse around in the direction of the Sutherland mansion, they passed the old McKenna croft on their way.

Don halted the horse. "Do your miss your home, Ian?"

The boy stared on the remains of the torn down cottage with disdain. "Never. That life sucked big time."

Don grinned - he hadn't expected any other answer. "And what have we learned?"

Ian recited the quote perfectly. "I have a life and it only goes in one direction. Forward."

Don nodded. "Well said, son."

Ian chuckled. "Well, Mr. Draper, I learned from the best."

The stroke to his ego was balm for Don's soul. Giving spores to his horse, he and Ian left the old McKenna farm behind. In their minds, they had also already left the Highlands.