The public service record of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch is well-documented and most laudable. Both have held prominent positions within Her Majesty’s Court in the past, and continue to serve on countless Committees and Boards, and to provide patronage to numerous charitable institutions. While their second daughter has inherited this same public spiritedness, she has chosen to demonstrate it in a very different manner. The Edinburgh Children’s Sanctuary, which Lady Margaret opened last year, was built on a model she had previously established in the slums of New York city. The Sanctuary is, unusually, open to every and any child, regardless of their circumstances or parentage. The success of the Edinburgh institution has been such that Lady Margaret is now overseeing the establishment of another in Glasgow.

We are delighted to report the newlyweds intend to remain in Scotland and will set up home in the Clan seat of Achnacarry. We await with interest further developments, both domestic and professional, in the lives of this well-matched and intriguing duo who are a credit to their homeland.

Epilogue

Epilogue

Dalkeith Palace, Scotland, Monday, Christmas Day, 1876

THIS YEAR, THE TREE, which had been set up in the entrance hallway at Dalkeith, was so tall that Mary had had to climb to the top of the stairs to fix the topmost star in place. Every room was filled with the scent of pine from both the tree and the garlands which festooned the bannisters and adorned every fireplace.

This morning the household had processed from the house to attend the Christmas service at St. Mary’s. After church, Mama, Victoria, Margaret, and Mary had handed out presents to all the children on the estate, and Margaret had read them a new story she had written specially.