A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Lord John Grey writes to Jamie, his letter dated April 14, 1773. He misses his son, William, who returned to England to live with his mother and go to school. Lord John has begun making wine. He plans to send some to Jamie by way of his new servant, Mr. Robert Higgins (Bobby). Bobby was a soldier in Boston convicted of manslaughter after a riot broke out and five from “the mob” were killed. Lord John laments the riotous environment in the city. Officers and soldiers are under constant attack by mobs or “Marching Societies.”

After Bobby plead “Clergy” and was branded on his face with an “M,” he was released from the Army and left Boston. He struggled to find employment and was violently harassed. Lord John took pity on the man for receiving an unjust punishment for doing his duty, and he hired him. He’s sent Bobby with the wine and the hope that Claire will treat Bobby’s injuries. Other doctors have not been able to help.

Bobby arrives, and Claire examines him. She thinks him a very sweet boy and begrudgingly likes Lord John, although she doesn’t trust his generosity toward Bobby. Lord John is gay, and Claire suspects he wants to have a sexual relationship with Bobby.