May; vol. I

Set on the rugged coast of Pitcomlie, the Hay‑Heriot family has long kept a steady, unremarkable course through history. Their modest house, though never wealthy, is adorned with curiosities gathered by younger relatives—an Indian scimitar, a French sabre from Waterloo, a beaded Indian shield—tiny trophies that link the quiet estate to distant adventures. The surrounding lawn opens onto a restless sea, and the long drawing‑room, with its three grand windows, offers a perfect stage for the daily rhythms of country life.

At the heart of this world is Thomas Hay‑Heriot, a diligent, generous country gentleman whose calm demeanor anchors the household. His brother Charles, an ever‑methodical writer to the signet, has remained a lifelong bachelor, living like a permanent guest in Thomas’s home. As the story opens, the two brothers share a quiet morning by the fire, their steady routines hinting at the subtle tensions and quiet dramas that will stir beneath the surface of their seemingly placid existence.