My heart's in the Highlands

Rowena Arbuthnot is a sharp‑witted, philosophically inclined woman whose mischievous blue‑grey eyes have long gotten her into trouble. In the modest drawing‑room of her sister‑in‑law Geraldine, she contends with a recent injury, dwindling finances and the pressure to become useful despite her frailty. Their banter reveals a household teetering between affection and frustration, as Geraldine worries about the future while Rowene tries to keep her spirits alive with a bouquet of fresh roses and a dry sense of humor.

Faced with the prospect of an invalid life, Rowena sketches out a bold, if improbable, plan to turn her predicament into a new venture—hand‑crafted rugs inspired by distant Eastern designs. The conversation hints at a looming journey, perhaps a ship bound for the Highlands, where her resilience will be tested against pride, family expectations, and the practicalities of making a living. The opening sets the stage for a story of humor, hardship, and the stubborn hope that a clever mind can forge a path forward.