Quantum of Riches
By: Maggie Payne
Sir Thomas Wallace of Scotland inherited the family clipper ship business upon the death of his parents during a storm in the South China Sea. He was six years old. Raised by his bachelor Uncle Cameron Wallace, he learned everything about sailing and navigation as he sailed the five oceans and seven seas.
As an adult, Sir Thomas married and fathered twin sons; his wife died in childbirth. The twins were raised by their maternal grandparents in London.
Sir Thomas discovers a French Land Grant, granted to his grandfather prior to the Louisiana Purchase, and passed down to future generations. He sets sail for America and New Orleans. Finding the land described in the Land Grant, covered with hundred-year-old moss-covered oak trees and fields of purple irises, he travels to Washington to lay claim to the land.
Sir Thomas receives title from the American President, and decides this will be his family home. Deploring slavery, Sir Thomas names his home Three Oaks Farm.
The farm is a reflection of a man's worth and yet, Sir Thomas has so little time to cherish Three Oaks. His surviving heir, young Thomas, marries and makes Three Oaks his home until tragedy comes along and takes all he loves away... or did it?