“Why are they allowed to do that?” the Earl enquired.
Vara thought now that he was really interested.
“It was authorised during the reign of King George Ill,” she said, “in recognition of a very daring exploit performed by the Black Watch during the French Revolutionary Wars.”
She paused and, as the Earl did not speak, she went on,
“Their tartan is black and dark green, which they wear to indicate the Gaelic appellation of Freicudan Du or Black Watch. Other regular troops wear scarlet coats, waistcoats and breeches and are therefore called ‘Red Soldiers’.”
“I can see I have a great deal to learn,” the Earl remarked.
Vara instantly felt that perhaps she had said too much and lapsed into silence.
They drove on until the Earl turned and quizzed her,
“Have you lived here all your life?
