I had no idea where to start to try and find a character for myself. I was talking with relatives about family history, where upon I came across the name ‘Burnett’ on my mother’s side. I took to the name, and decided that I should see how far it extends back in history. To my delight it went all the way back to the early medieval era, so I adopted it, and searched up any possible daughters of the ‘Lairds of Leys’. Unfortunately it seems there were probably few (if so, they were not mentioned) or none. Mariette was never to my knowledge a real person, yet I hope that in some small way she may represent all that was honourable to the Burnetts of Leys.

Thus here I tell of her tale:

Mariette Burnett was born to a peaceful, independent and most illustrious Scottish family; though they lived in the Highlands, they were a powerful Lowland family. The Burnetts settled in the northeast at the Loch of Leys, and there they dwelt in the Crannog; long a stronghold and refuge in times of hardship. They were granted parts of the Royal Forest of Drum and the Horn of Leys in 1323 by Robert the Bruce, for their support in the war for Scotland’s independence. The Chief, Alexander Burnard was a valued supporter of Robert the Bruce.

Mariette’s family for the most part gained their wealth and power through marriage and becoming distinguished in the Church, since they were not really politically inclined. The Burnetts became benefactors of religious houses, namely the Monks of Melrose. This somewhat became a reputation of the Burnetts.

Mariette, too, tried to live up to their reputation, for she was a diligent in her faith and was betrothed to an heir of great fortune at the age of fourteen. However, much to Mariette’s grief this knight was slain in the heat of battle, and so it was that she became a lady in waiting to the gracious Lady Allys Waddington.

Of pastimes, she enjoyed the arts of embroidery, dancing, singing, and playing instruments. Learning to dance was particularly a favourite of hers, for she always believed it was nearly impossible for one to dance and be grumpy! Socialising with friends was also important to her – she could not bear to part with them for very long. Mariette was not very physically strong; nevertheless her Scottish roots shone through, for she learnt to fight with the blade of a sword in self-defence. Although normally this was considered a masculine practice, she took it upon herself as a necessity. Mariette was never one to shy from being different!

Motto: Virescit Vulnere Virtus (Courage Flourishes at a Wound)