Ellen hatches a new plan to protect herself and her family. Julia is forced to make an impossible choice.
School of the Moon proves Ellen MacKenzie should be the leader of her clan but she’s a woman ahead of her time. She’s more sensible and cunning than her brothers but she’s disregarded because of her gender.
Chess
After the death of their father, their clan leadership is in question. They don’t just pass the Lairdship to one of his sons. The clan can vote for another. The competitions is fierce and someone else taking over could mean danger for their family. So Ellen does what she must and works to make one of her brothers the Laird. Her bet is on Colum because of his mind, but many wouldn’t want him because he isn’t able bodied.
Ellen is awakened by Glenna Fitzgibbons—yes that is a young Mrs. Fitzgibbons—who is talking about a suitor. Ellen believe she knows about Brian but she’s actually talking about her betrothal to Malcolm Grant.
Ellen is not happy because she knew nothing about this and she didn’t agree to it. Also her father told her she could marry a man she chose. But Colum makes it obvious that he won’t be keeping his father’s promises. She is just a pawn on a chess board.
But Dougal is always looking for alliances amongst the Jacobites and discusses a possible marriage to Ellen with MacRannoch—remember the man who gave her the pearls who ends up helping Claire get Jamie out of Wentworth. Ellen is pissed and turns to Ned Gowan. Honestly, I think MacRannoch young is quite dashing, but I wouldn’t want Dougal in charge of anything.
Ned is upset because the brothers aren’t thinking ahead and splitting the vote means the family may not have enough to secure the Lairdship. Because of Colum and Dougal’s antics MacKinney is gaining support.
Ellen being Ellen saves the day because she’s really a Queen not a pawn. Colum can’t fight and Dougal is too much of a hothead to lead. They need to be united. Colum is the laird and Dougal should be the War Chief. They should become a united front the clan can get behind.
We also see flashbacks of their father. He doted on Ellen though was always disappointed she was a woman. He was disappointed in Colum because he was sickly and Dougal was such a hothead he couldn’t think ahead.
Ellen reminds her brothers of the night Dougal was punished for disobeying Colum’s orders on a raid. There are other clans that have done this so it isn’t unheard of and it would keep them all safe.
At the Oath Taking, Dougal pledges his oath to Colum. MacKinney realizing defeat pledges himself to Colum as well. Jocasta and Janet know Ellen was behind the entire thing, but Ellen plays it off as Ned’s doing.
Simon Is A Rat
Brian learns from Murtagh that Ellen is promised to Malcolm Grant. They head back home to report it to Brian’s father.
Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat isn’t happy to hear the Grant’s and MacKenzie’s are forging an alliance through marriage. Isaac Grant is supposed to be Lovat’s ally, and he has a deep hatred of the MacKenzies. To end the marriage proposal Simon tries to disparage Ellen’s name. Brian doesn’t like the idea of this because he’s already in love with her but also because he’s an honorable guy.
While Brian doesn’t love the idea Murtagh does. His hope is in Ellen’s disgrace she’ll show interest in him. Maybe if she has no other prospects she’d accept him. Not a nice plan there Murtagh.
Henry Searches
Henry meets Ned in a brother while Arch Bug looks on disapprovingly. Henry isn’t there for the women but instead enlists Ned’s help to find Julia. Ned introduces him to Una who wants to be paid for her help. Henry is willing.
Julia’s Secret
Julia is still stuck at Castle Leathers dodging the advances of Simon Fraser. Davina confronts her about her pregnancy and encourages Julia to end her pregnancy with a potion. Julia isn’t interested but must avoid her baby being taken or killed by Simon Fraser.
Julia says she knows Brian is Davina’s son who is also Simon’s son. The only reason Brian still lives is because he is the Laird’s son though we all see how Simon treats him.
Julia now believes she must sleep with Simon and convince him she’s with child. In her latest letter to Henry, she makes it clear she will do anything to make sure they survive.
