At the request of the Grants, Ellen undergoes a test to prove her worthiness to marry into the clan.
A Virtuous Woman opens at Castle Leoch where Ellen is preparing for her test to see if she’s virtuous.
Brian Finds Out
Simon is gloating again, because Ellen is to go through a test of virtue which will likely mean her ruin because she gave up her virginity to Brian. Brian is determined to go to Leoch to get her.
Julia wants to help and puts together an elixir to help her—I have no idea how that is supposed to restore her virginity.
Meanwhile, Simon is going to Aberdeen for something called “special waters” which will restore his sexual appetites which Julia definitely doesn’t want any part of. While he is away, Brian and Julia can slip away. Davina thinks it is a terrible idea, and neither should go, but Julia promises to protect Brian if Davina protects her son. These two have come so far.
Ellen has to confess to Glenna that she isn’t a virgin anymore. She suspects Murtagh but Ellen tells her it wasn’t Murtagh and she won’t say who.
Julia sneaks into Leoch finding her way to Ellen’s room again. She gives her the elixir that they need to apply.
Glenna says there are three parts to the test. She has to be able to hold her pee and her pee must be clear. Yeah fairly sure that doesn’t prove a thing except she’s not dehydrated. The last stage is where the elixir comes in. It will make it look like she is intact because she’s going to be physically inspected.
In the testing room, with everyone around, Ellen passes the test. Glenna and Ellen rush back to her room to tell Julia so she can take the news to Brian.
Later, as Julia and Brian are escaping, Glenna realizes how they are all coming and going and takes Brian his scrap of tartan telling him to stay away from Ellen to keep her safe.
Henry’s Ghost
On the way to Leoch, Malcolm confesses to Henry this test was his father’s doing and he wouldn’t have put Ellen through it.
Once they arrive at Leoch, Henry goes to speak to Ned privately when he thinks he’s seen Julia. His PTSD starts to get the better of him. He’s starting to believe he’s losing his mind.
Ned wonders why Henry hasn’t left already but Henry believe things would be easier with another ally namely Malcolm Grant. Ned reminds Henry he may have reason to return to Leoch, and they can make a better plan.
As Julia is on her way out of the Castle after the test, she hears Ned speaking to Mr. Grant and turns to find Henry. She calls out to him and waves him after her. They go down to another corridor. Henry thinks she’s a ghost, but when he touches her and the two kiss he realizes her death was a lie. She tells him the baby’s name is William—after Henry’s grandfather.
Brian comes upon them. Julia let’s Brian know that Ellen was proven innocent. Julia introduces Henry as her husband. They hear someone coming and Brian says they have to go. Julia explains she must and she’s at Castle Leathers, but he mustn’t come looking for her. Julia promises they will find their way back to each other.
Arch Bug finds Henry staring off into a corridor. Henry says he thought he saw his wife and Arch assumes Henry is still seeing ghosts.
Malcolm Grant is in high spirits now that he’s certain of Ellen’s virtue. Henry tells him he never doubted which make Malcolm even happier. But the happiness is short-lived as news comes Isaac Grant has died.
What does this mean for our couples?
