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*** SPOILER ALERT! *** This page may contain spoilers. Read only if you want to know!
Recap of Episode S02-E08 The Fox's Lair

Directed by: Mike Barker
Written by: Anne Kenney
First aired on May 28, 2016

VO (Claire): "We returned to heal in the peace of the Scotish Highlands. Jamie's sister Jenny (Laura Donnelly) and her husband Ian (Steven Cree) had another baby while we were in Paris. Their welcome, and the daily routines of Lallybroch, worked like a tonic on our battered souls. We hoped we had done enough to stop the war. We began planning our future, but as a very prescient Scot (Robert Burns) once observed, 'The best laid schemes of mice and men...'"

Rabbie MacNab (Jamie Kennedy) comes running up to Claire carrying a basket of potatoes he's been digging up in the field, yelling, "Claire, Claire, they're ready! Look how bit they are! They're GIANT!"
Claire (Caitriona Balfe) picks up one of the potatoes, examining it, stating "Oh my goodness, Rabbie, so they are."

"Can we eat them tonight?"

"I don't see why not. Come on, let's go ask Mrs. Crook"

Inside the house, Rabbie dumps the basket of potatoes onto the table. Mrs. Crook (Margaret Fraser), holding the baby, says, "A grand potato if ever I saw one."

Jenny picks one up, smiling, and corrects her, "You've never seen one, not on Fraser land, not 'till now. You were right telling us to plant them Claire. 'Tis a fine crop.'

Mrs. Crook is confused, "I dinna see how you'd grind them for parritch."

Jamie (Sam Heughan) says, "I dinna believe ye grind them, Mrs. Crook."

Mrs. Crook says, "Oh aye, what do you do with them then?"
Surprisingly, Fergus (Romann Berrux) jumps into the conversation and says, "You boil them, eat them with salt. Butter is good too!"

Claire adds, "Or roast them, mash them with milk."

"I dinna ken you can cook, Sassenach."

"I'm not sure I can cook, but I can certainly boil a potato."

"Then we shall have a feast," Jamie says. They're snuggling together, and kissing each other.

We hear a door opening and Jenny turns around as Ian and Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) enter the house laughing. "Wipe your feet and take off your filthy boots before you tramp all over this rug."

Mrs. Crook says to Rabbie and Wee Jamie (Aaron Wright), "Come along lads, you can help me scrub them clean."

Ian informs the group, "I ran into Hector on the way up. Got the post from him, hey". He kisses Jenny on the cheek and hands her most of the mail. "Oh, Jamie. Here's one for you."

Claire is looking at a letter she got. "Louise!"

Jenny is going through the rest. "It's the bill for the seed. And one from Aunt Jocasta. Good, we haven't heard from her in months."

Ian asks, "Now, did ye get the ploughshare fixed?"

Smitty says it's broken straight through. Canna be re-forged. We'll have to hand-till until we can get a new one."

Murtagh muses, "I canna believe I've become a farmer."

Jenny is grinning about the four books she unwrapped, "Oh, three French novels and a book of poetry from Paris. Which one shall we read tonight?"

Jamie is reading his letter over by the window, and curses in Gaelic. Claire asks, "And what is it?" Then she goes over to Jamie and skims the letter herself.

Dear cousin, I was so pleased to learn about actions on behalf of the Jacobite cause. Words cannot express my admiration for your boldness and courage in the face of such a struggle for our noble cause. My prayers are with you and may they help keep you safe in your righteous fight for our King across the water. Respectfully Yours Cousin (Jared)
Then she snatches the second letter and turns it over to reveal Prince Charles Stuart's crest.

Jamie is clearly upset. "Aye, it declares a Stuart's devine right to the throne of Britain, supported by the chieftains of the Highland clans, signed by those pledging loyalty to Charles Stuart."

Claire starts to read off the list of names: "MacKinnen, Oliphant, MacDonald of Glencoe, James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser." She looks up scared.

"Jesus Bloody Christ, he's forged your signature."

"Aye, he has."

Murtagh confirms their worst fears, "Charles has landed in Scotland and is gathering his army."

Jenny says, "This was published, distributed. The names on this are traitors to the crown."

Jamie is sitting down looking far away. Claire comes up to him looking very somber, saying simply, "Jamie."

Jamie is out in a field with his right foot on a fallen tree, rubbing the stiff injured fingers on his left hand. Claire charges up behind him and says, "It's all coming to pass, isn't it. The Jacobite rising, Culloden, the Clearances, the destruction of all of this."

"So it would seem," Jamie concurs.

"We could go to Ireland, or the Colonies."

"What of Ian and Jenny? My nieces and nephews, our cousins."

"We can bring them with us."

"All of them? And what of our tenents? Leave them to the mercy of the British butchers, if the Culloden is lost."

"Your name on that document brands you as a traitor to the British. And you will be hung as one if they catch you. We can't stay."

"We know what will happen if the Jacobites lose the war. But... but what if they win?"

"They don't! It's the verdict of history."

"Have you given up trying to change the future then, Sassenach?"

"Well, after Paris, haven't you?"

"Paris was bitter disappointment. But you can change the future, you've proven that. Tammas Baxter lives because of you. Paris was spared an outbreak of Smallpox because of you. And Louise de Rohan will bear Charles Stuart's bairn because of you."

"You want to fight for Prince Charles?"

"Fight for our family, and for Scotland. Canna see any other way. Can you?"

Claire, shaking her head and looking resigned, says, "Not one that we could live with. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." (quote from Albert Einstein)

"Well, I do not ken who they are, Sassenach, but I'll wager they have never traveled through time." They embrace, trying to comfort each other.


Ian tells Jamie, "So, with Daniel Wallace and Duncan MacLennan you should have 30 able-bodied men from Lallybroch."

"Good. Murtagh, I need you to bring the men to Kingussie. Claire and I will meet you there in two weeks. We'll go together to join the Prince at Creiff."

"As ye say."

Claire storms up and asks, "And where will we be during these two weeks?"

"Uh, Prince Charles has dispatched me to enlist men and support from our kinsman, Lord Simon Fraser of Lovat."

Jenny overhears this and asks, incredulously, "Ye're going to see Lord Lovat? Ask him to do ye a favor?"

Jamie clarifies, "Ask him to help preserve his country and restore the rightful king to the throne. He does have a history of supporting the Jacobites, ye ken."

"Oh, aye, and the British, and anyone else that'll help him line his pockets and claim the title Chief of Clan Fraser of Lovat."

"A position he is entitled to and has held for over twenty years."

You're devending the old buzzard now? Father must be birling in his grave."

Claire asks, "Who is Lord Lovat?"

Both Jamie and Jenny reply together, "Our grandsire." Jenny continues, "Who we've laid eyes on once in our lives when he came to visit just after our mother died. Father threw him out before he could cross the threshold."

"Why?"

Jamie explains, "He tried to have our mother kidnapped and taken to the Monach Isles in order to prevent our father from marrying her. There was some bad blood between Lovat and the MacKenzies."

Claire fills in, "A situation I assume Prince Charles is unaware of."

'Tis not only degrading for you to crawl to that man and ask him for help, 'tis a fool's errand. The 'Old Fox' does nothing that's not in his best interest, and NEVER without a price."

Jamie counters heatedly, "No, what would be foolish, Janet, would to let pride stand in the way of doing whatever I can to save Lallybroch, Scotland, and EVERYTHING that we hold dear!" Turning to Claire he says, "We'll leave for Beaufort Castle first thing tomorrow." Then he storms up the stairs.


Later that night, up in their room, Jamie looks guilty and admits to Claire, "I havena been completely honest with ye about my family, Sassenach."

"What do you mean?"

"My father ... he was a bastard. Acknowledged by his father Lord Lovat, but a bastard nonetheless."

"And your grandmother?"

"Lord Lovat's kitchen maid. She raised my father at Beaufort Castle. I should have told ye before we wed. (takes off his shirt) I'm sorry. It was cowardly of me."

"Jamie, you must know that your father's parentage makes no difference to me."

"Hm, well, it should." He kisses her sweetly.

"It doesn't." He picks her up while he's kissing her (a fair amount of skill is involved). "Let's go to bed."

"Aye." And that's where he takes her... <Fade out...>


Claire wakes up hearing faint noises, someone speaking Gaelic softly. She reaches over to Jamie's side of the bed and discovers he's not there. So she gets up to investigate... Peering over the banister she sees him sitting with his legs up on the sofa below, his plaid wrapped all around him, talking softly to a baby. Jenny and Ian's baby Katherine.

Jenny comes up to Claire and says, "The bairn couldna sleep, and neither could Jamie. He thought they could keep each other company for a bit while Ian and I slept. And he's trying to get back on my good side."

"Did it work?"

"It's a start. Ye can talk to a wee one in a way ye canna talk to anyone else. You can pour out your heart to them without choosing your words, or holding anything back at all. And that's a comfort to the soul. It's the way we talk to them before their born. Ye know."

"Yes, I know."

"A man has to wait until the child's born, and then they hold their bairn, feel all the things that might be, and all the things that might never be. And weep, not knowing which ones will come to pass."


Claire says to Ian, "Take care of your Fraser."

And he says to her, "Aye, and you yours."

Jenny tells Jamie, "Take this. (Jenny puts a rosary over his head) It brought Ian back to me from France." Jamie kisses the cross.

"Ye gave Ian a token when we went to France, and no' me? And him not even your betrothed at the time."

"Don't make me regret giving it to ye now. <tearing up and hugging him> If ye no come back, brother, I'll never forgive ye."

"Never is a very long time."

"I know."

Murtagh comes outside and bellows, "Jes where do ye think ye're going?" He's directing this to Fergus who's on a small donkey (his real name is Archie).

"Well, with milord!"

Ian says grinning, "Ye're too young to fight, laddie. Ye'll bide here wi' us."

Jenny adds, "Ye can help Rabbie in the stables till Milord returns."

"But, I belong with you. Is that not what you told me, Milady, that I will always have a home with you?"

"Yes, of course, but sometimes it's ..."

Jamie breaks in saying, "He's right. His place is no' here, without us, nor in France on his own." To Murtagh he instructs, "Bring him with ye, Murtagh, when ye come with the men."

"Aye, if I havena killed him first."

"Dinna fash, Claire. I'll keep him well away from the battle." Addressing Fergus, "The outcome is in yer hands, laddie. A good soldier must learn to obey his commanding officer (motioning to Murtagh), as well as his General."

I think he says to Claire, let's go, but I'm not sure.

Jenny comes up to Claire to give her a hug. "Take care of each other. And watch out for my grandsire."

"I will. Good bye Jenny."

Then Jamie and Claire mount up and head to Beaufort Castle (Jamie on a beautiful black horse, wonder if it's Sleepy, and Claire on a white horse that looks like the one Jamie was riding in France when he and Fergus rode to Le Havre to sabbotage the wine and sailor's coats). Beautiful scenery and music playing in the background.

VO: "During our ride to Beaufort Castle, Jamie filled me in on what he knew of his grandfather. Over the last 50 years, Lord Simon Fraser of Lovat had been alternately loyal to exhiled King James and the monarch sitting on the British throne. His personal life was equally infamous. Aside from numerous extra-marrital dalliances, Lord Lovat had had three wives, two of them acquired by nefarious means."

They are escorted into the great hall by a Beaufort servant (Ross Mann) who says, "Lord Lovat will be with you shortly."

Claire, straightening her hair a bit, says, "I do wish we'd had a chance to freshen up a bit before meeting your grandfather."

"Dinna fash, Sassenach. Ye look bonnie. Though, ye do have a few tassle heaps in your hair." He pulls out a few stray bits.

A loud voice from off camera says, "Leave them, they suit her." We see Colum MacKenzie (Gary Lewis) hobble into the room on his rickety legs.

Jamie is surprised to see him there. "Colum!"

"I arrived this morning myself. I saw ye enter the courtyard from my window."

"What are ye doing here?"

"Well, I'm here to discuss a response to the rebellion with Lord Lovat, as I assume you are. War, it makes for strange bed fellows." To Claire he says, "I'm pleased to see that you're well." He grabs her hand.

"You'll have to excuse me if I find that hard to believe," and she jerks it away from him. "The witch trial, Colum."

"You seem to be implying that I had something to do with your involvement in that. It was simply my impression that you were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Yes, I was. Thanks to a message from your kitchen maid, Laoghaire, who just happened to know the exact time and place of the arrest."

"A gross overstepping of her place, for which I had her beaten. I would have thrown her out of Leoch, but her grandmother, Mrs. Fitz, persuaded me she could keep the girl in check."

Jamie asks, "Is Dougal with ye?"

"No, it became clear that it was best for the clan that my brother remain at his own estate."

Claire states, "Surely Dougal would be the one leading Clan MacKenzie in fighting for King James."

"I'd forgotten what a curious mind you have lass."

We hear a loud bang and everyone turns to look at Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat (a.k.a., The Old Fox —Clive Russell) standing just inside the doorway.

"So, the rumor is true, the grandson of Lord Simon Fraser of Lovat has burdened himself with a Sassenach. I suppose ye are yer father's son after all. Would ye expect the boy to have more sense choosing a wife than did the bastard who made him?"

"At least I had no need to take a wife by means of rape, or trickery."

"Ha, ha, no as serious as yer father. Good. Enough breath wasted on women. Leave us. It's time to talk politics with my grandson and my rival."

Jamie nods to a frowning Claire and she stomps out of the room.


VO: "While Jamie's meeting dragged on, I took the opportunity to look over the place that Lord Lovat called home."

"Mistress Fraser, I've been looking for ye since I heard you were here." It's Laoghaire MacKenzie (Nell Hudson) walking up to Claire, who's shocked and backing away from her.

"Laoghaire!"

"Did the laird not tell you I'm with him?"

"No."

"My grandmother sent me along to wash his laundry and help wherever I'm needed. I wanted to find ye though because... (getting down on her knees) I need to tell ye, I am changed, and I am sorry beyond measure for the horrible wrong I did to ye. My grandmother has made me see I canna be right with God until I make amends for the pain my evil actions have caused. I believe it is God who brought us together here so I could do so."

"God. You speak of God. How often have I thought about what I would do whenever I saw you again. I have fantasized all manner of violent acts I would subject you to, all of them ending with the lighting of a fire beneath your feet and dancing on your ashes as you promised to dance on mine. (Laoghaire is crying crocodile tears) I don't hate you Laoghaire. I pity you for the dark places you must have inhabited in the hopes of getting something that you'll never have. As for getting right with God, you'll have to find another way, 'cause I can't help you."


Claire has been recounting her encounter with Laoghaire to Jamie in their bed chamber. Claire says, "Maybe God did bring us together. Somehow I feel lighter."

"Aye, you're more forgiving than I am, Sassenach. I wouldn't have given the brazen bizzen the time of day."

"Perhaps. So, will I be allowed to join you at dinner tonight?"

"Oh, aye. My grandsire is no opposed to a bit of decoration at the dinner table. As long as that decoration doesna speak. (Claire is being unusually quiet) Aye, just like that. Now come along."


Jamie is stating, "Every man here knows that to most British, all Highlanders, no matter their allegiance, we're all the same. Savage dogs better put down than let live. After three uprisings, the British army will be motivated to put us down for good. To save our clans, our country, our very way of life, we must band together under the true king, King James, fight, and we must win!"

Colum chimes in, "We're very fortunate to have among us such a close confidant of the Prince. Isn't that so, Lovat? We're lucky to have somebody to give us an inside view of this holy rebellion."

"Aye, but I dinna know how holy it is."

"So can ye tell us then nephew, how much support have the French agreed to give?"

"The French have already supported us Colum, by engaging the British army in Flanders, reducing the troops for many a year. ... The Prince is certain the French will want to press the advantage, send men and artillary to support the Jacobites."

Colum get's it. "Oh, so the French have not yet committed to Prince Charles."

Lord Lovat says, "Always an unreliable ally, the French."

Jamie continues, "We will welcome the French support when it comes, but we dunna need it. The Jacobite army is already a thousand men strong in Crieff. MacDonalds, Camerons, Stuarts, Grants, and more joining every day. The majority of the British army remain on the continent licking their wounds."

All during this discussion, Lord Lovat's son Simon (The Young Fox — James Parris) has been flirting with Laoghaire who has been filling cups.

He jumps up and says, "I have heard the British have offered 30,000 pounds for the capture of Prince Charles."

His father asks, "Meaning what?"

"Meaning the British see Prince Charles as a real threat."

Jamie raises a glass and says, "You join us then, cousin" (he's really his uncle, not cousin).

Old Lord Lovat says, "Perhaps the British know as the rest of us do how many culliens there are amongst the Cambells and the Camerons, men who would sell their own grandmother for half that amount."

Young Simon, "Well, aye..."

Old Simon, "For 30,000 pounds the British could end this rebellion before it even starts, a fair site less than it would cost them to wage a war."

Young Simon, "I hadn't considered that."

Old Simon, "Then sit down ye mealy mouthed wee smout, and dinna speak again until ye have considered what ye're about to say." He then grabs Laoghaire by the arm, touches her face and tells her, "Bring us more wine, my lovely" while looking at his son. "And a glass of milk for my boy." Everyone is snickering.

Old Simon, "Enough war talk tonight.


As Claire and Jamie are leaving the building heading into rain, Claire says, "I got the impression that Colum was trying to use you to convince Lord Lovat not to join the rebellion."

"The first Jacobite rebellions failed and Colum will never support another. He wants Lovat's clan to stay neutral with the MacKenzies knowing that the smaller clans will follow. The rebellion will collapse before it ever gets started."

"Why doesn't Colum just speak to him directly?"

"My grandsire doesna trust my uncle. Using me is a much more effective strategy. I need to speak to Lovat on my own, without Colum leading me to make his arguments for him. It's a pity, Young Simon is such a spineless creature. I believe he could influence his father's decision if he took a strong stance for our side."

"The man has nothing but contempt for the poor boy."

"Ah, he's just trying to toughen him up, make him a viable successor to lead Clan Fraser of Lovat. ... My grandsire had the perfect opportunity to say no to us tonight, but he didn't. Perhaps Jenny was right. He wants something in exchange."


Claire is walking down a hall of the castle and hears Lord Lovat yelling, "Do ye think ye can toy with me? Ye're keeping something from me, old hag! And I'm no havin it!" He'd pushed an old woman down and she's weeping softly. Claire goes to investigate.

"Are you all right? Here, let me help you." She reaches down and helps the woman to her feet.

"Mistress."

"I'm Claire."

"Maisri (Maureen Beattie), Lord Lovat's seer." Then the woman runs away in fear.


Lord Lovat is talking to Jamie. "I'll wager your father painted a dark portrait of my character."

"He said very little about ye."

"He chose that MacKenzie whore..."

"And I'll ask ye to keep a civil tongue when ye speak of my mother!"

"... over me, his father. Twice. First when I told him not to marry her..."

"Ye're kidnapping attempt failed."

"... The second time she was dead and burried, I was willing to forgive him, make him my successor despite the fact he was a bastard. And he chose her, that place..."

"Lallybroch" Jamie supplies.

"... over me. Is it true?"

"What?"

"That ye've no pledged yer fielty to Colum MacKenzie?"

"That's what ye're after, is it? My fielty to you in exchange for sending aid to Prince Charles."

"To be honest, I'm more interested in what goes with it."

"Oh, what need have ye of Lallybroch? It's tenents rents would probably make no difference to a place like this."

"What I'd do with that damnable place would be no concern of yours. I'm your grandsire, the head of your clan after all. I demand my due."

"If I wouldna give my pledge to Colum, who I know to be kin, then what sort of fool would I be to give it to an old twister that may or may not share my blood. Ye made free of yer housemaids, perhaps others did too."

"Ha, ha, ha, ha! Oh, Christ laddie ... (cough, cough) implying yer grandmother was a whore to keep what you want, oh, yer my kin alright! Would that my son had half yer mettle."

"I'll give ye the same pledge I gave Colum. My help and good will, my obedience to your word so long as my feet rest on Lovat soil."

"Did ye not hear me? It's yer father's precious estate I'm after. If ye'll no give me Lallybroch in exchange for men for Prince Charles, ... How about this: Lallybroch for yer wife's honor."

Jamie chuckles, "Go ahead. Try to ravish my wife. After she's done with ye, I'll send in the maid to sweep up your remains."

"Not I lad, though I've taken my pleasure with worse. Your grandmother comes to mind. But there are many men at Beaufort Castle who'd be of a mind to put your Sassenach wench to the only use she's good for. Ye canna guard her night and day."

"Nah, I needn't worry, grandsire. My wife's a rare woman, ye ken, a wise woman. La Dame Blanch. The White Lady."

"The Sassenach, a white chit?"

"Aye, it's true. A man who takes her in an unholy embrace will have his privates blasted, like a frost-bitten apple. Then his soul will burn forever in hell."

Jamie threw his wine glass into the fire which caused the flames to explode, for emphasis. "Like that." Then he walked calmly out of the room while his grandfather stared at the fire.


"Aye, my grandsire has a great respect for the supernatural, no for anything else, but you should take care the next few days if I'm no with ye."

"Well he didn't seem that frightened of that poor woman when he tossed her out into the corridor."

"Maisri is but a seer, she's not a White Lady, like my wife. But she did know something she wasna telling him."

"Your grandfather really is a brute, isn't he?"

"Aye. A brute that may soon own my ancestral home."

"You can't be seriously thinking about giving him what he wants."

"The Prince will hardly put much stock in my abilities to lead men or wage war if I'm not even able to persuade my own grandsire to support our cause."

"Well, what about Young Simon? What if we persuade him to stand up to his father? Declare his support for the rebellion."

"Aye, then Lovat may send his men if only to protect his heir. But after that scene last night. It will take more time than we have to give the boy the confidence he needs to truly defy his father."

"Perhaps it depends on what we use to boost his confidence."


Laoghaire is helping with the laundry, carrying a basket of wet clothes to hang up to dry. She sniffs the shirt. Claire comes up behind her and asks, "Is that Jamie's shirt?"

"I've done nothing to it."

"I didn't mean to imply that you had."

"I have changed, ye ken. I have repented, and asked God's forgiveness. And it was working. I thought he brought you both here to help me, but it was to test me. In the great hall, Jamie didn't even see me. It was like I didn't exist. If ye will na avenge yourself, you must leave me be."

"Perhaps I could find my way to forgive you. But Jamie will never love you, Laoghaire. But there may be a way to earn his forgiveness. For him to think of you without rancor."

"And why would you want him to do that?"

"Because we need Lord Lovat to send his men and weapons to fight for Prince Charles. We believe he would do this if Young Simon stood up to him and took Jamie's side."

"And what does that have to do with me?"

"Young Simon is infatuated with you. You could use that to help persuade him."

Shaking her head, Laoghaire says, "I'll no sink further into the pit of depravity. I'll not give up my maidenhead for you!"

"No one is asking you to give up anything. Besides, it's not for me. It's for Jamie. A woman has more to offer a man than her body. When a man is in love, he craves his beloved's approval. He wishes to please her, to look heroic in her eyes."

"And if I do whatever it is ye have in mind, ye'll speak to Jamie on my behalf?"

"Yes."


Jamie is talking to Colum while rubbing his stiff left hand. "I canna tell you how I know but I do. Ye must believe me. The only way to survive is to fight, and win! We need the weapons and men to do so. Remaining neutral will be seen as treason by whatever side wins."

"Ye know, you just know. You sound like a mad man. History guides my course in this matter. History! Not wild beliefs and wishful thinking. The other risings, they failed because there was no outside support. And that support does not exist now! If we do not send men to fight, this rebellion will melt away. And when that happens, we will be left alone. As we were in the past. Lord Lovat, he would see that too, if only the baneful prize of Lallybroch was not dangling in front of his eyes. And he would agree to neutrality. Jamie, ye were always headstrong but ye were never reckless of the lives of others. For your sake, and for the sake of all you hold dear, do not make this bargain with this man. Do not trade yer home for a war ye canna win. Will ye promise me that?"

"I promise ye uncle. ... I promise ye, I will do what I must to save those things you and I hold most dear."


Young Simon and Claire are walking down a road. "It's so nice of you to volunteer to show me the chapel Master Lovet."

"I believe it was your idea."

It's so peaceful here. Do you plan to do much when you become laird?"

"I've not given it much thought. My father is still a vigorous man. Some have speculated he's immortal. And as you may have noticed, he doesna have much respect for me."

"My husband confided in me that his father sometimes exposed him to public scorn to make him a better leader of men."

"Oh, Laoghaire! I hope we're not disturbing you." Claire drags Young Simon towards the girl.

"No, milady. Just collecting some mushrooms for the cook."

Turning back to Simon, "I'd like a few private moments in the chapel. Do you mind waiting here for me?" Not waiting for an answer, she darts off.

"Oh, well, if Mistress Laoghaire would not prefer her solitude."

"Oh no, I'd welcome the company. ... It's a bleak day."

"Do ye like mushrooms?"

"Not much, no." (grin, grin, awkwardness) "I like poetry."

"So do I."

Simon takes a stance, extends his left hand out and starts quoting, Parting and Absence Lochaber No More, by Allan Ramsay (1686-1758)

Though hurricanes rise, and rise every wind, They'll ne'er make a tempest like that in my mind; Though loudest of thunder on louder waves roar, That 's naething like leaving my love on the shore.
Laoghaire interrupts him and asks, "Perhaps ye'd like to sit down on the tree."

He comes over and sits down next to her, both of them grinning from ear to ear.


Claire goes into the chapel and sees Maisri lighting candles.

"Maisri, it's Claire Fraser. We met in the corridor."

"Lord Lovat's tennents do not like someone like me in the house of God. This is the only place where my mind goes quiet. I don't know why. They say you are a White Lady."

"Yes, they do say that."

"What brings you into a church then?"

"It was cold outside. I'm glad to see that you're doing all right. Lord Lovat was so rough with you the other day."

"His Lordship is not an easy master. He asks what I see and then beats me when I tell him things that do not please him."

"Does it always come to pass? The things that you see?"

"Mostly, aye. Although sometimes an action can change things. When I still lived in the village I saw Lachlan Gibbon's daughter's man wrapped in seaweed and the eels stirring beheath his shirt. I told Lachlan what I'd seen, and he went straight away and drove a hole in the boy's boat. Lord, there was a strammash! A right to do! But when the great storm came the next week, three men were drowned, and that boy was safe at home still mending his boat."

"What did you see right before Lord Lovat threw you out? I promise, I won't tell him that you told me."

"He was standing there before the fire in his study, but it was daylight. A man stood behind him, still as a tree, his face covered in black. And across his lordship's face fell the shadow of an axe."

"But if you told him, he could change his behavior, perhaps change the outcome."

"Aye, or he might just kill the messenger."

From outside the chapel, Claire hears Laoghaire say, "Mistress Claire, where are ye? Mistress Claire..."

Claire jumps up and goes to the door saying, "I'll be right there." Then goes outside.

"Where's Young Simon?"

"He ran off like a feared wee mouse."

"What did you do?"

"Everything ye said. I flattered him. I told him how much I admired a man who made decisions, who thought for himself. I gave him a keek down the front of my dress."

"Oh, I told you it wasn't about sex. No wonder he ran off."

"Well other than reciting verse, he wasna doing much to hold up his end of the conversation. I tried!"


It's night time and raining. Claire is looking for Jamie calling out his name. He responds "Aye" and she finally finds him in a barn. "I supposed I'd find you in here."

"More and more these days I think I'd prefer to be a beast."

"No luck with Colum then?"

"No, and you, with Young Simon?"

"No. I did find out what Maisri told Lord Lovat though."

"Aye?"

"She saw his death at the hands of an executioner."

"A traitor's death. I dinna suppose she mentioned if the executioner was in the employ of King George or King James?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

"I promised Colum I'd do what I had to to save the Highlanders, and so I must."

"Jamie, it's too much. Let's just go to Prince Charles with the men from Lallybroch."

Shaking his head no, "I canna go to the Prince a failure. It seems I canna get the men from Lovat without giving up my lands, so unless you're planning on declaring yourself a visitor from the future describing what will happen if we dinna fight and win, I dinna see I have much choice." He leaves and she follows him.


Lord Lovat says, "I have had my secretary prepare a neutrality pact between the Frasers of Lovat and the MacKenzies of Leoch. I have also had him prepare a Deed of Sassine for Lallybroch estate, assigning the property to me. Sign it, and you'll have your men for King James. Don't sign it and I'll agree to neutrality with MacKenzie here. Which will it be?"

Column asks, "Ye'll let this boy decide the fate of Clan Lovat? He's not even your recognized heir."

"I have made this decision. The boy is just an obstacle in my way. What will it be, Obstacle?

"Dinna be a fool Jamie."

"I do this to ensure the future of my family, and people."

Lovat looks very pleased with himself and pushes the Deed of Sassine towards Jamie, who starts to sign his name to it. Then all of a sudden there's a loud noise and Claire is walking towards them with an odd look on her face, like she's in a trance or something, staring at Lord Lovat.

"What are you staring at" Lovat asks.

"Claire?"

"I see another vision." Jamie runs to her while Lovat tells him to leave her be.

"Dinna give me orders about my own wife!" She collapses just as he reaches her, and he holds her up. "Claire!"

Lovat demands, "What did she see? What did she see?"

"Stay back!"

Colum's not fooled. "Ach, Lovat. Can ye not see this for the pretense that it is?"

"Pretense? You know that she was tried as a witch by those that dinna understand the difference between black magic and the power of the old ones."

"What did she see?"

"You don't need to answer him Claire."

"She will if she wants to walk out of this room."

"No, it's all right Jamie. ... I saw you...standing in bright sunlight. There was a man behind you. He was wearing a black hood. The shadow of an axe across your face."

"Whose man? Whose executioner? King James, or King George?"

"I don't remember. The ground was covered in white roses."

Jamie adds, "Symbol of the Jacobites."

The Old Fox jumps up and pulls out his knife, running towards Claire yelling, "Witch, I'll cut out your tongue." Young Simon grags his right hand to stop him.

"You thwart me boy? My heir?" Laoghaire is watching Young Simon and he sees her.

"You and MacKenzie are fearful old men. You are wrong, and my cousin is right. It's our duty to stand up for our country, and our kinsmen. I will fight for King James. I'll fight to change the White Lady's vision. Even if you will not."

Old Simon storms back to the desk and says, "The Frasers of Lovat will stand with the MacKenzie's of Leoch. We will remain neutral in the war." And he and Colum both sign the neutrality agreement. To his son he says, "I wish ye luck, my boy. Come MacKenzie, let's drink to our newly formed alliance."

Everyone is getting ready to leave. Colum is next to his coach looking at Jamie and Laoghaire is putting her bag on the back and climing up. Young Simon comes up to Jamie and says, "I'm ready."

"Ye did well Young Simon. I'm proud to be yer kinsman. I'll be proud to fight by your side."

"I'll wait for you outside the gate."

"Aye. (to Claire) So we go to the Prince empty handed."

"At least you were able to save Lallybroch."

"Aye."

Jamie sees Colum looking at him and they both go over. Claire holds the horses while Jamie walks up to his uncle who says, "Go back to yer home, yer family."

"I told ye uncle, I canna do that."

Colum asks Claire, "Can you not convince him to listen to reason and go home?"

"You've known him longer than I have. What do you think?"

"I think it's a blessing his mother dinna live to see what a reckless fool she spawned. Give me your hand." Jamie helps his uncle into his carriage.

"Fair is fair," Jamie says to Column, then turns to Claire.

(Speaking something in Gaelic)

"We must away as well, Claire. We need to be in Kingussie by the end of the week."

"Wait. Before we go there's something I need you to do for me. Say thank you to Laoghaire."

"Thank you? For what? Not trying to have you arrested in the last few days?"

"Please. Do it for me. I'll explain it all later." He walks over to her.

"I, uh I'm told to thank ye. For what, I dinna ken. But thank ye, Laoghaire."

"I hope one day I can also earn your forgiveness, Jamie." He nods and walks away. And under her breath, "And yer love."

Walking back to Claire, Jamie says, "Let's go." Everyone leaves.

As they're traveling down the road a bunch of armed men, some on horseback, are visible beside the road. Jamie signals everyone to stop. They're all looking very worried. Claire asks, "Who are they?"

Young Simon answers, "My father's men." Three are approaching on horseback, one is his father.

"Don't sit there gaping at me you glaiket sumph. Go see to your men!" To Jamie he says, "Turning my lad into a soldier would be a greater feat than beating the British. (LAUGHS) What vision do ye have for me now, White Lady?"

"I don't understand."

"It would seem my grandsire has sent his heir to fight, and the Stuart's will credit Lovat with supporting King James, should they win."

"They canna execute me for treason."

"What about the neutrality agreement?"

"I trust old Colum MacKenzie is right. And that will protect me if the British should win."

Claire asks, "What will you say about your son fighting for the Jacobites?"

"He's his own man, that one. You saw it yourself last night. Persuaded others to follow. I thank ye, White Lady. I couldna have got it all without ye."

Jamie reminds him, "Ye didna get Lallybroch."

"Not yet. Aye. Come on." And he rides away.

"Please tell me I'm nothing like him, Sassenach."

"I'm afraid I have seen a similarly devious turn of mind."

"I might have to rethink our agreement not to lie to one another."

VO: "As we put distance between ourselves and Jamie's loathsome grandfather, my heart lightened. We had Lovat's men now. Jamie would have the Prince's favor, and at least the opportunity to steer the rebellion to victory. Maisri had said we could change the future. Perhaps we already had."


Take the Episode Quiz Recap by Mary Girven
11/15/2024 Girven Consulting, LLC