Màiri sobbed and carried on terribly as the guard escorted her to her room to get her belongings. Ailene thought she was doing the girl a favor by not subjecting her to the Strapping Room.

"You didn't say anything when I was deciding Màiri's fate. You've run a household and you've been beaten by your husband. Should I have beaten her or let her go?" Ailene asked Isobel.

"It's not my place to say, Ailene. I'm not in charge."

"But I am asking your opinion. You must have one? Your husband beat you. You know what it's like."

"McTavish would have beaten her or worse and let her go, both....