Thorburn sent ten men to the inn with Stuart and Ailene. He and Frang conducted business, selling their goods and making purchases for their respective households. Teárlag accompanied Thorburn and he introduced her as his fiancé every stop they made. Several people congratulated Thorburn on the beauty of his new bride, others looked at him askance before finally wishing him well. Thorburn wondered why he received the odd looks from the occasional person until Teárlag reminded him of her somewhat tarnished reputation around town and the ones most critical of her were the ones giving him the most surprised looks. They were at the dressmaker when she explained.

"They probably...