Teárlag's hands became still as she imagined what it would mean to live a life with Thorburn, as opposed to the mess she found herself in now, facing an uncertain future of brutality with Blackthorne. If anything, it would be worse than the one Isobel experienced with McTavish, only with more money. Isobel put her hand up and squeezed Teárlag's hand and she heard her start to sob behind her.

"What's the matter, Teárlag? Have I said something to upset you?"

"Pay me no mind," Teárlag sniffed. "I always cry at weddings. I'm almost finished. Give me a few more minutes and you can look."

Isobel felt Teárlag's hands begin...