[ She's never been able to tell this story without trepidation; first because she thought Jamie would think she was a witch, and second because Bree...well. Because she'd reacted exactly the way Claire was afraid she would. So it's nice to be able to smile widely and enjoy telling her and Jamie's story. ]

It was an arranged marriage. His country was fighting another for its independence. My husband, the Scots, versus the British. I happen to be British, but in the future, it isn't a problem, the two countries are amiable toward one another. In the past, both sides thought I was a spy for the other. So it was arranged that to at least keep the British away from me, I'd marry into Jamie's clan.

[ A true stroke of genius by Dougal, and it's the only praise he'll ever get from her, even dead. She isn't particularly sad that he is. ]

It automatically made me a Scotswoman, subject to Scottish law, not British.

[ Claire pauses before finally taking a sip of tea. ]

I tried to run away after the honeymoon.