Flashback to the day before: In the stable, Dougal and Ned are explaining to Jamie and Murtagh that Claire needs to be married to a Scottish husband to become a Scottish citizen and to therefore avoid being harshly questioned by Black Jack Randall. but you!" "I dinna have much of a choice, either," admits Jamie.
She has questions, and first and foremost, she wants to know why he agreed to marry her. After her third glass, he realizes that she is drinking from nervousness, and reassures her that he has no intention of forcing himself on her. She tosses back the second glass, ignoring Jamies raised glass, and obligingly, he pours yet another glass. Jamie offers a gallant toast: "To a lady of grace, a woman of strength, and a bride of astonishing beauty - my wife, Claire Fraser." Jamie sips his drink, but Claire downs her in a single gulp, earning a raised eyebrow and a refill. "Only Rupert and Angus," observes Jamie, and at Claires startled glance, he tells her that it was "just a wee joke." "You're a regular Bob Hope," she sighs."Was he a funny man?" Jamie looks about, at a loss, and Claire suddenly suggests a drink. official." Claire looks down, and mutters that its a wonder that they arent watching. Claire notes that the wedding party is still going strong, and Jamie hesitantly observes that "they will keep it up, until we make it. Jamie enters the room, and as the door opens, the sounds of merriment can be heard below. Later, she is sitting in their room in the inn, with most of her wedding finery discarded, and musing over how different this wedding was from her wedding to Frank and how at some point, one chooses to move forward with their life. " intones a Scottish voice, and suddenly, Claire is tentatively kissing Jamie at the end of a candlelit wedding ceremony. "Now? What about your parents? Theyre waiting at the restaurant!" Frank persuades her with little trouble, and finally asks "Will you marry me?" "Of course," says Claire, kissing him. Puzzled, Claire wonders what she should be ready for, and turns as Frank nods toward the City of Westminsters Registry Office, where a newly married couple are standing on the steps posing for newlywed photos. Suddenly, Frank stops in the middle of the road and, with a smile, asks Claire if she is ready.
The synopsis below may give away important plot points.