Aww, I love this playful and boyish introduction to Ewen, splashing in the water--it's so different from how we see him through Keith's eyes later, and also such a contrast to the more serious business of the war. And who doesn't love some nudity? : ) Ewen not wearing a wig has historical precedent--apparently men who had long beautiful hair of their own were admired, even though wigs were also in fashion. Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie, in the Jacobite army, had long blond hair, wore no wig, and was considered very handsome.
Lachlan and Ewen's relationship, hmm. In a way Lachlan is a bit of a stock character of Broster's (the loyal follower), but it's complicated by their foster-brother relationship. I always felt a bit bad for Lachlan--Ewen can tease him, but Lachlan is so submissive to him. I just want him to talk back a bit!
Re: the prophecy, Ewen is just as much the educated gentleman of the Enlightenment as Keith is, dismissing superstition. And of course, he was educated in Paris.
How is Lochiel supposed to be Ewen's near kinsman by marriage?? Ewen isn't married, so it can only refer to Lochiel's marriage. But he was married to a Campbell! (From a Jacobite branch of that clan.) I do think Broster must have misphrased that.
So, Ewen and Alison. I do like Alison's playfulness and teasing a lot, although I find Ewen's teasing in return about carrying her off by force to be in somewhat bad taste--but she does tease him back for it. (Incidentally, "m'eudail" = "darling", but it also means "booty or spoils, especially cattle". Um.) On the other hand, I love that he says You shall always wear the Grant if it pleases you better. Awww. And in fact it was common that Scottish women kept their last names when they married--I'm sorry Broster doesn't let Alison do so.
I love how the prologue introduces Ewen's love for and connection to Ardroy and the loch, in several different ways--Alison sees it very clearly, and no wonder, since she grew up in exile. I also love the bit where Ewen throws his bonnet into the air. He's so young and enthusiastic, and really has no idea what's coming...
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Lachlan and Ewen's relationship, hmm. In a way Lachlan is a bit of a stock character of Broster's (the loyal follower), but it's complicated by their foster-brother relationship. I always felt a bit bad for Lachlan--Ewen can tease him, but Lachlan is so submissive to him. I just want him to talk back a bit!
Re: the prophecy, Ewen is just as much the educated gentleman of the Enlightenment as Keith is, dismissing superstition. And of course, he was educated in Paris.
How is Lochiel supposed to be Ewen's near kinsman by marriage?? Ewen isn't married, so it can only refer to Lochiel's marriage. But he was married to a Campbell! (From a Jacobite branch of that clan.) I do think Broster must have misphrased that.
So, Ewen and Alison. I do like Alison's playfulness and teasing a lot, although I find Ewen's teasing in return about carrying her off by force to be in somewhat bad taste--but she does tease him back for it. (Incidentally, "m'eudail" = "darling", but it also means "booty or spoils, especially cattle". Um.) On the other hand, I love that he says You shall always wear the Grant if it pleases you better. Awww. And in fact it was common that Scottish women kept their last names when they married--I'm sorry Broster doesn't let Alison do so.
I love how the prologue introduces Ewen's love for and connection to Ardroy and the loch, in several different ways--Alison sees it very clearly, and no wonder, since she grew up in exile. I also love the bit where Ewen throws his bonnet into the air. He's so young and enthusiastic, and really has no idea what's coming...