Hee, glad you enjoyed it! This is really the last fun swashbuckling we get, before things turn more serious, so I feel like Broster is making the most of it.

But there's still an interesting comparison and contrast between Alison and Lachlan, and their respective care for and devotion to Ewen, I think.

Yes, they're both devoted to Ewen, but otherwise quite different, I think! Alison is more independent-minded, and Lachlan more a subordinate...but one who sometimes serves in the way that he wants, not the way Ewen wants.

Hmm, I'm not sure what to do with your observation about the rings, either.