except that class doesn't seem to be a factor in Highland relationships
Not class the way we think of it, maybe, but their society was very hierarchical and unequal! Which of course you know--maybe I'm misunderstanding you?
I am minded of a story I read in (probably) Duffy, about how some English officer said he would only surrender to a gentleman, which mightily offended the clansmen who had taken him prisoner. They all considered themselves gentlemen, because they were descended/related at some far remove to the clan elite--primogeniture kept pushing the younger sons downward, becoming eventually ordinary clansmen. Of course there's a social level below the clansmen, as well.
I guess there's something here as well about the Highland titles, Alison being considered a lady where she wouldn't be in England.
no subject
Not class the way we think of it, maybe, but their society was very hierarchical and unequal! Which of course you know--maybe I'm misunderstanding you?
I am minded of a story I read in (probably) Duffy, about how some English officer said he would only surrender to a gentleman, which mightily offended the clansmen who had taken him prisoner. They all considered themselves gentlemen, because they were descended/related at some far remove to the clan elite--primogeniture kept pushing the younger sons downward, becoming eventually ordinary clansmen. Of course there's a social level below the clansmen, as well.
I guess there's something here as well about the Highland titles, Alison being considered a lady where she wouldn't be in England.