I thought I could make out Jamie's Highland screech, but that was likely imagination; they all sounded equally demented.

It's a good country for myths. Things seem to take root here.

If ye loved him, he must ha' been a good man.' 'Yes, he...was.' 'Then I shall do my best to honor his spirit by serving his wife.

Oh, aye, Sassenach. I am your master . . . and you're mine. Seems I canna possess your soul without losing my own.

He gave you to me," she said, so low I could hardly hear her. "Now I have to give you back to him, Mama.

…but Sassenach—I am the true home of your heart, and I know that.” He lifted my hands to his mouth and kissed my upturned palms, one and then the other, his breath warm and his beard-stubble soft on my fingers. “I have loved others, and I do love many, Sassenach—but you alone hold all my heart, whole in your hands,” he said softly. “And you know that.

Overall, the library held a hushed exultation, as though the cherished volumes were all singing soundlessly within their covers.