Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 1 Episode 4 brought major developments for both couples at the heart of the prequel series. Julia Beauchamp finally revealed her pregnancy to Lord Lovat, claiming he is the father to protect herself and her unborn child. Meanwhile, Henry Beauchamp faced challenges in his role as Clan Grant’s bladier while battling PTSD from World War I. The episode also showed Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie strengthening their secret alliance against their families’ wishes. Here is a breakdown of the key events from Episode 4 titled “A Soldier’s Heart.”
Julia’s Pregnancy Secret Is Revealed to Lord Lovat
Julia Beauchamp confessed her pregnancy to Lord Simon Fraser at the end of the episode. She told him the child is his, a strategic move to secure her safety and position at Castle Leathers. This confession followed an earlier intimate encounter between Julia and Lord Lovat in Episode 3. Julia explained in a letter to Henry that she did what was necessary to protect their baby. Lord Lovat was overjoyed by the news, but housemaid Mistress Porter overheard the conversation, potentially jeopardizing Julia’s secret .
Earlier in the episode, Julia tried to avoid Lord Lovat’s attention by creating a fake rash using nettles. She claimed she needed to visit an apothecary for treatment, which allowed her to leave the castle. Brian Fraser volunteered to accompany her, seeing through her deception. Instead of going to the apothecary, Brian took Julia to Castle Leoch to help him send a message to Ellen MacKenzie .
Brian and Julia Form a Strategic Alliance
During their journey, Brian and Julia made a bargain. Brian agreed to help Julia escape Castle Leathers permanently if she would assist him with Ellen. Julia would act as a liaison between Brian and Ellen during the upcoming Beltane festival in Inverness. She would also distract Malcolm Grant, Ellen’s fiancé, while searching for Henry. Brian promised Julia protection and friendship, assuring her that no harm would come to her or her baby with his support .
At Castle Leoch, Julia successfully delivered Brian’s message to Ellen. She helped arrange a secret meeting between Ellen and Brian outside the castle. The two lovers reaffirmed their feelings for each other and planned to reunite at Beltane. Ellen then pretended to accept her marriage plans with Malcolm Grant to avoid raising suspicion with her brothers, Colum and Dougal MacKenzie .
Henry Beauchamp Faces Challenges as Clan Grant’s Bladier
Henry Beauchamp struggled with his duties as Clan Grant’s bladier, a role he took to search for Julia. Isaac Grant ordered Henry to collect rents from tenants and demand an extra shilling from each. This led to a violent confrontation with a tenant, which triggered Henry’s PTSD from World War I. During a flashback, it was revealed that Julia helped Henry through his PTSD episodes in the 20th century by giving him a Saint Anthony necklace and singing “Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty” .
Henry used his wartime experiences to devise a lottery system for the rent collection. Tenants could pay extra for a chance to win a year of free rent. The scheme was successful, collecting double the expected amount. However, Isaac Grant was angry that Henry disobeyed his orders. Grant warned Henry not to repeat such actions and assigned Arch Bug to watch him more closely. This puts Henry in greater danger as he continues his search for Julia .
Ellen MacKenzie Is Effectively a Prisoner at Castle Leoch
Ellen MacKenzie found herself trapped at Castle Leoch under her brothers’ watch. Colum MacKenzie insisted she marry Malcolm Grant to secure the MacKenzie family’s financial future and avoid conflict with the Grants. He revealed that the family coffers were empty due to their father Red Jacob’s reckless spending. Colum also warned that breaking the engagement could lead to Ellen being killed, as the Grants were known for vengeance against those who crossed them .
Despite her confinement, Ellen managed to sneak out briefly with Julia’s help to meet Brian. She expressed her love for Brian and commitment to finding a way out of the marriage. However, Dougal MacKenzie discovered them and forced Ellen back to the castle. Ellen then pretended to accept the marriage to Malcolm Grant, presenting Colum with a guest list for the wedding to convince him of her cooperation .
Henry and Julia’s Emotional Flashbacks Reveal Their Bond
Flashbacks to the 20th century showed Henry and Julia’s life together in London before their time travel. They shared tender moments discussing their unborn child and choosing the name Claire if it was a girl, meaning “clear and bright” in French. These scenes highlighted Julia’s role as Henry’s emotional support through his PTSD struggles. Henry described himself as “broken” after the war, but Julia reassured him and asked to be his “guiding light” .
In the 18th century, Henry sought comfort at a brothel in Inverness, not for seual services but for companionship. He confided in a kind-eyed se worker named Seema about his search for his wife. They lay together platonically, with Henry finding temporary peace in having someone beside him. This interaction showed Henry’s deepening loneliness and despair without Julia .
The Beltane Festival Hopes for Reunions
The upcoming Beltane festival in Inverness was set as a meeting point for all main characters. Brian and Julia plan to attend, with Julia helping Brian connect with Ellen while also searching for Henry. Ellen will be there with Malcolm Grant, possibly creating an opportunity for her and Brian to escape together. Beltane is significant in the Outlander universe as a time when the veil between worlds is thin, potentially offering time travel opportunities .
However, tensions remain high for everyone involved. Julia must maintain her lie about Lord Lovat being her baby’s father. Henry must navigate Isaac Grant’s suspicions and Arch Bug’s watchful eye. Ellen must keep her true feelings for Brian hidden from her brothers and the Grants. The episode ended with uncertainty about whether both couples can achieve their happy endings .
“I’ve done what I can to keep our baby safe, but I will never stop trying to get back to you.” – Julia Beauchamp in her letter to Henry .
“Let me and this baby be your guiding light.” – Julia to Henry during a PTSD episode flashback .
“With me on your side, no harm will befall you. You need a friend, lass. You have one in me.” – Brian Fraser to Julia .
Credits: Decider, TVLine
