Fans of Outlander: Blood of My Blood finally witnessed the moment they had been waiting for as Julia and Henry Beauchamp reunited in the eighth episode of the prequel series. The emotional encounter took place at Castle Leoch, where both characters found themselves during Ellen MacKenzie’s highly stressful purity test. While their time together was brief, the reunion confirmed that both are alive and rekindled hope for their eventual escape from the dangers of the 18th century.
The episode, titled “A Virtuous Woman,” focused heavily on Ellen MacKenzie’s ordeal as she faced a brutal examination to prove her virginity ahead of her planned marriage to Malcolm Grant. However, the highlight for many viewers was the unexpected meeting between Julia and Henry, who had been separated since traveling back in time from 1914 Scotland. Their reunion was cut short due to the risks of being discovered, but not before they shared a heartfelt kiss and exchanged crucial updates about their son, William.
How Julia and Henry’s Reunion Happened
Julia arrived at Castle Leoch to help Ellen MacKenzie avoid a tragic fate. Using her knowledge of historical remedies, Julia created a special mixture designed to help Ellen pass the virginity test. Meanwhile, Henry was present at the castle as part of the Grant clan’s delegation overseeing the test. As Julia attempted to leave the castle after successfully aiding Ellen, she spotted Henry in the hallway. At first, Henry believed he was hallucinating due to his ongoing struggles with PTSD and the false news he had received earlier about Julia and their baby dying during childbirth. But when Julia called his name and he touched her face, he realized she was real.
The two managed to steal a moment alone in a secluded part of the castle. Julia reassured Henry by whispering,
“Hope springs eternal,”
a phrase from their past correspondence that confirmed her identity. She also revealed that their son was alive and had been named William after Henry’s grandfather. Unfortunately, their conversation was interrupted by Brian Fraser, who urged Julia to leave immediately to avoid detection. Julia promised Henry they would find each other again, but she warned him not to follow her to Castle Leathers, where she and William were staying under the watch of Lord Lovat.
Ellen MacKenzie’s Purity Test and Its Outcome
The central plot of the episode revolved around Ellen MacKenzie undergoing a grueling purity test demanded by Isaac Grant, the leader of Clan Grant. The test was initiated based on accusations from Simon Fraser, who claimed Ellen was not a virgin. If she failed, the MacKenzie-Grant alliance would collapse, and Ellen would likely face execution.
The examination involved three stages: drinking a tonic to test her ability to hold urine, urinating in front of the assembled clansmen to check for “clear” urine (which was wrongly believed to indicate virginity), and a physical inspection. Thanks to Julia’s intervention, Ellen used a concoction made from ingredients like ground sugar, egg yolk, alum, and saltpeter to simulate an intact hymen. The mixture worked, and Ellen was declared “virgo intacta” by the Grants’ physician. The success of the test ensured the marriage between Ellen and Malcolm Grant could proceed, but it came at the cost of immense emotional and physical distress for Ellen.
The Impact of Isaac Grant’s Death
Another major development occurred at the end of the episode when Henry received a letter announcing the death of Isaac Grant. Isaac’s passing means his son, Malcolm, is now the leader of Clan Grant. While Malcolm is seen as more compassionate than his father, his reliance on Henry as his bladier (head of security) could complicate Henry’s plans to escape and reunite with Julia. Malcolm explicitly stated his intention to keep Henry in his service for years to come, creating a new obstacle for the Beauchamps.
Brian Fraser’s Role and Mrs. Fitz’s Warning
Brian Fraser played a key role in this episode by risking his life to save Ellen. He traveled to Castle Leoch with Julia and hid in the cellar while she assisted Ellen. After the test, Mrs. Fitz discovered Brian and Julia attempting to leave and confronted them. She returned the Fraser tartan that Ellen had kept since their handfasting ceremony and warned Brian to stay away from Ellen for her safety. This moment hinted at the challenges ahead for Brian and Ellen’s relationship, though fans of the main Outlander series know their love story eventually continues.
What This Means for the Future
The reunion between Julia and Henry, though brief, has significant implications for the rest of the season. Both are now aware of the other’s whereabouts, but their separation continues due to the dangers posed by their circumstances. Henry’s position with the Grants has become more complicated with Malcolm’s rise to power, while Julia remains at Castle Leathers with her son, William, under the care of Davina Porter.
The episode also highlighted the deepening alliance between Julia and Brian Fraser. Their cooperation not only saved Ellen but also ensured the future existence of Jamie Fraser, a central character in the original Outlander series. As showrunner Matthew B. Roberts explained,
“If she goes and does what Brian says and she goes down that road, then Ellen probably fails. They want to kill her. Brian probably steps in. They both get killed. There’s no Jamie Fraser.”
Viewers are now left wondering how Julia and Henry will navigate these new challenges and whether they can find a way to be together again in the final episodes of the season.
Also Read: Who Were the Jacobites? Their Role in Outlander: Blood of My Blood Episode 7 Explained
