"Your Majesty," Duncan says, in a voice obviously insincere. "I am flattered that you know of me."

"I was referring to Scots in general Mister Hamilton, not yourself. But next time as bravely in our service I would hope."

"Perhaps your Majesty will have a war one day yourself, so we may fight for the honor of the King of Britain," Duncan dares. And there is a dreadful pause.

"If such a thing may come to pass Mister Hamilton, you will be the very first I will call for assistance. Rest assured." And with that statement, the King and his entourage move off to find less annoyingly opinionated gentlemen. If possible.

Sutherland lets out a gasp of air, enough to fill the room. He looms quietly and closely to his old friend as he speaks without a breath left in him. "My boy, after that display all I can say is that I am very glad to have not been a Russian before you."

"I seem to have become a bit rude in manners these days. But I'm impatient with those who can't speak their mind clear, King or no. And believe that God is for some and against others," Duncan says, then realizing that he may have put his friend at risk. "But I hope I have not caused you any trouble."

"From that little scene?" Sutherland jokes. "The most it could do is give me the gout...eh?"

They laugh. But Duncan, for the merest of moments, notices that beneath Sutherland's tone is something not quite clear and free. Something weighing down the laughter. And it is something only a man like he might notice. Which is what worries him deeply.

The old man turns for a moment as he is about to take his leave of the lovers. "Now, away with you while you can. But you'll come to me for that important business will you? Tonight, in my rooms. After you've gotten reacquainted with your wife," Sutherland says thoughtfully. And again Duncan notices some far away thought. It is dispensed with quickly as the Lord adds, "And now if I may, an overabundance of rich food for me."

Sutherland moves back to his new found Highland companions, anxious to make the best of the evening left before him. "Gentlemen," he says to his rough friends. "Will you no join me for..." He stops in mid-sentence as Ranald turns, his mouth already full with a joint of meat. Sutherland smiles, "Well, I see you're gifted with the second sight." And with that the three move off into the crowd.

Elspeth comes to her husband, and without a word spoken, but hand firmly in hand, they quietly take their leave, wholly unnoticed by the crowd. They have had quite enough for one evening.