Episode 8 of *Outlander: Blood of My Blood* opens with Leoch abuzz in preparation for the harrowing trial to ascertain Ellen's virtue. The stakes soar to a perilous peak, for Isaac Grant has vowed to end Ellen's life should she falter. Tensions flare among the MacKenzie brothers as Colum harbors doubts about Ellen's purity. Ned chastises him for his skepticism, and Colum, in a fit of frustration, begins to question Ned's loyalty as well. Observing Colum's unwavering stance, both Ned and Mrs. Fitz grow increasingly anxious for Ellen's fate.
Meanwhile, Lovat, accompanied by Balloch, embarks on a journey to a spring, hoping to rejuvenate his amorous prowess. Before his departure, he taunts Brian with visions of Ellen's impending doom, dismissing the notion that his son truly loves her. This provocation stirs Brian to action, and he resolves to rescue Ellen from her perilous predicament.
Mrs. Fitz, determined to ensure Ellen's success by any means necessary, orchestrates a clandestine effort to cheat the test. The entire MacKenzie clan rallies behind her, enlisting their family physician to oversee the examination. Fitz reproaches Murtagh for jeopardizing their collective safety, while Ellen reveals that Murtagh is not her paramour.
In a bid to aid Brian, Julia and Porter concoct a potion to create the illusion of Ellen's virginity. Porter, fearful for Brian's safety, is hesitant, but Julia, feeling a debt of gratitude to Brian, insists on accompanying him. Brian attempts to dissuade her, pointing out that this is her opportunity to flee with William and Henry. Yet, Julia remains steadfast, driven by a sense of obligation to Brian.
En route to Leoch, Henry and Malcolm forge a bond rooted in their unwavering faith in their loved ones. Malcolm voices his dissent against the trial, and Henry, leveraging his compassion, cements his position as Malcolm's trusted confidant.
The MacKenzie brothers' discord escalates as Dougal is compelled to return the dowry money earmarked for the Jacobite cause. Upon the Grants' arrival, they insist that their own physician conduct the test, sending waves of concern through the MacKenzie ranks. Malcolm, uneasy with the proceedings, requests Henry to arrange a clandestine meeting with Ellen.
While Henry awaits the opportunity to discuss this with Ned, he spots Julia hastening towards Ellen's chambers. Distracted and disbelieving, he implores Ned to assist him in escaping. Ned cautions him against impulsive actions, and Henry divulges his contingency plan: to seek Malcolm's aid in securing his freedom, perceiving him as the more compassionate option.
Meanwhile, Julia makes a dramatic entrance and assists Ellen in applying the mysterious mixture. Mrs. Fitz, though suspicious, decides to let her proceed. Their efforts are momentarily disrupted by Malcolm, who arrives only to reassure Ellen of his trust in her. In a moment of unguarded candor, he inadvertently reveals that Lovat is the culprit behind their troubles, sending Ellen into a panic over Brian's safety.
The moment of reckoning arrives, and Brian, fearing the worst, conceals himself in the kitchen. The test is a humiliating ordeal, with Colum appearing guilty, Dougal poised for confrontation with the Grants, and Henry and Malcolm wearing expressions of apology. Bug, on the other hand, finds the entire spectacle rather amusing. Thankfully, Ellen emerges victorious, passing the test with flying colors. She hurries back to her room, heart pounding with gratitude towards Julia. In a subtle gesture, she conveys her love and longing for Brian, a sentiment that does not escape Mrs. Fitz's keen eye.
As the Grants prepare to depart, Ned concocts a phony meeting with Henry under the guise of dowry renegotiations. Fortuitously, Julia overhears their conversation and calls out to Henry. Shocked, he follows her to the kitchens, where she recites passages from their letters, confirming her authenticity. Their reunion is a joyous one, but it is cut short by Brian's urgent need to flee before being discovered. Bug's persistent calls for Henry add to the chaos. Henry yearns to escape with Julia then and there, but she promises they will reunite soon.
Despite the brief encounter, Henry is elated as he makes his way back to the Grants. Malcolm, moved by Henry's apparent happiness, praises him as his greatest discovery and expresses hope for his continued presence. Henry, however, can't help but look annoyed at Malcolm's words. To make matters worse, they receive a letter bearing the tragic news of Isaac's demise.
Just as Julia and Brian are about to make their exit, Mrs. Fitz appears, having unraveled the mystery of Ellen's secret admirer. She returns the handfast Fraser tartan and sternly declares that if Brian truly loves Ellen, he must stay away from her for her own good.
