Part One, Chapters VI and VII Summary

Ballaggan Castle was the home of Dandy Hunter and his mother, Dame Catherine. Lady Hunter was seventy years old and not aging gracefully. She was paralyzed in her lower limbs and remained in her bedroom twenty-four hours per day. Her husband had died in battle, leaving her widowed, and her eldest son died shortly thereafter. Her life's journey left her bitter and judgmental. Dandy tries his best to please her, but his best never satisfies her. Understated jewelry is too small, and a larger piece is too gaudy. This is the way she interacts with her only remaining family, and Dandy's goodwill earns him ridicule from the most masculine of his peers.

Among the craftsmen of Scotland, one goldsmith stood out. His name was Patey Liddell, and his work was sought after. Lady...