His Bloody Project: A Historical Thriller

Roderick and Jetta depart for an annual summer festival in Applecross, where Jetta hopes to sell some hand-knit shawls. Roderick sees Archibald Ross in town, and the two strike up a conversation, which leads to them to drinking several glasses of beer in a nearby pub. Intoxicated, the two exit the pub, and Archibald purchases a shawl from Jetta, which he later confesses to Roderick he finds quite ugly. They head to a shinty (a sport somewhat similar to lacrosse) match between Applecross and another parish, with Lachlan Mackenzie serving as the star player for Applecross. The match descends into chaos, and the two drink even more. Archibald unsuccessfully courts some women before the pair return to the pub, where Roderick reveals his feelings for Flora.

They make sight of Flora with another girl, and Archibald forces Roderick to meet with her, insisting that he must confess his feelings. The four of them set out on a walk and, once they are in a secluded spot, Archibald distracts Flora’s friend so that Roderick can speak with Flora. The two head off a ways, and Roderick confesses that he wants to marry Flora. She tries to turn him down gently and, in his sadness, he embraces her and feels “a great coursing in [his] groin” (109)—suggesting either his erection or Flora striking him in the crotch.