Bride of Lammermoor Chapter XX

In which the Master of Ravenswood, torn between honour and affection, resolves to take leave of the Ashton family but finds himself drawn once more to Lucy at the fateful Mermaiden’s Fountain, where their mutual vows are pledged amid tender yet troubled discourse. Meanwhile, Sir William Ashton, aware of the shifting alliances and political visits, contemplates the presence of Ravenswood under his roof as a means to temper impending intrigues, while Lucy’s gentle nature and the household preparations foreshadow changes in the days to come.