It's fairly obvious early in the novel that they will have to be paired off for her protection - so I didn't think it was too bad of a spoiler.

Did you know that Diana Gabaldon used a yahoo group for feedback on a lot of this? It was when the internet just started (early 90's) and she would post parts for comment. She has some interesting things to say about writing coming from a science background. (She has a PHD in biology)
Can't wait to hear what you think as you read more. I thought the opening was a little slow - but boy does she build momentum!