When I first read the story, the impression I recieved from the emotions 
when Akane visited the shop, the cave scene itself, and the scene at the
 train station was that Ukyou lied to Ranma in the cave to protect his 
marriage.  I could have been mistaken, as I was under considerable
strain at the time.  However, as I am not the only one who had a problem
with it, it apparantly isn't as clear as you would like to believe.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Hate to post a "me too" message, but I have to say that this was the
impression I got.  

Tom