[Betsy the Quilter]

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I think, having been flogged, he didn't want to see a young girl, who might have reminded him of his sister, be beaten,

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting? As others have mentioned, her upbringing and war experiences help her. I would have a real problem with no Internet.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe? No idea. Frank's ancestor?

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation? Important to whom? From Claire's point of view, she likes to keep busy and be useful, something that seems to be true of most nurses I know.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones? It's an intriguing fantasy. Love the idea!

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears? I think it's a defense mechanism to cover how disconcerted she was to find him kissing whats-her-name.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?I didn't remember this either, back to chapter 8!

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father? I think she wants to keep Claire and Jamie apart. I think Dougal(?) is Hamish's father.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background? I don't trust Geillie at this point, there's more to her than we know now.

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname? I think she's flattered that he's teasing her back.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't? I think his loyalty is to his true clan, not yet revealed but hinted at. I think Claire was relieved because she knew how much he was trying to avoid forswearing himself and that she respected his resourcefulness.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire? He was drunk enough to be careless, and he knows that Jamie is attracted to Claire, which makes her more attractive to him too. There's a kind of man who can't help competing, who will turn almost everything into a competition.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? I sort of want her to succeed. As good as she's doing there, she still seems like a stranger there to me.

[/quote]

 

[Lizzy]

Well since everybody said i should do it my way and i kinda wanted to answer a chapters worth of questions a day so i could remember them here goes.

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I'll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer. Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

First of all thanks for telling how to pronounce the name. Im having alot of trouble figuring out what it is there saying half the time and names are the hardest. I think Jamie is just that kind of a guy. Even though he has been hurt himself he is not gonna stand around and watch a young girl get beat. I wasnt surprised cause he already is protective of Claire and he just met her. He's known this girl for longer.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

I adapt to things easy cause ive never had much to begin with and since she was a nurse she should be used to things being tough so i dont think it would be that hard for her. Besides she was from the 1940s so it couldnt have been that much different. The only thing that surprised me was how easy it was for her to adapt to being transported in time. I think most people would freak out at that.

 

[tlshaw]

PART 2----OUTLANDER

Castle Leoch Chapters 6-10

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I’ll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer.  Did you think it was honorable or foolish?
Loaghaire was to be beaten for being “loose”. I think Jamie took the beating for her because he knew people would forget she was accused, but would never forget watching her whipped, and it would make it almost impossible to get past and get married.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?
Claire was used to primitive living conditions when she was growing up with Uncle Lamb and later in field hospitals. She was used to being adaptable to whatever situation she was in.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?
The only thing I know for sure was that it wasn’t the English. Otherwise, it could have been almost anyone, rival clan member, or even a family member.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?
Claire needed something to focus on rather than just constantly worrying about where she was, how she got there, and how to get home. Maybe she also felt if she was trusted to work, she would not be watched so closely, and she could then figure out how to get away.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones?
Most myths and tales have some basis, and this probably helped Claire better understand what had happened to her, even though it did not explain how or why.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?
Part of Claire’s personality is fun-loving. At this point, however, Jamie is the only one she feels comfortable enough to be herself with. I think she was disappointed in finding Jamie in the alcove. She does care for him, but more as a friend at this point.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?
I think he told her because he felt he could trust her, and he had to be careful what he said, since he was a wanted man. Claire’s reaction to the scars on his back let him know she cared, but that was not all she saw when she looked at him.

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?
Geillie, I think, knew who Hamish’s father was, but wanted to see if she could find out what Claire knew, or how she felt about Jamie.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?
She didn’t talk much about herself, so her background was a mystery.

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?
I think she liked the fact that he could relax around her and have fun.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?
Jamie knew that since he was Colum’s nephew, he could be in line for laird and knew that Colum and Dougal would do whatever they needed to the see that Hamish became laird when it was time. However, Jamie was well liked, and could split the clan if he wanted to assert his right.
Only when Jamie stepped up for the oath did Claire really understand what she had done in stumbling on him in the barn. When Jamie made his pledge to help, but did not renounce his family, Claire realized that Jamie, as young as he was, was just as shrewd as his uncles.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?
Dougal was drunk, which made him a little reckless. Claire was a beautiful young woman who fascinated him, but he didn’t really trust. The fact he stopped with the kiss, though shows that he was not completely out of control.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!
I wanted her to fail, so that she could continue to be with Jamie.

 

[vg]

Hi all - I'm on vacation this week and doing this from my phone so I won't answer all the questions butnam loving reading your answers. I do have a thought though and haven't read far enough tonsee if anyone else brought it up. Do you think that Geillie is also a time traveler?

 

[bosslady402]

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I'll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer. Did you think it was honorable or foolish? Jamie's situation at the castle seems a little precarious - he might have seen it as an opportunity to show certain people that he's not afraid of them and that he's strong enough to take whatever they dish out. He certainly earned the respect of the giant. He may have been showing off to Claire too - or at least giving her more opportunity to 'nurse' him.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting? She's been self-sufficient her whole life - in primitive and stressful situations. That gives her alot of self-confidence - probably too much - but lets her adapt faster than if she was wallowing in self-pity.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation? Again, she has had only herself to depend upon for so long, it is not in her to sit back and wait for someone else to decide what she should do with herself. She knows she has something to offer, and she is compelled to make use of her abilities.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears? She is teasing him sort of on the same level as he would have gotten from one of the men (just not as crudely) so disinterested or not, she is acting as his equal - or even slightly superior.

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't? I think that scene was telling both Claire and us readers that there is alot more going on with this young man than meets the eye - it gives both her and us a reason to want to know more about him.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!) don't be silly.... I was just hoping she wouldn't get into too much trouble in the attempt....

 

[1131]

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I'll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer. Did you think it was honorable or foolish?
I accept Jamie's statement that he did it to keep Laoghair from being shamed. Jamie may keep his secrets but, so far, when he does say something, it is the truth. Jamie was at the Castle when he was 16, maybe he was beaten at a Hall.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?
Claire was in a lot of new situations growing up with Uncle Lamb. She probably learned early on how to assess a situation and adjust how she would act. I have assumed she didn't have a lot of close friends so would be used to keeping her own counsel. She does try to think things through before speaking which has probably helped her. Her recent time in a field hospital had to have been without a lot of amenities also helping her acclimate a little easier. The hardest thing for her appears to have been dealing with the lack of rights for women of the 1700's.

I think the lack of amenities would get to me after a while. Backpacking for a couple of weeks and the prospect of spending the rest of your life without indoor plumbing are two very different things. And horses….they like to step on me so I don't so much like being near them.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?
I don't have a clue but I think it was someone he knows, someone he would trust enough to get close behind him.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?
Claire needed something to occupy her time and she is used to being needed and busy. Also, being useful might earn her more trust and freedom. Then she would have a better change to get back to Craigh na Dun

From the perspective of the others in the Castle, everyone needs to be pulling their own weight. Even the children have work to do.

From Colum's perspective, he needs a healer and Claire has proven herself; he needs to know more about her and having her work will tell him more; he needs to have everyone at his castle be as productive as possible, everybody earns their keep.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the stones?
Without him being aware of it, yes I think they are stories of time travel. Maybe I'm being swayed by Claire, she seems to think they are.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears?
Claire and Jamie are developing trust and a friendship. At this point Claire wants to get back to Frank so if she is developing feelings, she isn't aware of them.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past?
I don't remember reading much about Jamie's past. He said he was poor but I don't think he grew up poor. He is well educated and he is important to Colum and Dugal.
Claire and Jamie are developing trust and a friendship. It feels natural for them to share information about themselves.

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?
I thought from the earlier description that Dougal was Hamish's father but the brothers are so close…
Even if Dougal is not Hamish's father, it is unlikely a teenage Jamie fathered the boy.
Geillie seems to want to be an expert, someone people come to. If she knows things then she has a place.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background?
Geillie seems different than the other female characters. She seems more independent, more like Claire. If people have traveled through the stones before, is Geillie, like Claire, from the future?

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname?
Claire sees it as one more step in their growing friendship; the ability to be at ease and joke with one another. I really enjoyed the rescue of the tanner's son; Jamie pretending to pull the ear free and Claire playing the weak female. I think they enjoyed it too.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't?
I think Jamie has a loyalty to someone or somewhere else. Colum's reaction was interesting. I don't think he wanted Jamie to give his oath to him.
At 1st Claire was worried for Jamie and doing the guilt thing for getting him into it. Then she was surprised and relieved at how it played out. In a way it brought her closer to him because she was feeling responsible for putting him in this situation.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?
It was his way of showing her who was in charge. She has been asserting her independence but she's just a woman. Dougal decided she had a penalty to pay, Dougal decided what that penalty was, Dougal administered the penalty and Dougal decided to let her go. He was letting her know that her fate was in his hands.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)
I didn't really think about it. I figured if she made it back it would be at the end of the book so we would get a lot more fun before then. I'm not really invested in her relationship with either Frank or Jamie at this point. I guess I'm just alone for the ride.

 

[JoAnn]

I just have to tell everyone how much I am enjoying this read. I would never have picked this book for myself if it wouldn't have been for this Book Klub. I have been recommending it to several of my friends that are avid readers as well. Unfortunately, I'm one of those that "have no self control"!! I have read so far ahead that I cannot answer the questions since I'm not quite sure anymore of the contents of Chapters 6-10 and would be afraid of posting a spoiler!!

 

[Betsy the Quilter]

Not a problem, JoAnn!  I am also enjoying the book, and am managing to not read ahead (I've got too many book klubs I have to read for!)  I wouldn't have read this either except for the Book Klub and Gertie's constant spamming.    D'ya think Gertie is really the screen name of DG? 

Betsy

 

[Heidi]

I think, having been flogged, he didn't want to see a young girl, who might have reminded him of his sister, be beaten,

Good point. I didn't think about that.

 

[Gertie Kindle]

From Suzanne:

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?

She seems to be a gossip and enjoys to gossip. Also, I think she let this information drop so as to see Claire's reaction. My guess for Hamish's father is Colum.

Did you mean Dougal? Claire has already said that one of the effects of Colum disease is to make him sterile.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!)

I hope she fails. What a wonderful opportunity to find yourself back 200 years in time! I hope she stays back there longer, not because of Jamie, but merely to experience that time period. Not many people have that opportunity. She should take advantage of it.

Good to see someone looking at this question from your point of view. Most of us just want to see Claire stay with Jamie because (I think) we want to stay with Jamie.

From Betsy the Quilter:

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I think, having been flogged, he didn't want to see a young girl, who might have reminded him of his sister, be beaten,

I've never been very comfortable with this scene. Yes, Jamie is very honorable, but that didn't seem like enough motivation for me. What you said makes much more sense out of Jamie's decision to take the beating. It's still a matter of honor, but with good reason behind it.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background? I don't trust Geillie at this point, there's more to her than we know now.

Geillie did seek Claire out and she is definitely digging for information. Some of the things she says are meant to get a rise out of Claire, even though she tries to pass off her comments as a joke.

From Bosslady:

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!) don't be silly.... I was just hoping she wouldn't get into too much trouble in the attempt....

Loved your answer. Claire does seem like the type to get into trouble, doesn't she. She was lucky, though, that the person she stumbled over in the stables was Jamie, and not some drunk sleeping it off.

From imallbs:

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I'll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer. Did you think it was honorable or foolish?
I accept Jamie's statement that he did it to keep Laoghair from being shamed. Jamie may keep his secrets but, so far, when he does say something, it is the truth. Jamie was at the Castle when he was 16, maybe he was beaten at a Hall.

Yes, Jamie is very straightforward and honest.

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father?
<snip> Geillie seems to want to be an expert, someone people come to. If she knows things then she has a place.

I see what you mean. Geillie does have a sort of superior attitude.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire?
It was his way of showing her who was in charge. She has been asserting her independence but she's just a woman. Dougal decided she had a penalty to pay, Dougal decided what that penalty was, Dougal administered the penalty and Dougal decided to let her go. He was letting her know that her fate was in his hands.

Another insight into Dougal. He seems to be a very complex character, with very complex motivations.

From Betsy the Quilter:

Not a problem, JoAnn! I am also enjoying the book, and am managing to not read ahead (I've got too many book klubs I have to read for!) I wouldn't have read this either except for the Book Klub and Gertie's constant spamming. Grin D'ya think Gertie is really the screen name of DG? Roll Eyes

Betsy

Just call me Leslie, Jr. I learned my spamming skills from her.

I'd better stop before I start spamming gushing about the book again.

 

[robin.goodfellow]

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I'll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer. Did you think it was honorable or foolish? Probably honorable. Based on his behavior to her at the story-telling later, it's clear that he barely notices her (except for the whole alcove thing), he just sees her as a little girl. And he is well aware that no good comes from beating little girls in public. This seems to play to his previously established character.

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting? She does seem to have adapted quickly and rather well, doesn't she? I'm going to say it's b/c she worked in a field hospital during the war, and spent a great deal of time on site digs with her uncle. Personally, I would be lost without indoor plumbing.

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe? No idea, but I'm guessing Laoghaire's brother is a likely suspect. lol, or some other young lass's brother.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation? I think the purpose in giving her a job was two-fold: 1. to keep up with what she was doing all day, making sure she wasn't reporting back to someone on the activities in the castle, and 2. to be sure she was pulling her weight. I'm sure Colum didn't want to spend food and keep on an idle hand.

Chapter Eight - An Evening's Entertainment

1) Do you think the "folk-tales" that Gwyllyn tells are all based on actual time travel through the
stones? Probably. You know, Claire's a smart girl, she should have figured out within a couple of days of hearing these stories that if one set of stone portals worked that way, another might. So she doesn't have to spend all that time and effort working to get back to Craigh Na Dun. lol, of course, she could always make her situation worse, I guess, by dropping back to the 1500s. That wouldn't be an improvement to her situation.

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears? She's probably disintersted from the perspective that she's married in another century, but she's no statue. She recognizes a nice-looking man when she sees one, and Jamie is less...idk... militant? than the other men she's been around so far. She probably feels familiar enough with him to joke around, where she wouldn't with, say, Dougal.

3) What impressions did you get about Jamie's parents and background based on what he told Claire? Why do you think he told her about his past? He apparently feels familiar enough with Claire to talk about things like that. And, he's apparently far from home, and in what amounts to a hostile environment. Maybe he just wanted someone who didn't know them to talk to them about.

Chapter Nine - The Gathering

1) Why do you think Geillie tells Claire that young Hamish is rumored to be Jamie's son? Who did you think was really Hamish's father? I think Geillie enjoys being the town gossip. Clearly she's pretty good at it. I think she's indulging the speculation that Jamie is Hamish's father b/c she loves a good scandal. And while there would indeed be a scandal if Dougal was the father, at least then it would be all in the family. Carrying on with Jamie would be beyond scandalous in their world. I think Dougal is the father.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background? I like to think she was the daughter of social-climbing parents. I think her great granddaughter will be the fortune teller in Claire's time.

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname? It's probably growing on her, but I think I recall that it bothered her to hear it applied to her in the tavern in her own time.

Chapter Ten - The Oath Taking

1) Why do you think Jamie decided not to give Colum his oath? What do you think Claire thought when he didn't? I think Jamie thought he who fights and runs away may live to fight another day. It was easier to go along with the process than to not. He's no fool. He knew everyone in the room was armed to the teeth as well as Claire did. I think Claire was relieved that he found a third door, so to speak, since he had clearly intended to miss the festivities entirely.

2) Why do you think Dougal kissed Claire? Heat of the moment. Too much to drink. In addition, depending on how many men were still in the corridor, that may have marked her in their eyes as his property, so they didn't seek her out later that night. And that really may be giving Dougal too much benefit.

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!) I was torn. Clearly, the century she's in with Jamie is more interesting, but the century she was in with Frank was more hygenic.

lol, I hope y'all are happy. I was only going to read one more chapter last night, and ended up reading til midnight. I feel like a zombie today.

~robin

 

[mom133d (aka Liz)]

3) When you read that Claire thought she could get back "home" from Ft. William, were you hoping she would succeed or fail? (your first impression, please!!) I was torn. Clearly, the century she's in with Jamie is more interesting, but the century she was in with Frank was more hygenic.

ROFLMAO!!!! But its true

 

[Gertie Kindle]

2) Claire teases Jamie about kissing Loaghaire in the alcove. Do you think her teasing is based on her growing feelings for him, or is she actually as "disinterested" as she appears? She's probably disintersted from the perspective that she's married in another century, but she's no statue. She recognizes a nice-looking man when she sees one, and Jamie is less...idk... militant? than the other men she's been around so far. She probably feels familiar enough with him to joke around, where she wouldn't with, say, Dougal.

You're right. I sure wouldn't be kidding around with Dougal. He doesn't strike me as having much of a sense of humor. Neither Rupert nor Murtagh would be my choice either. I think Claire feels comfortable talking to Alec, but I don't think she has that ease she has with Jamie.

2) What impressions did you get about Geillie's background? I like to think she was the daughter of social-climbing parents. I think her great granddaughter will be the fortune teller in Claire's time.

That gives us two votes for Geillie being a time-traveler and one for Mrs. Graham being Geillie's descendant. I remember thinking there was a connection between Geillie and Mrs. G when I first read the book. Of course, I can't say if I was right or not. I think most of us agree that there's a lot more to Geillie than meets the eye.

3) After Jamie and Claire "rescue" the tanner's lad from the pillory, Jamie calls Claire "Mistress Sassenach". How do you think Claire feels about the nickname? It's probably growing on her, but I think I recall that it bothered her to hear it applied to her in the tavern in her own time.

When Jamie picks up Claire from the Duncans' house, he calls Geillie "Mistress Duncan" and Claire "Mrs. Beauchamp." I wonder why the difference in address.

 

[SongbirdVB]

When Jamie picks up Claire from the Duncans' house, he calls Geillie "Mistress Duncan" and Claire "Mrs. Beauchamp." I wonder why the difference in address.

I was thinking it was the whole Scots/English thing. Could be wrong (it's happened once or twice) but I'm sticking with that answer.

 

[Gertie Kindle]

I was thinking it was the whole Scots/English thing. Could be wrong (it's happened once or twice) but I'm sticking with that answer.

That works for me.

 

[mom133d (aka Liz)]

I was thinking it was the whole Scots/English thing. Could be wrong (it's happened once or twice) but I'm sticking with that answer.

I thought it was because Geillie's husband was the "mayor" so Mistress would be sign of respect, or that she was a respected herbolgist so she had the title. But the Scots/English thing could work as well.

 

[PraiseGod13]

Another thing that has struck me as I continue reading these chapters is how DG continues to show us more and more of Jamie's and Claire's character/make-up.  With Jamie... we're shown what an honorable man he is when he takes the beating for Laoghaire.... but then we see his "playful" side when he's discovered kissing Laoghaire in the alcove and he doesn't stop just because Claire has seen him (is he hoping Claire might be a little jealous?).  We also see more about the depth of his loyalty both to his family and clan MacKenzie and we admire him all the more.  We see how thoughtful he is when he changes seats with Claire in the hall so she can see better and also when he insists on accompanying her back to the castle from the stable so she won't get attacked by drunk guards.... even though it means he will be putting himself at the castle and he was trying to avoid that entirely.
    With Claire, we're getting to see how much she truly enjoys being able to help people both medically - don't we love Davie Beaton's closet?? - and also practically as she helps Mrs. Fitz in the garden and goes to the orchard fruit gathering.  She is not lazy - she is happiest when she is busy and useful.  We also are now seeing her character grow as we see her interacting and becoming friends with other women.  First, Mrs. Fitz, then her new acquaintance, Magdalen, and then Geillis Duncan. We also get to see Claire's playful side as she creates the distraction at the pillory so that Jamie is able to free the tanner's boy from the post.  Already, DG has me in love with Jamie and wanting to be friends with Claire.  Her character development is so excellent that I feel like I already know them both.
    Another thought on Davie Beaton's closet..... most women I have known like to have a "sanctuary" whether it's a whole room, a little nook, or even just a favorite chair where they can go for a little peace and quiet - a spot that is their own.  And, I think Davie Beaton's closet is Claire's sanctuary.  It is a place where she has the say-so....unlike any other place in the castle - it's tucked away in the castle away from the hustle and bustle so it's peaceful and quiet and it has her healing items that are so important to her.  I think it's her "peaceful place".

 

[Lizzy]

Chapter Seven - Davie Beaton's Closet

1) Who do you think hit Jamie on the head with an axe?

I think it was a traitor in his own clan cause Claire thought that those axes were only carried by people in clans.

2) Why do you think it was so important to Claire to have a "useful" occupation?

I dont think she cared that much for the things they had given her to do and since nursing was her thing she would have felt better about doing that than anything else.

 

[Betsy the Quilter]

We see how thoughtful he is when he changes seats with Claire in the hall so she can see better and also when he insists on accompanying her back to the castle from the stable so she won't get attacked by drunk guards.... even though it means he will be putting himself at the castle and he was trying to avoid that entirely.

On the other hand, he was totally oblivious to Claire trying to arrange it so that Loghaire(sp?) sat next to him and to the girl's infatuation...at least there, he seemed to take advantage of it later. Maybe his thoughtfulness is less thoughtfulness and more interest in Claire?

And, I think Davie Beaton's closet is Claire's sanctuary. It is a place where she has the say-so....unlike any other place in the castle - it's tucked away in the castle away from the hustle and bustle so it's peaceful and quiet and it has her healing items that are so important to her. I think it's her "peaceful place".

I think that's a great point. Add to that it's a place where she has no conflicts--there, she's only Claire the healer (nurse); she can be herself even when people come to her for healing.

Betsy

 

[Michael R. Hicks]

Chapter Six - Colum's Hall

1) Why do you think Jamie took the beating for Loaghaire? I'll be using the phonetic spelling of Laoghaire - Laheer. Did you think it was honorable or foolish?

It was quite honorable, although the results wouldn't look good on the "Jamie Doll".

2) Claire seems to have little difficulty "adapting" to castle life in the 18th century. Why do you think this is? What would you find most difficult about adapting?

Hey, after having been a combat nurse, 18th century castle life would be a breeze! She also had the added benefit of an interest and knowledge of botany, plus her younger years wandering about.

The most difficult thing in terms of adapting, I would first start with the plethora of people trying to shoot, stab, or otherwise maim you!