Outlander Book Club: The Fiery Cross Chapter 47 breakdown

Just the Outlander chapter

The chapter starts with Roger thinking about Brianna after more singing. He’s learned three new songs from Seamus that he’s committed to memory, and he thinks about a soreness in his throat from the singing.

As he thinks about Brianna and how much fun she’s having, he spots her. She also spots him, and the two get a chance to steal some time together alone. However, at first, there’s hesitation because Brianna didn’t bring her protection. She’s been taking the seeds she was given, but Roger still thinks about the preference of contraception of their own time.

They’re then interrupted by Pheadre. Jemmy is sick, and someone is sending for Dr. Fentiman. Brianna won’t have that.

When Roger gets to Jocasta’s room, there are many rushing around for Jemmy. He has croup. That’s clear from the raspiness. Brianna refuses to allow Dr. Fentiman to be the doctor to treat Jemmy. She wants her mom, and Roger is the one to go find her.

Claire notes that it is croup, but that it may just be a symptom of another illness. She runs through all the potential illnesses, including diphtheria. It’s unlikely that one since nobody else has it and Jemmy would have immunity from it through Brianna. So, it’s likely just a common cold, and Claire creates a croup tent for that.

Claire is pulled away to treat someone else, leaving the balm with Roger. As Roger uses it, he remembers the smell from his past. His mom once did this for him. He doesn’t remember having croup, but the scent has just brought back the memory of the tent and being with his mom.

Roger ends up singing “Oh My Darling, Clementine” to Jemmy, which sends him to sleep as the steam helps to settle Jemmy’s coughing. It’s a soothing ending to the chapter.