Jamie thinks about selling the stones in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 40
As Jamie realizes that he needs to sell something for money, he considers the gems in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 40. He needs to make sure about something first.
We know the Frasers have kept the gems for one main reason. Gems are needed for traveling through the stones. There is always the thought that someone is going to need to time travel at some point.
This chapter brings it up again. It’s not because Jamie wants Bree and Roger to leave, but because he needs to figure out what he can sell. This chapter isn’t just about the gems, but also about life on the Ridge. We get that reminder that while they have land and tenants, the Frasers aren’t rich people.
We’re also reminded of a war coming. There are just two years left before the Colonies fight against the Crown. Claire and Jamie need to be ready for that to happen.
This chapter offers us some foreshadowing. I’ll get into the details that I saw in that section of the post.
As for adaptation, it’s not been used in the series just yet. We don’t get the reminder of problems with money in the TV series because there is so much else to include. However, there is a chance that this chapter will show up at some point.
Let’s dive into A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 40.
Just the Outlander chapter
It all starts with Claire and Jamie waking one morning. It’s spring of 1774, and Major MacDonald has arrived with news. There have been letters from Governor Tryon, now in New York, and a few others. The people in the North need help, and the new Governor of North Carolina is struggling to get people to follow him.
Governor Martin is considering arming the Indians. This is something Jamie will need to be involved in as Indian Agent.
It turns out that the Governor’s mail is being intercepted and published in the newspapers. The Governor isn’t happy about that, but it means that something needs to be done about it. The first step is considering arming the Indians.
After that, we move onto Jamie and Roger. Roger is digging for the kiln for Bree, and he has a modern-day shovel for it. Jamie is impressed when he comes up, but he also wants to know what Brianna will make next. It’s clear that she’s been busy bringing the 20th century lifestyle to the past.
That brings up the topic of Roger and Bree going back to their own time. Will they leave? Roger admits they don’t want to, but they have thought about it. After all, the war coming, it would be safer for them in the past.
Why has this come up? Jamie needs money. Not only did they lose the season’s whisky in the attack on Claire, but the whole malting shed when up in smoke. They need to start again. Jamie owes a lot of money, including a dowry for Lizzie and money to Laoghaire. That means he needs to sell either land or the gems he has. He also needs to have 30 muskets for the Governor. There is the “promise” of being paid back, but it’s clear that he won’t expect that money.
He doesn’t want to sell the land. So, it means the gemstones. He needs to know if Roger and Brianna will need them, though.
The ending to the chapter is funny. Major MacDonald is coming over but the white sow is visible. She goes after MacDonald, who decides to run to the cabin away from her. In the end, she is busy eating his hat.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
There is some foreshadowing within this chapter. The first is that the war is coming. Claire and Jamie still need to figure out the right time to switch sides. After all, they know that the Patriots will win, and they need to make sure they’re on that side when the time comes.
I think we also have some foreshadowing of Jocasta’s money problems without realizing it. Jamie is struggling financially for a few reasons, but he’s not going to be the only one. Jocasta and Duncan eventually have to sell the plantation. They flee north because of the war, but that’s not the only reason.
Then there’s foreshadowing of time travel. Jamie mentions the matchsticks and the gems. We know both are involved in the fire at the Big House. Donner is going to come back. It’s only a matter of time.
But at the same time, we have this foreshadowing that Roger and Brianna will eventually need to time travel. They’ll need to put themselves at risk of being separated as they go to their own time. It’s not a want but a need, and it’s all to do with baby Mandy, who isn’t even a thought just yet.
Adapting A Breath of Snow and Ashes chapter
The chapter hasn’t yet been used in Outlander. I do hope that some of it will be used in Season 6. I want to see Brianna do more with her skills, and seeing the development of the kiln will be excellent. We need to see her find her place in the 18th century as well as Roger find his.
I also hope that we see some of the conversations about leading up to war. We need to know what’s going on around the Frasers and MacKenzies.
There are some teases that some of this scene will be used. We know that Jamie becoming an Indian Agent will be used, which will likely mean a conversation about arming the tribes. Then there’s just the knowledge of what’s going on in the north, which we know will come up as we’ve seen it in the trailer for the season.
We don’t need all the details and events of the chapter. The show just needs to make sure the big moments that show us the development of war and trouble comes up.
What did you spot while reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 40? Let us know in the comments below.
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