Outlander Book Club: A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 59 breakdown

Just the Outlander chapter

The chapter starts with the letter. The mail around North Carolina isn’t safe, and John has come across a list of names of those who are going to be part of the Revolutionary War. Jamie’s name is on that list, and John feels some responsibility for that. John was the one to introduce Jamie to one of the men.

John wants to keep Jamie out of trouble, and that means Jamie distancing himself from the men he’s making friends with.

After that, John has a suggestion for marriage. Bobby likes both Lizzie and Malva, but realizes that he would prefer Lizzie. Is there a marriage option with either of them? It’s something Claire and Jamie discuss after reading the letter. Lizzie would make the most sense and would be easier. Bobby is a convicted murderer and is penniless. Even if Malva liked him enough, it would be hard to convince Tom Christie to allow the marriage to happen.

Claire does start to think about marriage options, especially when there’s the comment of Roger trying to arrange a marriage between Amy McCallum and Tom Christie. Would Malva and Young Ian work out? Would Tom allow for that to happen?

In the end, Bobby asks Mr. Weymss for Lizzie’s hand, but Mr. Wymess refuses. It’s clear that Bobby’s conviction is causing problems. Jamie does agree to talk to Tom, but he can’t guarantee that it will be a yes for Malva.

After that, Bobby brings up a meeting that’s happening. Jamie realizes that this is likely where the Continental Congress is choosing delegates, and Jamie hasn’t heard anything. His actions around the time of the barbecue for Flora MacDonald wouldn’t have helped that, so it’s not surprising he hasn’t heard about the meeting time or place. He needs to work his way back into the group.