Outlander Book Club: An Echo in the Bone Chapter 38 breakdown

Just the Outlander chapter

We’re initially introduced to Rachel Hunter, who is shaving William’s beard. She is a kind-hearted and godly woman, and I love how she helps give William something positive about her beard. I do think it’s telling about her character in the future. This is a woman who is willing to look past what others think and follow her own heart.

William is interested in Rachel. He wants to kiss her on the nose at one point, but he stops himself. It’s clear that she is a love interest for him, but will she return that?

Before we get to really know, Denzell comes into the room. He is the doctor who treated William’s wound, and he wants to know if William has had any bowel movements. I adore this considering how many times Claire asks this question. I think it hints to the type of relationship Denzell and Claire will later have.

Denzell and Rachel had assumed William is Catholic. When they undressed him, they found his rosary beads. William feels the need to explain those, although he decides not to tell anyone that he’s left-handed.

As we go through the chapter, there are a few things that stand out. William realizes that he was being tricked by someone, and that’s likely Richardson. Why would Richardson trick him? Is it possible that Richardson was just wrong about the loyalties of certain people?

Then there’s the fact that the Hunters don’t get on with their Quaker neighbors. What is it about them that means they don’t get on with their neighbors? Like us, William wants to know more. Yet, William isn’t privy to that information, and William isn’t being all truthful with the Hunters. They will get to know each other, though. William shares he’s heading for Canada, and the Hunters will join him.