We meet Rachel Hunter in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 38
In fact, Outlander Book 7, Chapter 38 introduces us to both Denzell and Rachel Hunter. However, it’s Rachel who becomes a bigger player in the overall story.
The introductions of the Hunters seem on the smaller side. After all, they seem to be there to help William on his journey. It looks like they’re used as side figures in the way a lot of other characters have been used in the past.
Little do we realize but they will get a much larger part. The foreshadowing is certainly there in the chapter, too. There is a lot to learn about the two of them, especially as the Revolutionary War picks up.
We also get some foreshadowing in Richardson’s storyline in this chapter. I’ll get to that in the foreshadowing section.
I do suspect that we’ll see this chapter used in the TV series. I can’t see how the Hunters will be introduced otherwise, and I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the adaptation section.
Let’s dive into An Echo in the Bone Chapter 38.
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.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
This chapter certainly foreshadows a few things. The first is Richardson. Up to this point, there have been a few mentions of how he can’t be trusted. This chapter continues that. It’s clear that he was leading William to his death, but why? This is all still to play out.
The biggest foreshadowing for me, though, is how the Hunters will play a bigger part in the overall story. This isn’t just about them accompanying William to Canada. It’s clear from the fact that there is some sort of backstory to come out that they will play a bigger role.
Rachel is welcoming of all. She and Denzell didn’t just not treat William when they thought he was Catholic. They haven’t said anything negative to him. They’re the welcoming sort, making it clear that they want to be good people. That is what the Quaker religion is all about, after all. And I do think this foreshadows Rachel and Ian finding love with one another.
Adapting An Echo in the Bone chapter
I do expect to see this chapter used in Outlander Season 7. I can’t see how the Hunters will be introduced otherwise.
Well, okay, I do. The writers could create a different storyline and there are plenty of ways to bring the Quakers in. However, I don’t see the point in that when there is a chapter right here.
We know the Hunters are coming into the story. I don’t suspect we’ll see a big break between their introductions and them meeting the Frasers and Ian, but I do expect we’ll see the majority of their story play out in the show.
What did you spot while reading An Echo in the Bone Chapter 38? Let us know in the comments below.
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