Rob Cameron continues to raise our suspicions in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 47
We get to learn a little more about Rob Cameron in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 47. There’s certainly more reason to be suspicious of him.
This chapter is more about backstory on the new villain of the story. It’s a way to allow us to learn more without too many suspicions being raised. However, we’ve read Diana Gabaldon’s novels long enough to know that there’s something going on. And yes, I suspected him the very first time we met him.
There’s also a chance for Bree and Roger to remind us that they are a married couple and still very much interested in each other.
The chapter itself certainly pushes the plot forward for Rob’s part of the story. I do think there’s a little bit of foreshadowing, but it’s only a tiny amount. This is more about plot development, and I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the foreshadowing section.
I fully expect this part of the story to play out in Outlander Season 7. I’ll get to my thoughts on all that in the adaptation section.
Let’s dive into An Echo in the Bone Chapter 47.
Just the Outlander chapter
The chapter starts with Rob, Callahan, and Roger at the site of the old church on the MacKenzie property. Rob’s friend, Callahan, is an archeologist, and I am curious what brings everyone here in the first place. Why would Rob want someone to dig up the site?
In the end, Callahan doesn’t find anything too interesting. The stones are from different time periods, but that’s not uncommon for Scotland. In fact, a lot of countries will see different types of stone added over the years.
I think the point of all this is to give us Rob’s backstory. We learn that Rob’s ex-wife is French. She went back to France with their child and Rob hasn’t seen them since. Rob also has a good voice, and he manages to connect with the children through singing—yes, Roger is jealous.
That evening, Roger gets home to see two wine glasses on the table. Bree has passed the probationary period, and Roger is successful in teaching Gaelic in schools. It turns out that Rob bought the wine, though. Is there a reason for that? Why is Rob bringing wine to celebrate Bree when it’s always been clear that he doesn’t really like Bree in charge?
Once the children quieten down, Bree and Roger can have some time together. She tells him that she brought the hardhat home, but he only gets his fantasy if he tells her why he had the champagne glass. It turns out that he was trying to figure out the note Bree makes while they are together.
Bree turns the conversation onto the law of thermodynamics only to get to the point that she wants to transfer heat. Maybe they can get the pitch a little lower. I love this geeky bit of foreplay between them.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
Most of this chapter is about plot development. We get this clear sign that Rob is up to something. He is far too interested in the MacKenzies for it to be to make friends.
I think there’s going to be some foreshadowing in Rob’s backstory. His wife is French. Doesn’t it seem like there are a few connections to France now and again? We don’t get the information in the current books, but I’m almost certain this is information we need to keep hold of.
Adapting An Echo in the Bone chapter
I suspect that we’ll see this chapter play out, at least the beginning of it. We’ll need to get the backstory about Rob considering how important his character is.
I would also love to see the connection between Bree and Roger. It would be easy to overlook the close moments between characters in favor of the drama. After all, there aren’t that many episodes to tell the story. However, a show needs to make time for something like this, and we need to see something between the two.
What did you spot while reading An Echo in the Bone Chapter 47? Let us know in the comments below.
Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for the latest from the Outlander Book Club and much more.