William has to explain who his father isn’t in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 51
William spends some time with Brigadier Fraser in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 51. William finds himself explaining how he’s related to Lord John Grey.
You would have thought that everyone important would have known John and William’s connection. John has never been dishonest that he is William’s stepfather. At no point has he claimed the boy for himself. Yet, Brigadier Fraser seems to be confused that William does not have the same type of hands as John.
I love that it’s Brigadier Fraser William is explaining all this too. It’s almost ironic in that he’s talking to a Fraser about his lineage—and he’s unknowingly getting it all wrong. I do get a sense that there is some foreshadowing in this section of the chapter.
I’m not too sure if this chapter is going to be used in the series. I’ll get to my thoughts on that as we get into the adaptation section
Let’s dive into An Echo in the Bone Chapter 51.
Just the Outlander chapter
We’re back with William, and this time he’s spending time with a brigadier. Of all the names this brigadier has, it’s Fraser. I do find this interesting.
William spends some time comparing his own uniform with the brigadier’s. William’s is bright red while the brigadier’s is faded, making it clear that William hasn’t been in the military all that long. It’s clear there’s a sense of urgency about him. He doesn’t want to wait around for battle. He wants to have the uniform the brigadier has so that he can feel worthy.
I do get a sense of Young Ian here. Remember when Ian just wanted to be a man of worth, and he ended up joining the Mohawk to gain that? I’m sure Ian would wish to go back to before that and tell his younger self to slow down a little. William needs to appreciate what he has right now.
Of course, William doesn’t know what’s to come for him. The conversation between the two men goes to Lord John Grey, and the brigadier seems confused about why William’s hands don’t look the way John’s do. William has to explain that John is his stepfather.
This then leds to William explaining that his birth father in Lord Ellesmere, which could make William seem pretentious. While John is from a high-class family, Lord Ellesmere was much higher up. Now if only William knew that his father was anything but Lord Ellesmere.
At the end of the chapter, Brigadier Fraser tells William that General Howe has had some good things to say right now. However, William hasn’t had a chance to show his talent for command yet. What does that mean for the future? They are promising words, and now William needs to live up to them.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
There is certainly plenty of foreshadowing of things to come for William in this chapter. Everything he thinks he knows about his family is going to turn up on its head. Right now, he believes that he is the son of an English lord. He’s going to learn that he’s actually the son of a Scottish traitor.
And I think this is important to remember. William is already self-conscious of his looks. He doesn’t try to use the name Grey too much or even his own title, but he has all that to hold onto. His whole world changes with the knowledge that he’s actually Jamie Fraser’s son, and that Lord John Grey kept all that from him. Get ready for a big journey for this young man.
Adapting An Echo in the Bone chapter
I’m not too sure we’ll have the time for this chapter in Outlander Season 7. It doesn’t add too much, except to remind us of who William believes is his father. We don’t constantly need that reminder, especially in a TV series that only has 16 episodes—with four of them being used to wrap up the Season 6 storyline.
So, I think we may see this whole chapter skipped over. There may be a quick mention of Brigadier Fraser, but overall, I just don’t think this chapter is all that necessary for the series.
What did you spot while reading An Echo in the Bone Chapter 51? Let us know in the comments below.
Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for the latest from the Outlander Book Club and much more.