Outlander Book Club: Written in My Own Heart’s Blood Chapter 48 breakdown

Just the Outlander chapter

The chapter starts with Ian learning more about Rachel’s religion. They get to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends. It’s just a red building. There’s nothing special about it, but Ian wonders if it is like the Vatican in terms of importance. We need to all remember that the Quakers aren’t about standing out. Remember how plain Rachel’s and Denny’s clothes are up to this point.

What if Friends won’t marry them? Rachel makes it clear that it’s not all that important. They marry each other, and that is what they will do. She makes it sound so simple in this chapter, and I love her view on all of it. They love each other, so why should it matter what others choose for them?

Denny and Dottie turn up. Denny is now in his Continental uniform, which Dottie loves. She says that she finds him handsome. She also explains that Henry Grey is the reason for them not getting to the meeting point with Rachel and Ian. It turns out that Henry has fallen in love with Mercy Woodcock, who may or may not still be married.

This is causing some problems with the Grey family. That’s not surprising when you consider Hal Grey and their standing and views. Mercy is a Black woman.

Denny wants to talk to the Friends at the Meeting House to share his views on the war. You see, the Quakers didn’t take the Continental side. This is sure to set up some plotlines for the Hunters.

Ian also takes some time to think of what’s to come. He will fight in the war with Jamie, but he wants to spend some time with Rachel first.