Just the Outlander chapter
Claire doesn’t want to go out with Esterhazy. She doesn’t even think that she’s the right person for this. And many of us would agree. However, Jamie notes two things. He can’t spare any other men, and Bembridge is probably hurt and in need of medical attention.
So, Claire leaves with Esterhazy. It’s clear that Esterhazy is struggling to think straight. He seems scared for his friend, and he’s exhausted. The two head to the Meeting House first and see the destruction in the place. It’s somewhat ironic considering this was supposed to be a place of peace and no politics.
When Bembridge isn’t here, Esterhazy continues to struggle to think about what to do next. They both agree to head out to where the mudslide was. They find Bembridge there. Just as Claire tries to pull the man out of the mud, Esterhazy attacks.
He knows Claire down the mudslide and then goes to hit Bembridge over the head with a log. Bembridge is still alive, and he reaches out to stop the branch hitting him. This knocks Esterhazy down the mudslide, and he is injured hitting a tree.
What’s all this about? Jamie finds out from Fanny that Agnes is pregnant and likely with Bembridge’s baby. She was sleeping with both men, and Esterhazy proposed. Agnes turned him down as she’s more fond of Bembridge. Well, it looks like Esterhazy wasn’t happy with that decision.