As we get that little bit closer to the end, we have a positive and quiet chapter. The Scottish Prisoner Chapter 42 also gives us hope for the friendship of Lord John Grey and Jamie Fraser.
The chapter starts with John as he gets ready to depart. He sees how frail Lord Dunsany get, and it’s clear that this is setting things up for the events of Voyager.
Then there’s Jamie, who finds a way to deal with the Betty situation he has found himself in. This is intriguing, but I think it’s also smart.
Breaking down The Scottish Prisoner Chapter 42
We start with Lord John Grey saying his goodbyes to the Dunsany family. Nothing is said about Isobel, which is smart. This helps to keep the entire situation as quiet as possible. However, John does notice that Lord Dunsany is starting to look a little frail.
Life is catching up on Dunsany. He only has Isobel left, and it’s clear that he has spent a lot time worried about Willie. This is all taking its toll, and John is worried about something drastic happening to the man.
We then jump to Jamie, who is getting John’s horse ready. When John mounts the house, Jamie mumbles a chess move. This allows John to share his move, putting him in checkmate. This is a clear sign that the two are back to being friends, and there is hope for the future. We can see how it plays out in the Outlander books now.
With John gone, there is one thing for Jamie to focus on. Betty has made it clear that she wants to marry Jamie and that she will use his secrets against him. Jamie makes it clear to her that they can’t marry. He has a wife, and she is still alive. I love that he is honest with Betty, and she doesn’t ask any questions. Jamie doesn’t really give her a chance to as he hands her a purse of money and suggests that she marries George Roberts.
The money is enough to help her get started in life. She can leave the job she’s in, and she is grateful for that. It also gets Betty out of Jamie’s world so that she doesn’t reveal the secret about Willie.
Could this chapter be used in a TV series adaptation?
I do see this chapter playing out a little if The Scottish Prisoner was ever adapted. It would bring closure to the story, especially the bit with Jamie handing money to Betty. He needs to be able to live at Helwater in peace for his and Willie’s sake, and the only way to do that is to get rid of Betty.
I would also like to see the chess move moment. This cements the idea that the two are friends again.
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