We learn how Jamie Fraser got to Ian Murray in Virgins section 3. This is the first mention of Murtagh, and I wish we got to see him in this part.
In fact, if the short story was ever adapted, I would love to see a flashback of the story told in this section. I think it would be needed not just to show rather than tell, but to see that there is a reason Murtagh tells Jamie not to return to Scotland.
Breaking down Virgins section 3
The next morning, Jamie finally asks Ian where they are. Of course, this leads to Ian questioning how Jamie even found them if he doesn’t know where they are. It turns out that Murtagh got Jamie to the area, telling Jamie it would be better for him to join the mercenaries alone and not to come back to Scotland. We don’t understand why in this section that Murtagh would say not to go back to Scotland, but we understand from Outlander that it was to keep Jamie safe because of Dougal.
Ian shares that they are about 20 miles from Bordeaux, which is where they’re heading. They escorting a Jewish moneylender there, and the wagon they have is full of rugs and maybe some gold and silver. There’s no money on it, though.
This is when we learn a little about the stance of the Jews in France. While they’re not exactly welcome or allowed, the French government tolerates them, and Jamie notes that that is probably because they lend the government money. Jamie and Ian share some looks and start laughing, giving Jamie a chance to feel a little more normal for the first time since he got to France.
Could this section be used in a TV series adaptation?
I’d love to see a flashback of Murtagh and Jamie as they get to France in Virgins. We need to see the look that Murtagh gives Jamie about Scotland, knowing that Murtagh doesn’t blame Jamie and is saying this for Jamie’s safety. We know now that Dougal wanted to kill Jamie.
It’s also important to get the explanation of where they are and what they’re doing. This makes sure we learn about the Jewish people and how the French view them, which will mean it affects how they view the mercenaries. I think it also sets the expectations for what’s to come in the series.
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