Character: Claire Fraser (Randall). Page 4

"Sassenach"... So he called me from the beginning; in Gaelic it means "the English stranger". "Anglichanka". He first uttered that nickname mockingly, then with tenderness.

Even the thick walls have doors.

- And why is that, pray tell people, as if specially produced toilet paper, more like a foil?
- The hearts of our people as hard as stone, mockingly picked up Roger. - Well, behinds - stainless steel. I think this contributes to the formation of the national character.
In this case, perhaps, the Scots generally devoid of nerve endings, with a laugh added Claire. - People able to ride in kilts, the skin on the back is not inferior in strength to that used to make saddles!

In the end, I thought, what the days and weeks in the face of eternity?
*...*
But if there was eternity, or just the idea of eternity, it is likely that Anselm is right: anything is possible. All - love? I got to thinking. I loved Frank - I continued to love him. And I loved Jamie more than life itself. Bounded by the limits of time and flesh, I could not hold both. And in the hereafter? If there's a place where time does not exist anymore or it stops? Anselm thinks so. A place where everything is possible. And nothing need.
Is there love there? Beyond the boundaries of flesh and time is it possible to love? Whether it is necessary?

I survived the bloody Second world war and lost the baby, I have lost two husbands, I was starving, along with the soldiers, beat me, betrayed me, I... I was in prison, but I survived. And this is supposed to break me? I won't let you!...

- Oh, Jamie, I fucking love you!
And then it was his turn to laugh. He was bent almost in half, and then sat on the curb, overwhelmed with joy. Slow motion leaned back and lay down in the tall grass, gasping and squealing with laughter.
- What's wrong with you? - I stared at him.
After a laugh, he sat up and wiped his eyes. Breathing rapidly, he shook his head.
- Murtagh was right about women. Anglichanok for you I risked my life, I committed theft, arson and assault, and even killed a man. As a reward you will swear to me, humiliating my manhood kicked in the balls and scratched my face. Then I beat you half to death and told you about the most humiliating things for me, what ever happened to me, and you say you love me.

He was on top of me, knees legs apart and I felt that give in - not even him but myself. Twenty-seven years of good education lost ground to the millennial instinct. The mind rebelled against that possessed me on the bare rock, close to the sleeping soldiers, and the body put up with it and, moreover, answered the call.

- It will disappear someday, Claire? The desire disappear?
My head fell back on his shoulder.
I don't know, Jamie. Really don't know.

- These birds inhabit the souls of young mothers dead in childbirth, ' he said, turning towards me. - I say they scream and run around the nest, because I don't believe that the babies hatch safely. They grieve about someone you lost - looking for a child orphaned.
- I think it's just tradition, ' he said. Habit. I first made when I was much younger, after I heard this story. Actually I don't believe they have a soul, but, you know, like something out of a sense of respect...
Without finishing the sentence, he looked at me and suddenly smiled.
- I used to do it, I didn't even notice. In Scotland very few Plovers...
He got up and threw the twig.
- Went on. There's a place that I want to show you. Over there, at the top of the hill.
He took my elbow and helped me up off the ground. We began to climb the slope.
I heard what he said to Plover when he let her go. And although I knew very little Gaelic words, it's an old greeting I heard often enough to understand it. "The Lord be with thee, mother" - said Jamie.
A young mother died during childbirth. And the child who was left an orphan. I touched Jamie's sleeve, and he turned towards me.
- How old were you? - I asked.
- Eight, - he said. - Not a baby.
More he said nothing and led me higher up the hill.

- It was as you imagined? with curiosity I asked.
'Almost,' he suddenly giggled me in my ear. - But I thought... no, nothing.
- No, tell me! What did you think?
- I will not say you will laugh at me.
- I promise not to laugh. Tell me!
He smoothed down my hair, removing the curls from the ear.
- Okay. I didn't know that this can be done face to face. I thought you have to turn your back on me... well, you know, like horses...
A promise to keep was very difficult, but I laughed.
- I know it sounds silly, ' said Jamie in his defense. Just... well, you probably know that if in youth that sit on the head so hard.

- This is one reason. And there are others that you could I say?
He began to carefully study his glass.
Probably just because I want to sleep with you - he looked quickly at me. Have you thought about this?
If he wanted to embarrass me, then it succeeded, but I decided not to show it.
- Is it true? - boldly, I asked?
- To be honest, Yes, it is true, ' he answered, and the blue eyes looked at me over his glasses.
- This does not have to marry me, - I said.
Jamie was shocked at this statement.
- Do you think that I would have to do it, not suggesting you marry me?
- Many men don't bother, ' I said, amused by his naivety.
In obvious embarrassment he muttered something unintelligible, but then got together and said with full of dignity
- Maybe I'm overconfident in saying so, but I prefer to think that I am not "many men", and does not consider it necessary to behave in accordance with the lowest public denominator.
I was touched by his words and hastened to assure that you find his behavior a highly respectable and gentlemanly, and I apologize for unintentionally doubts about his motives.

"Under my protection..." It was not just a phrase - it was worth to watch Jamie, on a hard turn of his broad shoulders, should remember his wild grace, when he showed me in the moonlight the techniques of sword fighting. he knew what he was saying. Very young, he had a right so to speak, and his scars proved it right. He was no older than many of the pilots and Marines, for whom I had to care in the hospital, and just as they, he knew the value of responsibility. He gave me not a romantic vow and a lasting commitment to protect my safety at the cost of his own.

I know, Claire, that there are things that you don't want to talk to me. Probably can't even talk about them.
"If you only knew how right you are", I thought.
- I'm never going to force you or insist to know about the things concerning you, - seriously said as he looked at his hands and clenched his hands. - There are things that I can't tell you, at least not yet. Not asking you about what you can't give me. I ask only one thing: let it be the truth that you will find it necessary to tell me. And I promise you the same thing. Between us now there's nothing but respect likely. And I think respect gives the place a secret, but not lies. Do you agree?
- Yes, I agree. I promise to be honest.

- You actually saw it?
- Oh, Yes! and I tell you, miss, to see men flogged with whips - not a pleasant sight. I, fortunately, have not experienced this myself, but I think that waiting is not too sweet. Watch as whip whips someone, waiting the same for myself... God forbid!