A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Roger performs his first sermon at the Christies’ house, preaching about loving one’s neighbor as oneself. The sermon goes well. Later that night, Roger reflects on the feedback he got from his parishioners. Brianna asks him if he considers his new profession a calling, which he does. She has her own calling, she says, but she doesn’t know quite what it is yet. Later that night, Roger has a PTSD-induced nightmare about killing the bandits who kidnapped Claire. He realizes he knows one of them, “a wretched little thieftaker named Harley Boble” (783).

Lord John writes to Jamie, urgently warning him to distance himself from the Committee of Correspondence. He also warns that the mail is not secure, as Whigs and governmental authorities are opening and reading things; he advises sending letters only through Bobby. Lord John reveals that Bobby is interested in both Lizzie and Malva but has decided to try to wed Lizzie. If she accepts, Lord John will pay off the indentured servitude of both Lizzie and her father (in service to the Frasers). If she declines, he will attempt to win over Christie for Malva’s hand.

Jamie and Claire discuss the possible matches. Lizzie and her father have already been released from their servitude, although they keep up the appearance of it to protect both under Jamie’s assumed ownership.