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QOTD FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 --

Traci_Mc, 20:44:59 09/01/09 Tue
The following quote is taken from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 46, "Timor Mortis Conturbat Me". Copyright (c) 1992 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

He was slow, and careful; so was I. Each touch, each moment must be savored, remembered – treasured as a talisman against a future empty of him.

I touched each soft hollow, the hidden places of his body. Felt the grace and the strength of each curving bone, the marvel of his firm-knit muscles, drawn lean and flexible across the span of his shoulders, smooth and solid down the length of his back, hard as seasoned oakwood in the columns of his thighs.

Tasted the salty sweat in the hollow of his throat, smelled the warm muskiness of the hair between his legs, the sweetness of the soft, wide mouth, tasting faintly of dried apple and the bitter tang of juniper berries.

I had trouble deciding just which lines to post from this scene, there were so many to choose from - some days that 10 line limit really sucks! Happy Hump Day!

Last edited by author: Tue September 01, 2009 20:45:59 Edited 1 time.
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I have goosebumps! What lovely sensations - mmmmmmm. (NT) -- Lady JenF :), 05:07:14 09/02/09 Wed
This is beautiful and sad at the same time. Trying to make a memory for a lifetime of separation for her, seeking balm and peace before battle and death for him. (NT) -- kgp, 05:24:47 09/02/09 Wed
- Well put, kgp. I don't know whether to take a cold shower, or cry. I guess I could do both... (NT) -- ladyphantom, 05:39:14 09/02/09 Wed
  - Same here.... : S (NT) -- Piper-Mom, 06:44:41 09/02/09 Wed
    - Me too... (NT) -- fiona j, 06:59:32 09/02/09 Wed
I post this everytime an ending scence from DIA is posted :-). No matter that he asked, begged, whatever-I NEVER would have left. I couldn't-to live without my husband would be asking me to live as half of myself-to live with out a heart or soul. That is no life for me. I understand the literary reasons for it, but the emotional side gets the better of me here. He would be asking something of me that I simply could not do-regardless of the child. I would rather die with him, than to live without him. OK, enough mush-back to your regularly schduled discussion! (NT) -- Rollaine, 06:08:12 09/02/09 Wed
- I Know! How did she leave?! WTH!? I don't think I could have left. I understand the literary reason for it but Mon Dieu! I couldn't leave my DH. (NT) -- Miss Michele, 08:58:57 09/02/09 Wed
- I'm with Rollaine here, though I've never been married to a soulmate. I simply couldn't leave. I know the literary and plot-driven reasons, and the value Jamie placed on having his bloodline carried on, but I couldn't go if my whole heart and soul were in that place at that time and with my true love. (NT) -- Lemora, 14:41:33 09/02/09 Wed
OMG!! Here I am at work, all teary-eyed!! Lovely, yet heart-wrenching quote. Great job, Traci!! (NT) -- TerriC, 06:32:59 09/02/09 Wed
This is still very hard to read, it is so lovely but so sad to me. (NT) -- LisaW, 06:48:40 09/02/09 Wed
One thing about these books, with passages like this, really made me more physically aware of my DH. I never paid quite the same attention to the senses that I do now. (NT) -- conmama, 06:53:49 09/02/09 Wed
- [Hello!] That's also been my experience, and it's definitely been good for our marriage. This comment would fit right in over at the Broch Talk discussion, too, Conmama! (NT) -- fiona j, 07:03:03 09/02/09 Wed
  - Hi fiona, it's really made me appreciate him more. It's been a pleasure for me, also...an awakening after decades together. (NT) -- conmama, 07:22:30 09/02/09 Wed
I just read this over the weekend. This scene was sooo hard to read and not be moved by it. Words fail me in trying to describe how this scene effects me. The ultimate sacrifice for love, life and child. (NT) -- Latinlassie, 07:08:16 09/02/09 Wed
- BTW, I am now into Voyager and they just reunited and made love for the first time....all is good....for now. (NT) -- Latinlassie, 07:10:01 09/02/09 Wed
  - Hi Latinlassie, I'm breathing a sigh of relief right along with you! LOL! (NT) -- fiona j, 07:29:23 09/02/09 Wed
I bet it ~was~ hard to narrow down which lines to use. It always strikes me that Jamie holds himself back over & over, not wanting the moment to end. It was such an intense scene. (NT) -- Tess, 07:48:19 09/02/09 Wed
Beautiful in its own right. And yes, the 10 line limit can REALLY suck but I appreciate the reason. (NT) -- Merrymags, 07:50:58 09/02/09 Wed
- I also appreciate it. I remember when people were writing books here at QOTD, (NT) -- Lemora, 14:38:10 09/02/09 Wed
This also gave me goosebumps-who am I kidding? These quotes ALWAYS give me goosebumps-but all of the quotes this week have also caused a lump in my throat. (NT) -- Misty, 16:08:03 09/02/09 Wed

dragonfly question -- Lady Eliza beth, 21:11:14 09/01/09 Tue
I have a question about DIA. When Claire is at Sandringham's estate and then they make their escape with Mary Hawkins. Murtaugh shows up with a bag and they assume he had a ham in it. Of course it turned out to be Sandringham's head. My question is How did Murtaugh who was not with Claire in the parlor when she saw Albert the servant and recognized him, and was not there when Jamie killed Albert. How did Murtaugh know that Sandringham was behind the rape of Mary Hawkins?

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Psst! Just a wee reminder that Broch Talk is open! You're verra insightful ladies here . . . Come on over and join us! -- CatherineM. and JessieR., 08:33:38 09/02/09 Wed
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So I put myself on the waiting list for Echo at the library and I am 47th in line!!! I waited too long..They did order 21 books so hopefully I won't have to wait to long. I usually don't buy books and love the library. However, I have all of this series in paperback because I love them and reread them often. So I was wondering ladies, hardcover or paperback? Library or buying? Cannot wait!!! :) -- persianquinn(excited!), 18:48:27 08/29/09 Sat
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QOTD FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 --

Traci_Mc, 20:12:23 08/31/09 Mon
The following quote is taken from Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 43, "Falkirk". Copyright (c) 1992 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

“I think you’d better swoon, Sassenach,” he said. “It will be easier that way, maybe.” He stooped, picked me up in his arms, and carried me through the door that Dougal held open.

His heart pounded beneath my ear, and I could feel the trembling in his arms as he carried me. After the stuffiness of the church, with its smells of sweat, blood, black powder and horse manure, the cold fresh air of early morning took my breath away, and I huddled against him, shivering. His hands tightened under my knees and shoulders, hard as a promise; he would never let me go.

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Definitely an edge of the seat moment. What a leap of courage and faith to hand her over with only the promise that he'd find her somehow. (NT) -- kgp, 05:08:18 09/01/09 Tue
Painful!!! I never could understand how Jamie was able to let her go. He loved her so much, but knew it was the only way to save any of them. Great quote : ) (NT) -- ElizabethS, 06:05:40 09/01/09 Tue
Jamie does give up the ones he loves with such dignity and grace. He seems to know what the other will need so that their seperation is easier, or at least without too much hurt and lose. (NT) -- LisaW, 06:47:47 09/01/09 Tue
I hated this moment -- the sacrifice, the fragile hold on each other and life. I cried my eyes out reading this the first time.... I've read it only one, maybe two times since but never willingly and never as part of the whole story. (NT) -- Merrymags, 07:05:23 09/01/09 Tue
I don't remember this scene. Can someone please fill me in? (NT) -- ladyphantom, 07:41:57 09/01/09 Tue
- Jamie, Claire and Donas plus Dougal et al from Leoch are hiding in a cottage and the British are banging on the door. They trade the "English Lady" for their lives. (NT) -- kgp, 07:50:20 09/01/09 Tue
  - Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!! (NT) -- Piper-Mom, 07:56:53 09/01/09 Tue
  - Thank you. I will have to reread this chapter tonight... I still don't remember it... blame CRS disease. LOL (NT) -- ladyphantom, 08:32:50 09/01/09 Tue
    - I have that, too. It's the battle of Falkirk. I don't remember exactly how they all end up in the same cottage but this is where Rupert asks Dougal to speed his death. Claire is taken away but is sent south to Sandrigham's estate. (NT) -- kgp, 08:45:12 09/01/09 Tue
      - I think Jamie hid Claire there (wasn't it an abandoned kirk?) while he was off doing battle, & Dougal & Co. came & hid in her building while being chased by the Brits too. Then Jamie comes to retrieve Claire, & ends up stuck there w/the rest of them. Then the building is surrounded by redcoats after dawn, threatened to be burned out of the building if they don't surrender. So, the Scots concoct the "Kidnapped Lady" scenario & Claire gets "rescued" by the Brits, in exchange for the Highlander's freedom. Hope that helps some! (NT) -- Cathryn_L, 08:56:10 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Thanks!! I think it was Dougal's idea, wasn't it? (NT) -- kgp, 09:08:48 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Yes it was Dougal's idea. Jamie protested at first but Claire said it was really the only way to save them all. I remember thinking when I first read this whole episode, from when Jamie left her at the feet of the English, to when he rescued her from Sandringham's estate...there is mention of him looking up at windows for some sign of her...I had a flash of that ghost Frank saw in Outlander looking up at her window, seeming unhappy. I don't know why it hit me then. (NT) -- Tess, 10:12:20 09/01/09 Tue
        
        I had that same flash in ABOSAA when he is taking a trip to see the Cherokee and she is waving to him from their bedroom window with her brush in her hand. He has a momentary chill, thinking he may not see her again. In yesterday's quote Jamie acquiesces to Ian staying behind so the rest of them may get away. Here, and at a much younger aga, he has to let Claire stay behind for the same reason. (NT) -- kgp, 10:18:11 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Yes to both Tess and kgp. And in ABOSSA Jamie relates to Claire his "dream" of seeing Claire through a window. She was sitting at a desk, holding something in her hand...maybe writing...and he realized he was seeing electric lights. He can't answer Claire's later question about how old she had seemed to be in the dream. (NT) -- fiona j, 10:50:47 09/01/09 Tue
        
        **Correction!** For some reason I thought her saw he through a window, but he did not! I'm very sorry. I know when I read it, I immediately thought of the Outlander ghost scene, but there is NO WINDOW reference here . (NT) -- fiona j, 11:34:05 09/01/09 Tue
        
        kgp...I had that same flash too...It was almost like he was having a deja vu moment...or a premonition of dread. I don't know....particularly in ABOSAA because she had the brush in her hands. And he was disturbed ("he didn't seem particularly happy") by it momentarily. I bet eventually there will be a connection between these events & that ghost sighting. (NT) -- Tess, 13:18:49 09/01/09 Tue
        
        I thought the same thing...is this like having The Sight? You know something is going to happen and there's not a *&*% thing you can do to stop it? (NT) -- fiona j, 13:37:09 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Arrrg! does anyone else have problems with distiguishing "o" and zero for the security thing?? That was my fourth try on that one! (NT) -- fiona j, 13:39:09 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Yes...letter o and zero, as well as the lower case l vs upper case I. (NT) -- Tess, 13:45:49 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Sheesh! You'd think they could take those four characters out and still have plenty of combinations! (NT) -- fiona j, 14:07:00 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Lowercase L looks like 1 for me. (NT) -- kgp, 14:33:09 09/01/09 Tue
        
        It was a memorable scene, for Rupert died there by Dougal's hand. (NT) -- Helka, 09:18:29 09/01/09 Tue
        
        Hi Helka! Yes, that part of it really affected me. I had grown to like Rupert very much. (NT) -- fiona j, 10:52:23 09/01/09 Tue
        
        I think Claire injudiciously yells something about "Don't you know this is a church [ie: sactuary from war]", so then the Brits think she's a kidnapped English Lady, which is exactly why LJG came to attack Jamie, the "conscienseless Poltroon" earlier. At that time, Jamie plays along with the deception, dragging Claire in without her knowledge, in oder to get John to talk, and no one is in any real danger, although Claire slaps him on the face and accuses him of torturing the lad. This time they have to play along with the deception, but with the probability of much more danger, and Dougal suggests the idea, but Claire urges Jamie to do it. I'm not sure if this would be called irony, but it's an interesting juxtaposition. (NT) -- fiona j, 10:16:32 09/01/09 Tue
        
        You are right...and his having an English wife has come in handy on more than one occasion. (NT) -- Tess, 13:20:47 09/01/09 Tue
I always wished they had thought to have Dougal [or someone else] carry her out. What were they thinking? (NT) -- fiona j, 12:00:40 09/01/09 Tue
- I think jamie wanted to have her as long as possible and for his touch to be her memory before he left her. (NT) -- kgp, 14:34:19 09/01/09 Tue
  - I suppose you're right, but they had thought that she might be recognized as the Stuart Witch and not that he likely would be recognized. That's what put her in danger in the end, being used as bait at Sandringham's place. It did give Murtaugh his chance to fulfill his oath, though. (NT) -- fiona j, 15:02:27 09/01/09 Tue
And this is one of the reasons I have never reread DIA. All the others, yes, but not DIA (NT) -- jayne, 17:08:42 09/01/09 Tue

QOTD FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009 --

Traci_Mc, 20:59:02 08/29/09 Sat
The following quote is taken from Voyager by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 23, "Craigh na Dun". Copyright (c) 1994 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

“Don’t you see, Mama? He has to know – has to know he did it, he did what he meant for us.” Her lips quivered, and she pressed them together for a minute.

“We owe it to him, Mama,” she said softly. “Somebody has to find him, and tell him.” Her hand touched my face, briefly. “Tell him I was born.”

“Oh, Bree,” I said, my voice so choked I could barely speak. “Oh, Bree!”

She was holding my hands tight between her own, squeezing hard.

“He gave you to me,” she said, so low I could hardly hear her. “Now I have to give you back to him, Mama.”

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QOTD FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009 --

Traci_Mc, 19:58:07 08/30/09 Sun
The following quote is taken from Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 61, "The Office of a Priest". Copyright (c) 1997 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

At the end of the ceremony a small hush fell on the crowd, and at that moment Jamie stepped out of the corner. All heads turned as he crossed to Ian, and I saw more than one warrior tense in disapproval.

He unpinned the brooch from his plaid, unbelted it, and laid the length of bloodstained crimson tartan across his nephew’s shoulder.

“Cuimhnich,” he said softly, and stepped back. Remember.

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Q.O.T.D . for Saturday, August 29, 2009 -- DawnW., 16:48:11 08/28/09 Fri
The following quote is taken from A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 122, The Guardian. Copyright (c) 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

"She said- she loved you," he said, low-voiced and thick. "She couldna hurt ye so. She mean't to tell the truth. No matter what I said to her, she just kept saying that- she loved ye, and she'd tell."
He closed his eyes, shoulders slumping. Two tears ran down his cheeks.
"Why hinny?" he cried, crossing his arms over his belly in a spasm of grief. "Why did ye make me do it? Ye shouldna have loved anyone but me."
He sobbed then, like a child, and curled into himself, weeping. I was weeping too, for the loss and the pointlessness, for the utter, terrible waste of it all."

*********************
Thank you all for allowing me to provide the quotes this week. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I am grateful for all the comments and insights into these books we all love. I learned a lot!

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Psst! New Broch Talk topic! Join us over there! -- CatherineM. and JessieR., 20:57:22 08/30/09 Sun
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Malva and her true intentions -- AngieB, 11:56:44 08/29/09 Sat
Tom tells Claire that Malva tried to kill them and was a witch intent on getting what she wanted. Allan tells Claire that Malva couldn't go on with the accusation against Jamie because she loved Claire too much. So which is it? Did she love Claire or not? How could you love someone and try to kill them? Accusation is one thing but murder is another. Maybe there's no simple answer.

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Angie B I reposted this in the thread so it wouldn't be lost. It's a good question. (NT) -- kgp, 13:56:43 08/29/09 Sat
- That's what I get for not reading the current discussions before posting - didn't notice there was already talk about this on the page - duh! (NT) -- AngieB, 15:43:27 08/29/09 Sat
  - oops - I'm sorry - I thought it was a discussion post that hiccupped out of thread. (NT) -- kgp, 17:47:01 08/29/09 Sat

Age difference -- Abby, 21:23:15 08/27/09 Thu
What is the exact age difference between Claire and Jamie when they are reunited in Voyager? How old are they? The age thing and the time travel are confusing me... Does the time travel make her younger or not age at all...?

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Q.O.T.D. for Friday, August 28, 2009 -- DawnW., 17:15:36 08/27/09 Thu
The following quote is taken from Lord John and the Hand of Devils, Lord John and the Haunted Soldier, Part Three The Hero's Return by Diana Gabaldon. Copyright (c) 2007 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

"He stopped and touched the metal splinter with his left hand. Then wrote, You are true north.
Believe me ever your servant, sir,
John Grey
He sanded the letter and shook it gently dry, folded it, and taking the candlestick, dripped wax upon the edge and pressed his ring into the warm soft wax to seal it. The smiling crescent moon of his signet was sharp-cut, clear in the candlelight. He set down the candlestick, and after weighing the letter in his hand for a moment, reached out and touched the end of it to the flame."

*********************
I found this scene of John wanting and needing to talk to Jamie so much that he wrote a letter he would never send just heartbreaking.

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Q.O.T.D .for Thursday, August, 27. 2009 -- DawnW., 16:23:11 08/26/09 Wed
The following quote is taken from A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, Chapter 97, For the Sake Of One Who Is. Copyright (c) 2005 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.

"I have yearned always," he said softly, "for love given and returned; have spent my life in the attempt to give my love to those who were not worthy of it. Allow me this: to give my life for the sake of one who is."
I felt as though someone had knocked the wind from me. I hadn't any breath, but struggled to form words.
"Mr. Chr- Tom," I said. "Your life has- has value. You can't throw it away like this!"
He nodded, patient.
" I know that. If it did not, this would not matter."

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I cannot tell you how tumultuous my emotions were when I first read this scene. I had begun to suspect that Tom had an affection for Claire and she was misinterpreting his comments and actions/reactions. My suspicions were confirmed when they (J, C, Tom C, and the Brown group) were on the road and Jamie observed Tom watching Claire. Everything about Claire obviously affected Tom -- her call for healing that wasn't witchcraft, her generosity of spirit, her devotion to Jamie, and her efficient manner. All the qualities he admired, desired for himself, but found in another man's wife. This was truly a tragedy from which I almost didn't recover. (NT) -- Merrymags, 16:46:28 08/26/09 Wed
Now this was sad. The stern, often unlikable, Tom Christie in love with Claire and making the ultimate sacrfice for her. It was kind of wierd. During the books, it always seemed like it was women (or men) in love with Jamie. But besides Phillip Wylie (who really probably only wanted one thing), we didn't really have men in love with Claire (or I don't remember-please correct me if I'm wrong). I know this sounds dumb, but I thought, well finally someone other than Jamie is in love with Claire and is making a sacrifice for her. I know it's silly, but it was like-wow someone sees her worth, too. (NT) -- Rollaine, 16:51:18 08/26/09 Wed
- I have always thought that there must be more who admire and love Claire - just as we hear about those who adore Jamie. I think the difference is that most of Claire's story is told from her perspective and Claire being who she is doen't give a second thought to possible admirers. (NT) -- lisah, 18:19:06 08/26/09 Wed
  - Ah, that's true...good point! (NT) -- Rollaine, 18:21:59 08/26/09 Wed
  - Roger loves her, too. Not in a disrespectful way, but also not in a dutiful, she's-my-mother-in-law way. Even Lord John tells Bree how much he admires Claire, though he says she wouldn't believe it. (NT) -- SueW, 21:40:49 08/26/09 Wed
    - You're right....I forgot them. Although I'm not a fan of LJG, I did like him a bit better in DOA and was kind of glad they became friends again-and that LJG did see what Jamie saw in her, too. (NT) -- Rollaine, 07:04:45 08/27/09 Thu
  - I thnk there is the age old sexism at work here too - Claire was attractive to other men, but they were intimidated by her competence. And as Donner told her, he could tell she was different - she needed to be "more afraid of men" (NT) -- jayne, 15:23:02 08/27/09 Thu
    - That's a good point, jayne, She actually scares some men. I think that fear is where witches came from. (NT) -- fiona j, 17:50:45 08/27/09 Thu
  - What about Joe Abernathy? After he made sure she wasn't going to hit him over the head with a "sexist male chauvanist pig" sign; he paid her the exact sexist male chauvinist answer she wanted to hear! (NT) -- fiona j, 17:12:51 08/27/09 Thu
    - I love Joe Abernathy. He was one my favorite minor characters-hope we see him again. (NT) -- Rollaine, 18:38:29 08/27/09 Thu
So sad...the intrepid Tom Christie confessing his love for Claire. And, the sacrifice he made for her - so touching (although I do hope he's really alive in Echo). (NT) -- TerriC, 17:33:08 08/26/09 Wed
Dawn W, what a week! (NT) -- Cristina H, 17:34:07 08/26/09 Wed
- Totally agreee. Dawn what are you trying to do to everyone? This has been an intense and amazing week so far. Thanks... ; ) (NT) -- Latinlassie, 18:10:51 08/26/09 Wed
- I agree, Dawn!! Great week. I'm off on vacation starting tomorrow, so I'll catch up on the last three controversial quotes Sunday night. It's been an invigorating week on the board!!! Good job! (NT) -- TerriC, 18:14:02 08/26/09 Wed
- These quotes are jsut blowing me away, I knew there were those who suffered the loss of love but wow how you have put them all together!! (NT) -- LisaW, 19:55:36 08/26/09 Wed
On re-reading I can see Tom's respect and admiration for Claire growing from the first time she mends him, although he still disapproves of her ways. This sacrifice just took my breath away. Absolutely. I do hope he's still alive in Echo. I wonder what he said to Jamie to convince him that it must be done this way. (NT) -- kgp, 17:57:15 08/26/09 Wed
- I echo your sentiments and wonder if he is really dead. I hope he is not. We have learned from experience that in these books, no one is dead until the corpse is described by someone of good repute! (NT) -- KathleenM, 04:13:58 08/27/09 Thu
  - Wasn't Malva his brother's daughter by his wife? Alan is his though. (NT) -- kgp, 05:38:47 08/27/09 Thu
    - Tha answer to that one is yes. He tells Claire during the talk on The Cruizer. (NT) -- fiona j, 15:21:31 08/27/09 Thu
    - Wow, that sounds like the premise for a Maury Povich Show! I don't know how you all keep these things straight...makes my head hurt sometimes! (NT) -- Rollaine, 16:46:34 08/27/09 Thu
  - I have been smiling about your comment ever since I first saw it this morning, KathleenM! Thanks for that. (NT) -- fiona j, 15:20:05 08/27/09 Thu
    - glad to make you smile--don't go away, fiona! (NT) -- KathleenM, 16:34:25 08/27/09 Thu
- kgp: I know...but between conflicted and addicted, addicted wins out. Besides, this is an interesting question I hadn’t thought about before. This is my stab at why Jamie went along with Tom’s plan:>>>> -- fiona j, 11:17:48 08/27/09 Thu
  - (yay!!) So you're thinking that, in agreeing to Tom's charade to release Claire, Jamie is allowing him the chance to be the hero, acknowledging his affections for Claire, his nobility and courage. It reminds me of his remark about John at Carryarrak - he's a brave lad who deserves to think he's good enough to be killed (or something like that.). Jamie is a shrewd judge of men's characters and, maybe because he is aware of his own, their need for their own pride. (NT) -- kgp, 12:09:31 08/27/09 Thu
    - Yes. That's exactly what I was thinking, kgp. It's the "What it is to be a man" theme. And it's great that you thought of LJG! Another example of the same thing. As a matter of fact, on both occasions, Claire says [something like] "I do not understand men!" On the first occasion he says [something like] 'Ye dinna need to understand me...as long as ye love me." On the second he responds [something like] "Yes, ye do...ye just wish ye didn't." What wonderful characters! (NT) -- fiona j, 12:27:42 08/27/09 Thu
      - Fiona, What an excellent analysis. (NT) -- DawnW., 12:50:23 08/27/09 Thu
      - Wow what she said...lol (NT) -- Reenie, 13:31:14 08/27/09 Thu
      - Very nice fiona, I love how you described men and Jamie's understanding of Tom's actions. (NT) -- LisaW, 14:04:02 08/27/09 Thu
        
        Thank you, all. It was a thought provoking question about a thought provoking QOTD. (NT) -- fiona j, 15:16:58 08/27/09 Thu
  - now you've made me smile . . . this was a terrific analysis of the two men's characters. I hope we have not heard the last of Tom, either dead or alive. (NT) -- KathleenM, 16:38:20 08/27/09 Thu
  - Excellent comments, Fiona. And I agree completely. I also think Jamie understood Tom because he was prepared to do the same thing if necessary to save Claire. Tom knew that, of course. But he also knew that Claire loved Jame, and...loving her truly...would not have wanted her to lose Jamie. (NT) -- Tess, 16:45:14 08/27/09 Thu
  - fiona, this is why YOU MUST STAY with us. You are so scholarly in your examination of the story. Your wisdom and insights add a depth and substance and, actually, legitimize the insane discussion over these fictional characters. I honor you. (NT) -- Merrymags, 17:23:51 08/27/09 Thu
    - "Ooh, look, she's blushing," said Mollie, giggling with delight." [Voyager, ch.26, "Whore's Brunch", sec2] (NT) -- fiona j, 18:21:56 08/27/09 Thu
I just finished my re-read of ABOSAA and I saw Tom differently on the re-read. I liked him better and could see his love for Claire growing. (Of course, the first time thru, I was racing to the finish ;) (NT) -- AnneJ, 18:37:12 08/26/09 Wed
Wow, Tom turned out to be quite a man, to give up his life for Claire, incredibile. I love how he honors Claire with his life. (NT) -- LisaW, 19:54:19 08/26/09 Wed
This was so heartbreaking! I hated when he had to do that. Especially when we find out what really happened with Melva. This makes you feel even more sympathetic for Tom. How hard it must have been for Claire to leave him there knowing he was innocent. (NT) -- Mandee, 05:39:27 08/27/09 Thu
Ahh, yet another case of unrequited love! The gradual hints and glimpses of Tom's feelings for Claire were really skillfully placed in ABOSAA. But I have to say, the stress avoider in me would have greatly prefered for him to have stood up to the mob at the Ridge, and said something (even if it was a lie!) to stop the whole ensuing Claire on her way to prison storyline. So much trauma and seperation - I had to read really fast! (NT) -- HollyC, 05:55:05 08/27/09 Thu
This was so one of those WOW moments for me in the books where as you read tears flowed down your face with the emotion of the moment. Great week Dawn, (NT) -- Reenie, 06:00:47 08/27/09 Thu
Poor Tom. (NT) -- ladyphantom, 06:51:03 08/27/09 Thu
Re - other men who loved Claire. Please don't throw stones but what about Frank and Dougal. I find Dougal to be a most interesting character and I don't know if he really loved Claire or just wanted the property he thought she would have with Jamie dead and he did want to kill her in the end but still, was there love there also? (NT) -- Lady Beth, 08:49:50 08/27/09 Thu
- I think Dougal wanted the property mostly but wasn't too upset at having Claire as part of the bargain. I may be mis-remembering but didn't Diane say long long ago that Dougal was originally intended as Claire's love interest but that Claire had a different idea? (NT) -- kgp, 08:56:37 08/27/09 Thu
  - Dougal. .. mmm... I like Dougal. Almost as much as Jaime (NT) -- jayne, 15:28:11 08/27/09 Thu
- I always thought Dougal had some feelings for Claire too, the kiss in the hallway during the night of the gathering at Leoch. I know he was a drunk but I think he saw her and some true feelings came out. That's not to say that he did have some underhanded motives for Claire and Lallybroch too. (NT) -- LisaW, 09:13:17 08/27/09 Thu
- I think the only feeling Dougal had for Claire was lust. (NT) -- Tess, 10:10:39 08/27/09 Thu
  - That was my feeling, too. (NT) -- Rollaine, 10:24:59 08/27/09 Thu
    - Rollaine>>>> -- fiona j, 12:37:32 08/27/09 Thu
      - fiona j>>> -- Rollaine, 13:17:51 08/27/09 Thu
  - I agree... lust (and he wanted what Jamie had). (NT) -- ladyphantom, 13:04:45 08/27/09 Thu
- I don't know, but I think Dougal felt more for Claire than just lust. He did tell her that at the time the English wanted her he would have married her himself had he been free to do so. Claire would not have inherited anything from Jamie and so there would have been no material or financial gain for Dougal. And he was too smart to marry for lust alone. I think Dougal is a really well written character, both complicated and compelling, At the beginning of O he kidnapped her because it was a dangerous time for Jacobites and he couldn't risk her being a spy. But he kept her safe from harm, including rape. And near his end when he tried to kill her, it was because she spoke of killing Charlie, who Dougal recognized as his king. For him that was treason, which was always punishable by death. Any death threat against a king always was, at that period in time. (NT) -- Hannah P, 13:02:03 08/27/09 Thu
  - I agree, Hannah. Dougal was way too smart to legally bind himself to a woman just for sex. He could (and did) get that elsewhere. I agree that he would have married Claire himself had his own wife died earlier. He did try to kill Jamie but that didn't surprise Jamie. Dougal (and Colum) had too much invested in the MacKenzie Clan to risk losing it to the son of an illegitimate Fraser who had run off with their sister, living/hiding in a cave until she was pregnant so they could/had to marry. That would never sit well with the MacKenzies. Finally, Dougal had worked for years (likely most of his life-- the first Jacobite rising was 1715) raising gold and men for the Jacobite cause. For Scotland. And he would not see that compromised by his nephew's English wife, who talked of killing his king-treason. I think Dougal is one of DG's most interesting characters. (NT) -- AnitaR, 17:51:55 08/27/09 Thu
- Lady Beth: I agree>>> -- fiona j, 15:14:41 08/27/09 Thu
  - Fiona J>>> -- Rollaine, 16:41:09 08/27/09 Thu
    - HeeHee! -- fiona j, 17:03:39 08/27/09 Thu
      - Rollaine, I forgot the [go inside] arrows >>>> (NT) -- fiona j, 17:38:45 08/27/09 Thu
        
        No worries-I saw your post :-)! (NT) -- Rollaine, 18:40:39 08/27/09 Thu
Dawn, I must say your quotes have been very touching and the responses very thought provoking. I can tell a lot of consideration has gone into your theme. Thank you! (NT) -- Kathy, 09:12:52 08/27/09 Thu
This is a truly wonderful quote! This whole situation is just so heart-wrenching. I'm glad she sees how much he cares and calls him 'Tom' and not 'Mr. Christie'. In her own small way she is acknowledging his feelings for her. What a great week! (NT) -- Christina Evelyn, 10:54:47 08/27/09 Thu
I don't think we've seen the last of Claire's ruminations on Tom's sacrifice and confession of love. It affected her so deeply when it happened that when Jamie tried to make love to her later that night, she stopped him saying she was thinking of other men: Tom, Frank... (NT) -- DawnW., 11:14:24 08/27/09 Thu
- Claire was deeply affected. My goodness, how could she not be? What a sacrifice! When she a Jamie are talking later she says there are ghosts who all want to get in and she's petrified. She names Frank, Tom and Malva. Jamie tells her to let them come. "Ye canna keep a ghost at bey." (NT) -- fiona j, 15:30:55 08/27/09 Thu
You know, I've thought more about these QOTD than about many college papers I was assigned. This would be a fun college lit class! (NT) -- Cristina H, 16:34:31 08/27/09 Thu

. . Quoters for the upcoming weeks:

Week of November 8 - Betsy Barefootspinner
Week of November 15 - Chirre
Week of November 22 - DawnW
Week of November 29 - Lady Beth
Week of December 6 - CindyG
Week of December 13 - HeatherG
Week of December 20 - Melva
Week of December 27 - JanetH
Week of January 3 - DeniseH
Week of January 10 - DawnW
Week of January 17 - Jayne
Week of January 24 - BrandyC
Week of January 31 - MariaM
Week of February 7 - TraciMc

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