In honor of Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser’s birthday–October 20, 1918– here’s Claire’s first scene from WRITTEN IN MY HEART’S OWN BLOOD. (NO, I don’t have pub date for this book. I’m not done _writing_ it, for heaven’s sake. When it’s done, I’ll tell you, OK? (I’m hoping to have it finished by the end of 2012. Meanwhile, THE SCOTTISH PRISONER and Jamie will perhaps help tide you over–that one comes out next month–November 29th))
WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD
Copyright 2011 Diana Gabaldon
Mrs. Figg was smoothly spherical, gleamingly black, and inclined to glide silently up behind one like a menacing ball-bearing.
“What’s this?” she barked, manifesting herself suddenly behind Jenny.
“Holy Mother of God!” Jenny whirled, eyes round and hand pressed to her chest. “Who in God’s name are you?”
“This is Mrs. Figg,” I said, feeling a surreal urge to laugh, despite–or maybe because of–recent events. “Lord John Grey’s cook. And Mrs. Figg, this is Mrs. Murray. My, um…my…”
“Your good-sister,” Jenny said firmly. She raised one black eyebrow. “If ye’ll have me, still?” Her look was straight and open, and the urge to laugh changed abruptly into an equally strong urge to burst into tears. Of all the unlikely sources of succor I could have imagined… I took a deep breath and put out my hand.
“I’ll have you.”
Her small firm fingers wove through mine, and as simply as that, it was done. No need for apologies or spoken forgiveness. She’d never had to wear the mask that Jamie did. What she thought and felt was there in her eyes, those slanted blue cat-eyes she shared with her brother. She knew me, now, for what I was—and knew I loved—had always loved–her brother with all my heart and soul–despite the minor complications of being presently married to someone else. And that knowledge obliterated years of mistrust, suspicion, and injury.
She heaved a sigh, eyes closing for an instant, then opened them and smiled at me, mouth trembling only a little.
“Well, fine and dandy,” said Mrs. Figg, shortly. She narrowed her eyes and rotated smoothly on her axis, taking in the panorama of destruction. The railing at the top of the stair had been ripped off, and cracked banisters, dented walls, and bloody smudges marked the path of William’s descent. Shattered crystals from the chandelier littered the floor, glinting festively in the light that poured through the open front door, the door itself hanging drunkenly from one hinge.
“Merde on toast,” Mrs. Figg murmured. She turned abruptly to me, her small black-currant eyes still narrowed. “Where’s his lordship?”
“Ah,” I said. This was going to be rather sticky, I saw. While deeply disapproving of most people, Mrs. Figg was devoted to John. She wasn’t going to be at all pleased to hear that he’d been abducted by–
“For that matter, where’s my brother?” Jenny inquired, glancing round as though expecting Jamie to appear suddenly out from under the settee.
“Oh,” I said. “Hm. Well…” Possibly worse than sticky. Because…
“And where’s my Sweet William?” Mrs. Figg demanded, sniffing the air. “He’s been here; I smell that stinky cologne he puts on his linen.” She nudged a dislodged chunk of plaster disapprovingly with the toe of her shoe.
I took another long, deep breath, and a tight grip on what remained of my sanity.
Mrs. Figg,” I said, “perhaps you would be so kind as to make us all a cup of tea?”
[end section]
Happy Birthday Claire. Did you arrive on this day ny accident or plan?
Diana, Reading your snippits on Facebook is a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you.
Happy Birthday to Claire
And many thanks to Diana for creating these beautiful characters! Truely an amazing series… love them all!!!
Great Great Great. You are such a wonderful writer. I am waiting desperately for your next book. I need a good book to read. Thanks.
Happy Birthday, Claire!
I have a love/hate relationship with these snippets. I love and savor every little bit and then hate it when it ends. Diana, you always leave me wanting more. I’m rather sad, though. I have started Echo again but have been unable to sit and read. I have started back to school to get my MLIS and unfortunately I am left with little pleasure reading time. I have tried to read just a little bit here and there but I need *time* to read your books. I can’t put them down so reading a little bit here and there just isn’t very satisfying. That said, I do read every snippet you post
Love all of your books! Can’t wait for the newest one, but of course we all will!!! This bit gives us a taste of the opening & direction of the next part. Thank you. I read & re-read all of your books for me & my late husband. He loved them too!
Well I must say you’ve made me cry once again, not that I am complaining, i’d always hoped that Jenny and Claire would one day be close.
Happy Birthday to Clair where ever in the universe she is !
I’m still a bit peeved at Jenny, mainly for the whole Loghaire thing. Been re-reading the series. I’m on Drums, but Voyager is still fresh in mind…….
Happy Birthday Claire! Along with Jenny, I’m sure the two of them will knock some sense into those men.
With Mrs. Figg as back-up, this extended family will sort things out. On pins and needles.
take all the time you need Diana, i am in no hurry for this journey to end for Jamie and Claire, if this should be the last book from the Outlander…
OMG! i just can’t wait for the book to come out DG. Am sooooooooo addicted with all the Outlander series. You are amazing with the way u write, totally awesome. IT’s like i am also there witnessing all what’s happening to all their lives. xxx
Happy Birthday Claire! xxx
Jamie and Clarie…helped get me through after my brain surgery….reading this snippet brings tears to my eyes..they feel like long lost friends that I have missed so much. It felt like hearing their voice but not getting to see or touch them…please stay home and write. I would even come clean your house and cook your dinners if you would just sit and write all day! Perhaps offer you a writters haven to closet away from everyone…I have a home away from home just this side of heaven in Maine on a river if you need a hide away you would be welcome to it…as long as you write! You are truely gifted! Thank you for providing the escape I so often crave.
Happy Birthday Claire
Thank you Diana for this wonderful series. You have created such amazing characters, I feel like they are my family and friends. I discovered the Outlander series 2 years ago, and I’m almost finished my 4th re-read. I have passed my books on to my sister and a few girlfriends, who are now all addicted too
I got myself a whole new set of books that I don’t lend to anyone, they are my treasures. I absolutely love my copy of the 20th Anniversary edition of Outlander. I also adore Lord John, and I have read all the novels too. I can’t hardly wait for my copy of The Scottish Prisoner, which I have pre-ordered 
All the best to you, and thank you again for sharing this wonderful story with us.
Tracy – Glenmore Park NSW, Australia
Happy Birthday Claire ! This week I decided to read the first book Outlander again. Make me feel good. Thank you for sharing this part.
Its so nice to share the same month for my birthday as Claire! Happy Birthday Claire!
And Diana…once again you give us a piece that keeps our minds racing in all directions…I am so happy to know that Jenny is going to have a larger role in the new book! Love her too! Keep writing and as I said on facebook…Good things are worth waiting for!
Happy Birthday, Claire. I’m praying you live so long in fact–that should equate to more than one book to follow WRITTEN.
(I figure Diana, being the energetic person she seems to be, will last that long. We love you.)
Happy Birthday Claire! I’m about 1/3 through Echo … for the 3rd time through the series. Schoolwork HAS to replace this wanton, selfish reading habit. (At least until early 2013…
)Thank you Diana.
Happy Birthday Claire! This is absolutely wonderful. Waiting has been a kind of torture to me. But I can survive. Sorry if my english is not appropriate.
This is wonderful, I can’t wait (but will have to, {sad}). You have a great way of weaving events and people into complex situations. HURRY! I’m on pins and needles. Oh well, think I’ll start reading the series over again.
Great snippet! Just a taste to whet our appetite… I must say I’m having a hard time waiting for the next book. They are well worth the wait though. Looking forward to reading it so much.
I cannot wait for the new book. For over 12 years, I have been completely enraptured with this story and the story writing. Never thought I would re-read a series as often as I have this one. I cannot wait for the book in November. It will definitely be a bandaid for the longing I have for the continuation of this series.