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[Excerpts (3) from GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE, Copyright © 2019 by Diana Gabaldon]
One
Ian had come in quietly—like an Indian, Rachel thought—sometime past midnight, crouching by the bed and blowing softly in her ear to rouse her, lest he startle her and wake Oggy. She’d hastily checked the latter, then swung her feet out of bed and rose to embrace her husband.
“Thee smells of blood,” she whispered. “What has thee killed?”
“A beast,” he whispered back, and cupped her cheek in his palm. “I had to, but I’m no sorry for it.”
She nodded, feeling a sharp stone forming in her throat.
“Will ye come out wi’ me, mo nighean donn? I need help.”
She nodded again, and turned to find the cloak she used for a bedgown. There was a sense of grimness about him, but something else as well, and she couldn’t tell what it was.
She was hoping that he hadn’t brought the body home with the expectation that she would help him bury or hide it, whatever—or whoever—it was, but he had just killed something he considered to be evil and perhaps felt himself pursued.
Two
“What was it your Mam said to your Da about this expedition?” Roger rolled up his breeches to mid-thigh, eyeing the wagon-wheel whose rim protruded from the burbling middle of a small creek.
“It’s too deep,” Brianna said, frowning at the rushing brown water. “You’d better take your breeches off. And maybe your shirt, too.”
“That’s what she said? Though she’s likely right about it being too deep…”
Brianna made a small, amused snort. He’d taken off his shoes, stockings, coat, waistcoat and neck cloth, and looked like a man stripped to fight a serious duel.
“The good news is that with a current like that, you won’t get leeches. What she said—or what she quoted herself as having said, which isn’t necessarily the same thing—was:
‘You’re telling me that you mean to turn a perfectly respectable Presbyterian minister into a gun-runner—and send him in a wagon full of dodgy gold to buy a load of guns, in company with your eleven-year-old grandson?’”
“Aye, that’s the bit. I was expecting it to be more fun…” Reluctantly, he shucked his breeks, tossing them onto the shoes and stockings. “Maybe I shouldn’t have brought you and the kids. Germain and I would have had a great adventure by ourselves.”
Three
I did wonder just how Roger proposed to follow Captain Cunningham’s act. The congregation had scattered under the trees to take refreshment, but every group I passed was discussing what the Captain had said, with great excitement and absorption—as well they might. The spell of his story remained with me—a sense of wonder and hope.
Bree seemed to be wondering, too; I saw her with Roger, in the shade of a big chinkapin oak, in close discussion. He shook his head, though, smiled, and tugged her cap straight. She’d dressed her part, as a modest minister’s wife, and smoothed her skirt and bodice.
“Two months, and she’ll be comin’ to kirk in buckskins,” Jamie said, following the direction of my gaze.
“What odds?” I inquired.
“Three to one. Ye want to wager, Sassenach?”
“Gambling on Sunday? You’re going straight to hell, Jamie Fraser.”
“I dinna mind. Ye’ll be there afore me. Askin’ me the odds, forbye… Besides, going to church three times in one day must at least get ye a few days off Purgatory.”
I nodded.
“Ready for Round Two?”
Roger kissed Brianna, and strode out of the shade into the sunlit day, tall, dark and handsome in his best black—well, his only black suit. He came toward us, Bree on his heels, and I saw several people in the nearby groups notice this, and begin to put away their bits of bread and cheese and beer, to retire behind bushes for a private moment, and to tidy up children who’d come undone.
I sketched a salute as Roger came up to us.
“Over the top?”
“Geronimo,” he replied briefly and with a visible squaring of the shoulders, turned to greet his flock and usher them inside.
Click here to visit my official webpage for GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE which has more information about this book, and access to the more than fifty other excerpts (aka “Daily Lines”) that I have released.
Many thanks to Elizabeth Lutz Kelly, who took the lovely bee photo, and to her mother Jan Lutz, who sent it to me.
These three excerpts are from GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE, Copyright © 2019 by Diana Gabaldon, the ninth book in my Outlander series of novels. All rights reserved.
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-Diana
These excerpts (or “Daily Lines”) were posted on my official Facebook page on October 17, 2019. This webpage was last updated on Thursday, October 17, 2019 2019 at 7:00 a.m. (Pacific Time).
Ms Gabaldon,
I am a newcomer to the Outlander phenomenon, but was instantly impacted and greatly moved by the journeys of these incredible characters. Thank you for creating such a wonderful world for us to live in within the pages of your books and on screen with the series. You have made me laugh, cry, feel deep empathy and great excitement throughout these adventures; not to mention the enjoyment of traveling to different locations and having a glimpse of how others lived and survived before us. I am on book eight, Written In My Own Heart’s Blood, and so very much looking forward to book nine!
One thing I would love to know…I have picked up some subtle and some not so subtle references to a certain movie…you know the one I’m talking about(wink wink), and was curious if this had special significance to you or someone else on the Outlander projects. Its been fun picking up on them and going back to figure out if I’ve missed others…such a delight!
Thank you Ms Gabaldon, for bringing the Scottish Highlands to a little town in Tennessee and adding such an incredible collection of stories to the world of books.
Blessings to you and yours as you continue your creative process and look forward to the coming holiday season.
Most sincerely,
Robin Carney
PS The Duke of Sandrean (though evil at heart) was such a delightful cowardly lion.
thank you so much Diana;i am on my fifth reading of the whole series.I have been an avid reader since the 1950,sYes i’m quite old . I have laughed and cried and even at my age felt quite jealous of Claire.now waiting eagerly for the [Bees] Thanks once again for these beautifully written books Jean Matthews
Dear Jean,
Thank you for the kind words.
By the way, I have been an avid reader since the 1950s, too. <g>
Happy Holidays!
Diana
Diana,
I love the excerpts of Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone – THANK YOU! I have pre-ordered a signed copy from the Poison Pen and can’t wait to continue the adventure.
I am a HUGE fan of your books. They are fantastic stories with unforgettable characters, AND I learn so much from each book. Often it’s new words; other times it’s forgotten or unknown historical references (American, Scottish, English), Native American culture, old tools, or medical ‘cures’/procedures (I’m a nurse), etc. Each experience encourages me to research additional information.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the superb work of Sam, Caitriona, David Barry, Graham, Duncan, Ron Moore, Gary Steele, Terry Dresbach, Matthew B. Roberts, Toni Graphia, and many others in bringing your stories to ‘life’ for me. By the time I learned about the STARZ series, I had read/reread all of your books many times. It was impossible for TV writers to include all of your rich details, and there were some unforgivable omissions (S4 Jamie not present for Jem’s birth) and outrageous fabrications (S3 Claire’s revelation about Laoghaire to Jamie, S4 Murtagh and Jocasta – eew!), but for the most part, the writers did a great job bringing your books to “life.
Warmest Regards,
Jan
Hi, Jan,
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comments!
Happy Holidays to you and yours,
Diana
Dear Diana….
Hoping you are well and happy.
After reading your whole collection of Outlander once again and surprised to find that #8 wasn’t well remembered as I had lost my son from cancer that year and had taken the book with me when I spent his last week of life with him…….. I wondered how that could be the end of the series with “Hello the House!!”… and started exploring the net to see if you were adding to the series.
In one place, I read how you couldn’t believe that people could be so pushy as to ask when the next issue would be out…… I CAN TELL YOU WHY AND HOW….. I’ve read so many books since childhood, now in my 70′s, and your books have so much to offer!! Just the information about how to treat illnesses and injuries in previous times vs the modern era, is AMAZING!! And to think that Claire, Brianna and Roger would prefer to be in the past without the VROOMMMMMMMMS and HOT RUNNING WATER , not to mention the female amenities for monthly needs……
The relationships within the series are so inspiring and interesting, if not identifiable. I love to hear about the water, landscapes and animals, along with the peoples and their myths.
We live in E. TN and when you mentioned Roan Mountain, I had a friend that lived there past the park and wondered if the location for Frazer’s Ridge was very far from there? Also, Pink Lady Slippers bloom in mid-late April……… NOT IN THE FALL.
Can’t thank you for what you do. I do many things, but could never set to paper people and conversations. If I did, it would have to be about my life and there are enough of those kinds of stories out there.
God bless you, your team and family and once again ~ THANK YOU!!
Happy New Year!!
Sincerely,
Christine
Bonjour,
J’ai découvert très tardivement vos livres. Je suis admirative, vous réussissez à merveille à nous plonger dans l’univers de vos héros, à nous donner envie d’étudier certains chapitres historiques, médicaux, politiques…et finalement à espérer secrètement que tout cela ne soit pas qu’imagination…
Trugarez vraz…
Dear Diana
I started watching outlander on tv. After the first episode of the second series I thought I can’t wait for next week and bought the book. I was well and truly hooked . I devoured all your other books. I have been transported to the point where I am amazed no one else wants to discuss culloden . Thank you so much for providing so much enjoyment . I am an avid reader but have rarely enjoyed any books as much as yours
Hi Diana, I listen to your series on audio before I go to sleep every night. Have been through the series many times and have to comment on your narrator. She is fantastic!!! Her voice is perfect for your books, she knows the accents, and makes it seem like there are multiple people talking to me. I hope you can use her again to finish the series, it wouldn’t be the same without her! By the way, your books are brilliant and I was able to visit most of the sites in Scotland on my last trip.
Stay well, you are cherished by so many!
Dear Dorian,
I am assuming you are listening to Davinia Porter as narrator of audio versions of my books? She is indeed very talented.
Thank you for your kind words.
Diana
I have read all the books, Outlander and all the others. Have read Outlander two times and am up to The Fiery Cross in my third reading. Having seen all of Season 5, I have watched all 5 series twice and have just finished up to Faith for the third time. I know, I am somewhat obsessive. I have always been a compulsive reader, and at age 81 I’m not likely to stop unless my vision goes. Can’t wait until Bees comes out, but- having said that- I want it to be as good as all the rest. Take your time but hurry up, as my dear mother would tell me.
Love your books and your characters, but being 81 does not keep me from loving that fiery Scottish hunk, Jamie/Sam.
Hello Diana,
I would like to tell you how much I enjoy your books – but that would take up too much time / room. Suffice it to say – loads.
When I read the ending of MOBY I let out a loud groan of “Nooooooooo. How could you leave it there??
I am wondering if Brianna and Roger have make a point of visiting Fraser’s Ridge in modern time and perhaps brought back a few photos for Jamie and Claire to see?? Also pics of Lallybrook – complete with modern plumbing.
I had a bit of a giggle imaging the look on Jamie’s face if confronted with the like.
And how much modern medicine, antibiotics and equipment they could squeeze in for Claire’s use at the ridge. keep up the good work and please write quickly – we down here in Australia are just as eager to get on with the story.
Best regards
Kathryn
Thank you so much for publishing the excerpts, it does help in keeping up with Outlander news. I hope you are doing well and healing from your injury. As always we must take care of ourselves or their will be nothing left to share with others.
As a convinced Friend I must tell you that I really appreciate your portrayal of Rachel. One of the things I have noticed about Friends is that whether they realize and accept it or not being raised as a Friend deeply affects who they are and how they respond to others.
Take care and God bless.
Thank you Diana for getting me through a painful surgery, and now this pandemic! I have watched the series more times to count. I am devouring the books as well! I am ao excited for Bees to come out!
Stay healthy in Arizona! I have family out there and I know how bad it has gotten! Thanks again!
Joan
Dear Diana – I’d like to pass on an actor the would be an asset to the cast of Outlander. My sister & I think Henrey Cavill would be wonderful. We just watched him in the movie ENOLA SHERLOCK and he was GREAT. He is every bit a looker, in fact we were drooling!!! Take a look and see if you don’t agree! Thank you for your brilliant writing!
Hi, Sally,
Diana is busy writing, so I am answering for a bit. She does read all web comments.
Thank you for your suggestion, but Diana doesn’t suggest or choose the actors for the Outlander TV series. Professional casting agents do that for Starz and Tall Ship Productions.
I think they’ve done a marvelous job! I hope your holidays are fabulous and safe.
Cheers,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
Hi Diana,
I noticed an inconsistency from ‘The Fiery Cross’ again in the Bees excerpts In “Roger in a New Old Place, it says Jamie gave him the land Roger may need to build a new house on but Gov. Tryon deeded the land to Roger after mistakenly hanging Roger. I hope someone is picking up these little inconsistencies for you.
Wishing you and you family a Safe and Happy Holiday season.
Nora Ellioutt.
Hi, Nora,
I made a note of your suggested correction and passed it on to Diana. Thanks!
Cheers,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress