outlanderedandoverhere: thecurrent-obsession:“The prisoner’s personal effects,”
outlanderedandoverhere: thecurrent-obsession: “The prisoner’s personal effects,” he explained. “Customarily, we send them to whomever the prisoner designates as next of kin, after execution. This man, though”—he shook his head—“has refused altogether to say anything about his family. Some estrangement, no doubt. Not unusual, of course, but regrettable under the circumstances. I hesitate to make the request, Mrs. Beauchamp, but I thought that perhaps, since you are acquainted with the family, you would consider taking it upon yourself to convey his effects to the appropriate person?”I didn’t trust myself to speak, but nodded and buried my nose in my cup of claret. I managed to stand up, and to gather up the box. It measured about eight inches by six, and was four or five inches deep. A small, light box, to hold the remains of a man’s life. I knew the things it held. Three fishing lines, neatly coiled; a cork stuck with fishhooks; a flint and steel; a small piece of broken glass, edges blunt with wear; various small stones that looked interesting or had a good feel between the fingers; a dried mole’s foot, carried as a charm against rheumatism. A Bible—or perhaps they had let him keep that? I hoped so. A ruby ring, if it hadn’t been stolen. And a small wooden snake, carved of cherry wood, with the name SAWNY scratched on its underside. I paused at the door, gripping the frame with my fingers to steady myself.Sir Fletcher, following courteously to see me out, was at my side in a moment.“Mrs. Beauchamp! Are you feeling faint, my dear? Guard, a chair!” I could feel the prickles of a cold sweat breaking out along the sides of my face, but I managed to smile and wave away the proffered chair. I wanted more than anything to get out of there—I needed fresh air, in large quantities. And I needed to be alone to cry.” - Outlander (This just broke my heart, Claire is just so brave but she’s so scared, and the box, god is like they giving Jamie’s remains. And this painting from ellaine, oh) This scene absolutely wrenches your heart out in the book, and in the show, Caitriona played Claire’s grief so so well. And that picture by @joaellaine - just magnificent. I have the print on my living room wall. -- source link