Outlander Book Club: Lord John and the Custom of the Army Section 6 breakdown

Outlander Book Club: Lord John and the Custom of the Army Section 6 breakdown

As a devoted fan with countless hours spent immersed in the rich tapestry of Diana Gabaldon’s works, I found Lord John and the Custom of the Army to be another heartwarming yet poignant addition to the saga. The way Lord John Grey navigates through life’s trials, always with a sense of duty and compassion, never fails to captivate me.


We end Lord John and the Custom of the Army in a bittersweet way. As Lord John Grey returns from the Siege of Quebec, he learns that people have died of a smallpox epidemic.

In the novel “Written in My Own Heart’s Blood,” we observe that Lord John finds himself faced with two challenges, and he manages them both with poise and elegance. Additionally, John Cinnamon harbors the belief that Lord John is his father.

Lord John also receives some welcome news. He wasn’t the reason for the death of Nicholls.

Breaking down Lord John and the Custom of the Army Section 6

The chapter opens as Lord John Grey comes back from the Battle of Quebec. Upon his arrival, he discovers that a smallpox outbreak has occurred in the town. Tragically, both Charlie Carruthers’ lover and Malcolm Stubbs’ companion lost their lives to this illness.

Initially, we need to gather information about Malcolm’s son. It transpires that the child is being looked after by his grandmother. This grandmother proposes selling the baby to John, but John suggests postponing the sale for now. It remains unclear whether he wants her to wait for her benefit or if he needs more time himself.

Prior to this, it’s essential for him to handle matters regarding Carruthers. He is aware that the body would be disrespected, so he chooses to cremate Carruthers instead. The remains are then scattered over one of the secluded islands.

John has received a letter addressed to him. Dr. John Hunter clarifies that John’s actions didn’t cause Nicholls’ death. Instead, John’s bullet struck a tree first before hitting Nicholls’ shoulder, inflicting a minor wound. Unfortunately, it was an aneurysm that took Nicholls’ life, something that was unavoidable and couldn’t be treated. We now understand that aneurysms can burst at any time, and many people are unaware they have one until it’s too late.

As a concerned fan, I’m elated to share that I’ve found some peace now. The matter regarding Malcolm’s baby has taken a turn, and I can finally concentrate on devising a plan for its future. With Manoke by my side, we managed to purchase the infant from its grandmother. Yet, I can’t help but ponder about her well-being without her daughter around. This elderly woman has a lot on her plate, but it’s not something I worry about right now. My priority is figuring out what’s best for this child in my care.

As a gamer, I find myself in an unusual predicament. I’ve got a child on my hands, and there’s a priest who seems to think I’m the father. Truth be told, I’ve got too much on my plate right now, no time or energy for explanations. Instead, I’ve decided it’d be best if this priest took care of the little one. I’ll make sure he gets £5 a year, and in exchange, I’ll send a lock of the child’s hair and updates on their progress. I trust that this man keeps his word, just like I’ve seen in the book Written in My Own Heart’s Blood.

As a seasoned parent myself, I can attest to the unique experience of naming one’s child. It is a momentous decision that not only represents a personal connection but also becomes a part of the child’s identity. In my case, I named my son John, a name that holds special meaning for me. The choice was two-fold: it’s the name of my favorite character from a beloved book, and it also reflects the golden hue of his hair, reminiscent of the color of cinnamon, inherited from his father. This decision has not only created a bond between us but also serves as a constant reminder of the stories that have shaped my life.

And with that, another Lord John Grey story is over.

Could this chapter be used in a TV series adaptation?

I’m undecided as to whether this chapter would make the cut in an adaptation. However, if it did, it would most definitely be included because it ties up all the loose ends nicely.

To clarify, we’re considering adding this story because it reveals the origins of John Cinnamon, but only if he appears in Outlander Season 7B or 8. Given the limited time remaining in the series, I’m doubtful that will happen, so including this tale might not be essential after all.

As a gamer immersed in this narrative, I can’t help but wonder what happens next with John and the baby. It’s crucial to unravel why Carruthers escapes court-martial and understand the truth behind his innocence regarding Nicholls’ death. This chapter seems to hold key pieces of the story that we simply can’t afford to miss.

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2024-08-05 18:38