The Strength of a High and Noble Hill (An Outlander Story)

Chapter 28: New Beginnings

May 1770

Mama and Da return with neither Roger nor Ian in tow. Ian had sacrificed himself to save Roger, but Roger, after being told what happened to Ellen, hadn't returned. Brian hates him for that.

They retreat back to Fraser's Ridge in a flurry. Soon after Mama and Da had returned, red coats arrived to deliver a letter from Governor Tryon to Jamie demanding he put down regulators and find and kill Murtagh.

On the way back to the Ridge, Murtagh had been hidden in the back under piles of blankets and with bags surrounding him on all sides. After receiving Tryon's order for Murtagh's hunt that Da was to lead, Da thought that the last place he would be searched for would be with him. But he was extra cautious to make sure his godfather was totally out of sight the entire ride home, even when they would need to stop during the night.

Fergus and Marsali greet them when they return.

——

In the middle of the month, Ellen gave birth. When Ellen went into labour, Mama told her it's like baseball, long stretches of boredom with short intense periods of activity. Ellen had retorted at least at baseball games you get to drink beer and eat hot dogs during the boring parts.

Da, bless him, has been a bit lost and had offered to fetch ale and asked what a hot dog is. Brian and Mama have to explain that alcohol is not good for the baby and that a hot dog is like a sausage on a roll, but El doesn't want any. Da had also tried to leave, trying to pull Brian with him but Brian had refused to leave his sister and Ellen demanded he stay.

After hours and hours of labour, came the piercing wail of his nephew. Brian had let out a breath of relief that the baby had been born healthy and strong. He would never forget the elated look on Mama's face as she'd held the screaming, red-faced baby up for Brian and Da to see though the happy tears clouded his vision.

——

February 1745

Brian faintly hears Jenny screaming in pain, the midwife being brought in by Mama, going upstairs while Da, Fergus and Ian try to keep Brian entertained along with Young Jamie and Maggie. Brian is confused about what is going on as no one would explain it to him.

Mrs Crook had engaged the other two Murray children, but Da takes Brian with him and Ian into the study to order seeds and start for the next season. Da says it'll be good as it will help to keep Ian from worrying. Again, Brian isn't sure what it is.

Finally, Mama comes down into the study, still wiping her hands on her apron. "Another girl." She says as Ian hugs her tightly. "Jenny's already calling her Katherine."

Ian goes upstairs. Brian eagerly reaches for his mother who picks him up with a warm smile.

"The birth went weel?" Da asks as he reaches over to kiss Mama.

"Yes, seems to get easier every time." Mama replies once he's pulled back.

Da raises his eyebrows suggestively. "Do ye think it would be the same for us?"

"Quiet, Jamie Fraser, there's innocent ears here." Mama admonishes but she's grinning.

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A/N: Please comment on how you enjoy this story and what you think.