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

Chapter 29: Waiting

Days are turning into weeks without the appearance of Roger. The youngest member of the family still has no name, not a first one or a last. Brian is really starting to worry for his nephew. Ellen won't name him, waiting for a man he can't decide if he hopes will come or will not. She also, to Da's frustration, won't marry unless that same man comes to the Ridge.

Da restarts his work on a larger house as it had been delayed by several months because of his leaving to rescue Roger from the Iroquois.

——

"Why are you on the floor?" Ellen asks with a smile, leaning over the bed where she sleeps to Brian who lies on the floor next to it. It is dawn.

"Can you not see?" Brian smiles back, speaking softly. "This little terror has got me pinned to the floor." He looks down at the sleeping form on his chest.

"How did he manage to wrestle you into submission?" Ellen tries to hold in her laughter but a little chuckle escapes. "You're a smidge taller than he is."

"He's stronger than he looks, and he doesn't fight fair." Her brother valiantly holds in his laughter so he won't jostle, and wake said little terror. "Go back to sleep."

"Here." She kneels by them. "Let me take him."

Brian shakes his head. When Ellen starts to move him, the baby starts to move and sound like he does just before he wakes up and screams his head off. His mother lets go gingerly. She curls up on the floor beside them and rubs her son's back instead.

"How did you get trapped under a baby?" Ellen laughs silently, facing him.

"He woke up a couple of hours ago." Brian rolls his head to the side so they are looking at each other. They are speaking in hushed tones that are always employed near a barely sleeping baby. "You'd just fed him and even he doesn't get hungry that fast, so I thought I'd take care of him and let you sleep. I walked up and down with him for a bit. He calmed. I was tired so I sat down next to the crib for a bit, except when I tried to stand up, he'd fuss. I thought it might be easier if he fell asleep. So, I laid down. I thought he'd fall asleep faster, being horizontal. I think he's decided I make a comfy bed and he'll not let me move."

"To be fair," his sister chuckles, "he had you the moment you sat down."

"He'll make a fine general." Brian chuckles, trying to limit the movement of his torso.

——

Brian has taken great enjoyment in bonding with both of his nephews. Along with spending time with the unnamed baby, Brian has also been spending time with Germain. He feels it's only right to offer to help with babysitting duties as Marsali is about halfway through her second pregnancy and already has loads on her plate.

Brian grins at the grisly almost 17-month-old who sits on his lap, being supported by Brian's arms. Brian bounces his knees slightly and begins singing in an attempt to calm the toddler.

♪ Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques, dormez-vous? Dormez-vous? ♪

♪ Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines! ♪

♪ Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong. ♪

"I taught you that." Brian is startled and turns to find its Fergus standing at the door.

Brian grins. "You did?"

"You were small, it was when we were all at Lallybroch." Fergus answers. "How do you know it?"

"Oh, Mama would sing it to me."

Brian hears a grunt and turns from Fergus to Germain to see the toddler looking displeased.

"Oh dear, I think I've disappointed my audience." Brian chuckles. Fergus grins.

"Sorry buddy, your papa's here and I've got to go." Brian tells his nephew. He turns to Fergus and explains, "Da's asked if I could join him on the construction of the big house."

Fergus' face pinches, giving Brian a tight smile as he extracts his son from Brian. "Oh, yes. Of course."

Brian frowns in confusion but nods.

——

June 1770

Brian sits on the stairs leading to the cabin on the Ridge. Everything has been going really well recently. The only kink is Ellen's despondency over the lack of Roger, who still has not appeared. Brian is wondering if he's gone back to the future.

Brian's thoughts are broken by a small squeak emitting from the carefully swaddled bundle in his arms. But he makes no other objections when Brian adjusts his hold. His nephew's features have eased from the squashed features he had when he was first born but his brow is still quite furrowed giving him the appearance of concentrating intently on his slumber.

Brian startles when he sees a figure approaching.

——

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