A/N: Thank you to those who have taken the time to review and/or follow the story. I'm glad people are giving the story a chance even if it is AU. A nice LONG chapter for you...

Chapter 11:

"Eleanor," Jamie's voice was serious, "May I speak with ye?"

Ian and Eleanor instantly turned to him from their spot at the small table in the kitchen.

"Is somethin wrong, Uncle?" Ian asked, his brow furrowed.

"No, I just need to speak to Auntie Eleanor for a few minutes privately. Dinna fash, lad." He leaned forward to ruffle the head of his nephew and give him an affectionate kiss on the top of his head.

Ian nodded, accepting his Uncle's word.

"Here, Ian," Ellie said, handing him the quill, "take this, and put a line where you would break apart the word into syllables. Be ready to tell me why."

"Aye, Auntie," Ian said.

"I'll be back in a few minutes," Eleanor said as Jamie extended his hand for her, leading her across the hall, up the stairs, down the corridor to the privacy of their bedroom.

"What is it?" Eleanor asked as Jamie handed her a note.

"From Lord John," Jamie said, quietly.

She opened the parchment and read it quickly. She folded it up again and handed it back to Jamie. "What will you do?"

"I will go," Jamie said, "I dinna seem to have a choice. He is Edinburgh which is not such a hard distance as London."

"You are not the same prisoner that can be compelled at a whim to do the crown's bidding," Eleanor retorted.

Jamie quirked an eyebrow, "That sounded quite proper befitting a lady of this century, mo ghraidh."

"Do not tease," Eleanor titled her head, "And I've been studying the way people speak in the book Lord John sent."

"Ah," Jamie laughed, "I should have ken."

"Probably so," Eleanor crossed her arms, "But surely if he is in Scotland, there are many others that can do such a translation. Wasn't it a translation done that started that whole mess in Ireland?"

"Aye," Jamie came over to her and put his hands on her waist, "but no that he trusts. He is not just a British solider, he is a friend, lass. He isna so bold to come to Lallybroch, but Edinburgh, we can meet. I will do the translation, but that is all I will do fer him."

She took a breath, "Then I will come with you."

Jamie shook his head vigorously, "No, ye willna. Ye are with bairn."

"It will be fine," Eleanor said. "as long as I don't get thrown from the horse which I trust that you will be able to prevent that. We are past the worse of it with my morning sickness."

Jamie tried a different angle, "Ah, but Edinburgh is a city and with all the people, come illnesses. I wllna put the bairn at risk."

She put her hand over his on her hip, "You will not use what I told you before about germs to manipulate me, James Fraser. I'm way too smart for that nonsense. I've been vaccinated, remember?"

"Aye," Jamie frowned. He quickly realized he had not caught Eleanor follow orders without question mood.

"Listen," Eleanor went to sit on the bed, "If you don't want me to come with you, then just say so."

"That's not what I said. It isna about what I want, only the fact ye will slow us down."

"You being, Murtagh and you?"

"Aye and Fergus."

"Well, that settles it then. I am not being left here without you or Murtagh or Fergus. No one else knows the truth except the three of you. And what if something happens to you or to me while you are gone?"

"You are with Jenny and Ian. You are safe at Lallybroch."

"I'm safe with you!" Eleanor stood up and walked back to where he was standing. She reached up to put a hand on his face, rubbing his stubble. "And, if I am there, Lord John cannot drag you God knows where and get you mixed up in God knows what. I am going with you, Jamie. You'll have to beat me to make me follow orders and I can assure you that would not be good for the bairn."

Jamie's eyes grew wide, "Ye think ye have it all sorted, do ye no?" his voice was low.

She stared him down, "I do. In addition, I need to return to John his book."

"I can do that for you."

"Oh no," Eleanor said, "I would want to do that honor in person and maybe grab a book for the road."

"Ah," Jamie scowled, "I do hope our bairn is not as surly as ye, lassie."

She leaned over and kissed him, "I make no promises to you."

Jamie grumbled in Gaelic, but then said, "ye better pack light, lassie."

"After I check Ian's work," she said.

"Aye," Jamie muttered, beginning to sort his belongings, "What in God's name are syllables, lass?"

She laughed and went over to kiss his cheek, "Parts of a spoken word. Different than phonemes which are individual sounds. Syllables are longer chunks."

"And what does that have to do with readin and writin?"

"Alot actually. Thank you, Jamie."

"Go on with ye, before I change my mind," he swatted her on the bottom, gently. "And if you complain once on this trip about life on the road, I will wait until after the bairn is born to deal with ye."

She giggled, "Idle threats?"

"Wait and see, me besom," he swatted her again, "Go on. And then come back and explain what the hell ye are doin with my nephew."

She kissed him again before going downstairs to check on Ian's progress.

"Yer hair is growing," Jamie said, when they had retired to bed. He had taken her in his arms and was absently, fiddling with the ends of her hair. "Did ye pack yer ribbons to put yer hair up properly while we are there?"

"Yes," Eleanor smiled up at him.

"You have bonny hair, so thick and full," Jamie said.

"You don't lose your hair when you are expecting," She told him as she shifted, trying to ease the pain in her back.

"Why do you keep it short?" Jamie asked, curiously, still examining her hair, "In your own time? Is that usual?"

"Yes. It's quite typical for women to wear their hair short. As for why, when it's long, it can be a hassle. It sheds alot..."

"like a wee pup?" Jamie teased.

"Actually, yes. We would find my hair everywhere. And then at school, well, if there were lice cases, I liked my hair so where it was short enough that it wouldn't be as likely to brush up against something..."

"Ah, makes sense," Jamie said, "there would be a lot of places for those wee buggers to hide in yer glorious mane," He began to flip through her hair.

She squeaked, "Do you see anything?"

"Hum," Jamie fiddled more, "What is this?"

She tried to wiggle around to see what was happening.

"Ah, just a gray hair," He plucked it out.

"James Fraser," Eleanor grunted, "Do not tease me about that."

"Ah, yer squeamish of the wee buggers then?" he laughed, heartedly. "What are ye not squeamish of, mo ghraidh?"

She struggled to get up on the bed. "You."

He smacked her playfully, "That's not true. Ye are."

"Only sometimes," she retorted. She let out a little moan as her back spasmed. "Agh."

"Are ye alright, lass?"

"I think the baby must be in a funny position," she began to rub her back.

"Do ye think something is not right?" Jamie frowned. "the bairn hasn't quickened."

Ellie shifted again, "It's fine, James," she said, her voice tense. She paused, "I'm sorry."

"No matter, mo ghraidh," his voice was gentle. "I'm sorry if I added to yer fear."

"I had this with Harry right around this time. It was painful to move or walk. He's just probably on a nerve or something." She squirmed. "I may just need to sit in a proper chair with pillows behind my back. See if that helps."

She gingerly got off the bed and awkwardly walked to the chair. She wasn't big at all, only 4 months along, but it hurt to move.

"Here," Jamie jumped up and helped her put a pillow behind her back and moved a stool for her to put her feet up. He looked so worried about her that even though Eleanor's mind was nagged, she wished to ease Jamie's.

"When you are in labor, it doesn't feel like this. this feels like my insides are being pushed out my back. Labor is things get painful and then it subsides. There would also be bleeding if I was losing the baby. As for the quickening, I do not want to say for sure. Sometimes you think it is the quickening and then it is just ga...wind."

"Ah," Jamie nodded, "I see. Are ye sure ye are fine to ride tomorrow?"

"I'm not concerned," Eleanor said, "I might be a bit sore tomorrow, but the child will be fine."

"Verra well," Jamie retorted. "Yer mind is set on it."

"Quite so," Eleanor tapped the bulge of her stomach as Jamie sat back at the end of the bed. "Jamie, May I ask you something?"

"Aye," he nodded. "I canna promise to answer."

"That's fine," Ellie said, "but Murtagh mentioned something about Claire and Paris. What happened?"

Jamie let out a long breath, "We lost our bairn. A wee lass. Faith."

Eleanor titled her head, "That must have been awful and to be so far from home."

"Aye," Jamie said, "but we were trying to prevent the rebellion- the good it did. It was after Wentworth...and Jack Randall...we escaped to France to try to manipulate the future, but I dinna ken that to be possible."

"I can't rationally make sense of this time and space continuum," Ellie admitted. "And Claire...she...just..."

"Ah, well, there was more complications to that," Jamie said, "But I have to admit the experience has me worrit."

She looked in his eyes, "Don't worry on my account, Jamie."

"If I canna worry about my wife and my bairn, then what kind of man am I?"

Her heart twisted. "Tell me about Paris if you don't mind."

"No I dinna mind," Jamie told her all about Paris and Jack Randall and Claire and Frank.

"I don't think you were unjustified," Eleanor said, "but I understand Claire as well. If it was Will...I would want him safe in our time." She bit her lip, thinking of her husband.

"Aye, I can understand that," Jamie stood and stretched, then leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. "Does yer back still pain ye?"

"If I don't move it's fine," Ellie said, reaching up to touch Jamie's face, "Dinna fash yourself, my husband."

Jamie chuckled at her using the scottish expression, "Verra gut."

"Now," she patted him again, "What did you say about me having a gray hair?"

He laughed harder. "Aye, there are quite a few in there," he told her.

She elbowed him, "you have given them to me. We'll see how many pop up out of this trip to Edinburgh."

Jamie harrumphed but did not say anything else.

"Jamie," John bowed, "thank you for coming."

"Aye," Jamie bowed, leaning his head forward. "Thank you for arranging lodgings for Eleanor and myself."

"It was wise to send the carrier ahead," John said as Jamie reached for Eleanor, who was all the sudden feeling shy, practically hiding behind his large frame. He pulled her around him and gave her a quick signal by the jerk of his head.

"Lord John," Eleanor curtseyed. "It is good to see you."

Sensing her hesitation and wishing to put her at ease, John gave her a warm smile and bow, "Madam Fraser, you are looking well."

"You are too kind," Eleanor said. "And thank you for being so gracious about me accompanying Jamie."

"Have you ever been to Edinburgh before?"

"Yes," Eleanor said, a pained expression suddenly upon her features. "When traveling with my husband and children."

Jamie reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, letting it rest there, the steady pressure of it, comforting her.

"I'm very sorry," John said, his voice gentle.

"I did not expect the memories to haunt me," she smiled at Lord John, "but memories tend to do that when you least expect, don't they?"

"Yes, indeed, they do," Lord John replied.

"But I did long for an adventure, so I am afraid I rather pointedly coerced Jamie into allowing me accompany him."

"Aye, Eleanor would not want to miss out on anything," Jamie said.

"Would you?" Ellie quirked her head back in his direction.

John didn't miss Jamie's sudden shift in stance and the interplay between them amused him. He had no doubt that Eleanor wanted her presence to prevent Jamie from getting himself mixed up in whatever John had in store. It was a tactical move and a smart one, he had to admit.

"I am sure you are weary from the road," John said.

"I would never admit to it being a trial lest this one have the satisfaction of being correct," Eleanor said and John laughed at that.

Jamie grunted and John bowed. "I will leave you to clean up. Supper is in two hours. I look forward to hearing about what you thought of the book, Eleanor."

"I do have quite a few thoughts," Eleanor said, honestly, curtseying.

"She always does," Jamie muttered and Eleanor elbowed him once John's back was turned.

"How is yer stomach, lass?" Jamie asked as Eleanor attempted to loosen her stays. The road trip had make her morning sickness return and Jamie was gracious enough not to say much on the subject but Eleanor knew that he was somewhat put out by her. Her back spasms had increased, but Jamie did not offer anything on that matter except to rub it out for her at night.

"Feels much better since we stopped moving," Eleanor retorted. "Can you help me with these? I will never get through dinner if they are this tight."

"Aye," Jamie hopped up off the bed. "Here, ye are, lassie. Better?" He buttoned her dress.

She stepped back. "Do I look appropriate for a lady of this age?"

"Aye," Jamie said, eyeing her appreciatively. "Ye look bonny in that dress, Eleanor."

She reached to put her arms around his neck. "Thank you for humoring me and letting me come."

"Ye dinna give me much of a choice," Jamie said, "but ye were gut company for all of us, when ye were not spilling out yer guts on the side of the road."

She leaned forward and kissed him, deeply and passionately. "I did not complain, did I?"

"No, ye dinna," Jamie said, between kisses, "which is the only thing savin that bonny arse of yers," he said, teasingly, reaching behind to squeeze it appreciatively. He kissed her deeper, nearly taking her breath away before finally pulling away.

"I see," Ellie raised her eyebrows at him, "Are Murtagh and Fergus settling in alright?"

"Aye, I have them on errands for me," Jamie said, casually.

Eleanor paused, holding on to Jamie's elbows, "What kind of errands?"

"I'd rather ye not ken if it is all the same."

"They are legal, aren't they?" Eleanor asked, tilting her head.

Jamie leaned over and kissed her cheek before pulling away and offering his arm, "Shall we go, Mistress Fraser?"

"Jamie," Eleanor turned her head, wearily. "Please tell me that you aren't getting yourself in trouble."

He dropped his arm and turned her face towards him, "Dinna fash yerself, lass. These are things that I was doin in the months before ye and I met. Things we need to maintain to properly support ye and the bairn and all of Lallybroch."

"But you are important as well. And Murtagh and Fergus. Please take care."

"Aye, lass." He offered his arm again and this time, Eleanor took it, but her heart was weary.

"I am curious," Eleanor slid her glass of wine in Jamie's direction, "are you planning to be in Edinburgh long, Lord John, enough to let a house?"

"It's a short let," John explained, "as my business might take several weeks and I wished to be comfortable. The inns can be less than desirable."

"I see," Eleanor said, taking a sip of water. "How are Lady Isobel and Willie?"

"They are doing quite well," John said, "Lady Isobel wishes for me to send you, Jamie, her warmest congratulations"

"That is kind of her," Jamie said. "And the lad?"

"Ah," John smiled, widely, "Willie is still growing quickly since the last time we met and is still doing marvelously."

"How old is Willie now?" Ellie asked.

"He is five," Jamie said. "Still an active lad?"

"Aye," John said, "into everything."

Eleanor paused, frowning, "I am confused about the timetables, Jamie," she said, "I thought there had been a while since you left Hellwater."

"Ah, no," Jamie cleared his throat, "It's has been..." he looked to John.

"Almost a year," John said.

She looked at him, quizzically and Jamie cleared his throat.

"How is his ridin comin?"

"Quite well, but he still asks after his instructor."

"Aye,I'm glad fer it, I must admit," Jamie said.

"And that wooden snake, he couldn't part with that for ages," John said, quietly. "Eleanor, has Edinburgh much changed in the months since your visit?"

She glanced at Jamie, "A bit," she said, wryly. "I hope you don't think me to be completely impertinent, Lord John, but I noticed the arms that are still around here. I thought with the Act of Proscription that all arms were removed."

"Ah, no," John replied, glancing at Jamie, "only in the Highlands, though the dress rules apply to the whole of Scotland. You wouldn't be familiar with that of course being from the colonies. I did hope that maybe Jamie would like to practice with me a bit while we are here. I do need someone well matched to keep my skill up."

"Aye," Jamie said, with a nod.

"Jamie's skills are surely rusty though," Eleanor said, quietly.

"I find that Jamie's skills come back quickly, Eleanor," John said.

"Oh, yes, as in Ireland," Eleanor nodded. "Skills with what precisely?"

"Swords, I think," John said, "If Fraser is up to it."

"I am," Jamie said, "Maybe Eleanor should watch. Her husband before wasna a soldier," he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "and I dinna think she has seen such things. Between ye and I..."

"And I since I am sitting right here," Ellie interjected and Jamie continued,

"She gets squeamish with things she dinna ken of, John."

John laughed behind his napkin, "I see."

"My digestion must be quite troubled since marrying you," Eleanor retorted, the sarcasm evident in her voice.

Jamie chuckled appreciatively, "Dinna seem so tonight, mo ghraidh."

She looked at John, quickly for a reaction to the Gaelic spoken. He looked her in the eyes, "You are among a friend, Madam Fraser. Do not trouble yourself."

She smiled at him, gratefully.

John took a sip of his wine, "I see that you are well matched with Eleanor, Jamie."

"Aye," he tipped his drink in Ellie's direction, "I dinna deny it. The lass is full of spirit, John."

"I think I will take that as a compliment," Eleanor said with a raised eyebrow.

"I'd have it no other way," Jamie assured her.

"Tell me what you think of the book, Ellie," John said after they retired from dinner. They chatted a good while about the topic, John thoroughly enjoying the company of the two.

"I have more for you to look through if you'd like," John said, after a while. "Go ahead and help yourself to look what is on the desk."

"Thank you," she said as she rose, sitting at the desk, and beginning to look through the desk.

The men talked for a bit, before Jamie said, "The business ye summoned me for. Can it wait until morning if it is goin to vex me?"

"Yes, indeed," John said, "A chess match, maybe?"

Eleanor rose, "I think this one looks promising," She handed it John.

"Ah, yes, a good one," John frowned, "A little...unseemly...perhaps for a lady."

"Unseemly?" Eleanor looked to Jamie, who cleared his throat. "Violence?"

"Ah, no," John coughed. "Perhaps, Jamie should look at it before."

She turned her head towards Jamie and raised her eyebrows at him. "James?" She handed him the book, "Do I have your approval to read this?" She said it pointedly.

Jamie opened up the book and flipped through it, his eyes widening at certain parts. He flipped it closed, "Perhaps, not, lass." He cleared his throat. "I dinna think it appropriate for a lady of gentle breeding as of yerself."

"Good Lord," Eleanor went over to retrieve the book, "What is in it?" She glanced between the men and then flipped the book open.

"Eleanor!" Jamie growled, and quickly rose from his spot and snatched it from her before she could blink. His reflexes were so sharp and for a moment, she saw glimpses of her highlander warrior. Quick on his feet, commanding...and fierce.

"I'm sure it is not anything worse than what I told you about before..."

Jamie's ear grew pink as he ducked down to whisper in her ear, "Have we not discussed yer lack of decorum in front of Lord John?" His tone was pointed and her mind flashed back to Jamie's method of discussion.

"I don't think Lord John minds," Eleanor said, turning to him, "Do you?"

"Eleanor!" Jamie squeezed her arm tight. "Dinna put John on the spot."

John turned his head and laughed, "Good Lord, Jamie. She is a breath of fresh air," he stood, walking over to the desk. "Eleanor, allow me to choose one I think you would enjoy more."

"Very well," Eleanor said.

He rifled through the books. "This one."

"I had thought of this one before," she admitted. "But I thought the other one would get a rise out of Jamie," she said to John, conspiratorially.

Jamie snorted, "That I believe."

John winked at her, "I am pleased Jamie brought you along. I have not been this amused in ages...perhaps since the last time we met."

"Glad I can be of service, my Lord," Eleanor said, with a wry smile.

And in that moment, John confirmed what he had suspected when they had first met-he had found a kindred spirit in Eleanor.

"Eleanor seems like she is adjusting well to marriage with you," John said, moving his pawn.

"Aye," Jamie moved his piece, "I think so. Clearly she is comfortable with ye."

"As I said before, I find," John moved his piece, "her lack of pretension charming. But are the colonies that different that she can assert herself as your equal, Jamie?"

"Ach, no, I dinna imagine so," Jamie answered, casually, "but her marriage before was unique. She kens when to yield, I assure you."

"By force?" John said, moving another piece, "Check."

"At times," Jamie said, "but I find that I can usually coerce her by other means. Check."

"Ah," John frowned, studying the board, "You are happy then?" he asked, casually.

"Aye," Jamie said, "Verra much so. Are ye?"

"Yes, indeed. Isobel is a very happy companion. And Willie, I find being a..." he paused.

"A father," Jamie moved another piece.

John cleared his throat, "Yes, a father. I find that to be quite satisfying at times..." he moved a piece.

"Aye, I'm grateful for it," Jamie moved his piece, "Checkmate."

"I would trust no one with this task, except you, especially when I saw this," John pointed to the middle of the parchment. "The name, Fraser of Lovat. That is your clan, yes?"

Jamie let out a long breath, "Aye," he took the parchment from John and sat down, "Where did you come by this?"

"The man is now dead," John said, "but this was also with it..." he handed him the second parchment, "Your family genealogy, is it not?"

"It is that," Jamie said, frowning deeply, "Who else has seen this?"

"My brother," John said, "He urged me up here. The man was one of the last holdouts of the Irish Jacobite movement or so we thought."

Jamie studied the piece of parchment, carefully. He sat there a few minutes, contemplating.

"What is it, Jamie?"

"Weel," Jamie rolled up the parchment, "As far as I can tell, it is lore, a prophecy of sorts. How they came by it, I canna not tell."

"And what does it say?"

"In short," Jamie cleared his throat, "That the one who will finally reclaim the throne for the Scots will be from the line of Fraser of Lovat after the Jacobite Rebellion or the rebellion of the white Rose."

"Why would they Irish rebellion concern themselves with the Scots?" John asked.

"If the one on the throne would be agreeable to their cause then it could mean independence for both the Scots and the Irish."

"And the savior of the cause would be a Fraser of Lovat?"

"According to the lore, aye."

"I see," John's voice was grave, "Are there people that believe this?"

"I can only assume," Jamie shrugged, "given this." Jamie opened the chart, "Aye, Lord Lovat died at the Tower," he pointed to the chart as John looked over his shoulder. His finger moved, "His son also perished in the war. And...the line only remains open..." his voice trailed off.

"Here," John pointed to the chart. "With James Alexander Fraser. You."

"Or with a child descended from my line," Jamie's voice was low.

"William."

"Nah," Jamie shook his head, swiftly, "They will not ken of William. How can they? But..." Jamie took a breath, "Ye have to destroy this, John."

"It's such foolishness," John said, "You aren't planning a rebellion, are you, Mr. Fraser?"

"No, I am not and of course it is foolishness, but there are some sects that will believe it to be true and..." Jamie paused, "I do not need trouble from the English over this. I am not planning a rebellion and as for my offspring..." He paused, "Willie is protected, but John, Eleanor is expecting our child in a few months."

"Good God, Jamie," John said, "Why did you not say it earlier?"

Jamie turned to him, "The lass is weary that the babe has not quickened yet and given that she has just lost her husband and two children, it is a sensitive for her."

"Ah, of course," John said. "And no doubt, we will do what we must, for Eleanor and your child."

"Aye," Jamie said, "we must take care that the people who gave ye this information are acting alone. As for yer brother..."

"My brother will not be a concern," John said, "Will you help?"

"Aye," Jamie said, with a nod. "But we mustn't worry the lass over it."

"Is Eleanor prone to worry?"

"Aye, she is, more than ye would ever ken. I dinna want her to fash when she is carryin my babe."

"Very well then," John said, taking the paper and the parchment and pitching it into the fire.

"Let's give us time to sort this out," Jamie said, "Let Eleanor stay but I will send her to Lallybroch if things get too complicated."

"Your marriage to Eleanor is not documented... is it?"

"No, we were hand fasted," Jamie looked troubled, "I did want to marry her properly in front of the church, before the bairn came." He paused, "I do not think that should happen now. I dinna want any record of the marriage."

"Does it matter to you, Jamie?"

"No, she is my wife. And I will honor the vow I made to her until my dying day."

"Does it matter to Eleanor?"

Jamie paused, "I dinna ken."

John cleared his throat, "I see. Is Eleanor papist?"

"Ach, no," Jamie said, "she is not. Presbyterian."

"That's quite a difference."

"Aye," Jamie said, "but it has not seemed to have a bearing on anything so far."

"And in the future?"

"That I canna say."

"I hope you don't think me impertinent for saying so, but Eleanor doesn't seem the kind to mind orders well."

"Ah," he laughed, "No, she is not. I had one verra strong women in Claire. I dinna think I could abide with one who did not equal her in strength of mind and character."

"I'm glad for you then. Truly."

"I thank ye. And I thank ye for alerting me to this."

"Of course," John said. "I am at your service, Jamie."

"As I am at yours, John."

Eleanor watched Jamie and John with the swords from the yard. They were both skilled and the brute strength of both of them was jaw dropping, especially with concern to her husband. She tugged at the ribbon of her hat, keeping it still in the slight breeze.

Jamie caught her eye and her mouth drop and smiled at her.

"Keep your eye on your task, Captain Fraser," John said.

"Dinna call me that," Jamie flung his sword, making contact with his, flipping it around.

Eleanor jolted and then looked down at her stomach, putting her hand on her stomach. It was undeniable. The baby was jostling her womb in response to the activity. The movement was strong. Perhaps she should not have dismissed the earlier flutters. This was real. This was their child. Hers and Jamie's.

"Hold on," Jamie held up his hand and John looked over, dropping his sword.

"What is it?" John leaned over catching his breath.

"Mo ghraidh," Jamie approached her, "Are ye well?"

"Yes, of course, I didn't mean to interrupt you," Eleanor said. "Carry on."

John approached the two. "What is the matter?"

"The bairn?" Jamie asked, pressing her. "Was that the bairn?"

"I think we might have a future solider," Eleanor laughed, her eyes bright. "He apparently loves the sound of sword fighting, not that I blame him. That was a impressive, gentlemen."

"A future solider, eh?" Jamie exchanged a long look with John, who had all the sudden become still.

"Of course, I'd rather he be a solicitor or farmer or something that is not so dangerous," Eleanor frowned at Jamie, "Why are you looking at Lord John like that?"

Jamie put his arm around her waist, pulling her into him, "It's no matter, lassie. I am just relieved that the bairn has quickened."

"I told you not to worry," Eleanor poked at him.

"Aye, that ye did," Jamie kissed her head. "I will heed yer advice on the matter next time."

"See that you do, Mister Fraser," she said, smiling widely at him.

"Jamie," Eleanor reached for him. "You've come to bed."

"Aye, lass," he kissed her and she twined her legs through his.

"I haven't had the chance to tell you, my husband, my thoughts on you and Lord John sword fighting."

"Do ye have thoughts then?" he nipped at her ear.

"According to you, I always have thoughts. So maybe I should keep them to myself this time," Eleanor teased, her voice low.

"Hum," Jamie bit her ear harder, "We canna have ye start doin that now, can we, lassie?"

She ran her hand down Jamie's side. "I think Isobel is lucky," she whispered in his ear. "For John being...he is quite attractive."

Jamie growled and smack her bottom hard. "Do ye think?"

"I do," she said, "As for you, Mr. Fraser..." she paused, "I have a confession to make."

"I'm no priest, but I'll hear it as yer husband," Jamie said, "though ye may not like your pittance."

"I'll have to take my chances," Eleanor said.

"Go on then," Jamie kissed her, "How have ye sinned?"

"When you and Lord John were sword fighting," she said, rubbing his leg, "I had quite the number of improper thoughts. Lust, is it called?"

"Did ye now?" Jamie kissed her neck.

"And as such, afterwards, while you and John were out, I took the liberty of sneaking into Lord John's office and stealing the book that you forbid me to read."

Jamie flipped her over onto her back and pinned her arms. "Did ye when I expressly forbid ye to?" his voice turned stern and she couldn't quite tell if he was putting it on or serious.

"I do not know if you have figured this out, yet, but I do have a hard time following orders."

"Aye, I ken that from the moment we met. What shall I do with ye, Mistress Fraser?" Jamie growled.

"I figured since you can't beat me, there really was nothing to lose. And it was enlightening. Shocking. I mean...you thought 50 shades was bad."

She was goading him, it was so clear and Jamie was all for it.

"Is that so?" He leaned up on his elbows, "Let me see if I have this straight. Ye think since ye are carrying my bairn, ye can do whatever the hell ye please."

"Pretty much," Eleanor said, twisting his curl, "though I know you promised not to beat me again without my permission, but it is fun not to have to be confronted by that choice hanging over my head."

"Fun, eh? Oh, Eleanor, my sweet innocent un, there are other ways I can punish ye," Jamie retorted, gently moving her hair out of her eye, "I dinnae need to thrash ye to subdue ye properly."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Aye," he leaned down so they were nose to nose. "I willna hold myself back from ye tonight. If ye want lust, I will give ye lust. Do ye ken my meaning?"

"I think I do."

"Are ye certain ye do?" He paused, growing serious and studying her carefully. She shrugged and then he dropped his hand to cradle her bump, "Will our bairn be safe?"

"Yes, he or she is well protected in there," Eleanor said.

"Are ye afraid?" his voice was a murmur. She knew he was giving her a chance for an out. She had been flirting with him and he was taking her up on it, but if it was not what she wanted, he would back down.

"Nervous," Eleanor admitted. "It's never been...raw...between Will and I...we had passion, don't get me wrong, but it was..." she struggled, "I don't know how to put it."

"Aye, he was refined," Jamie kissed her neck, "But I am a highlander and as such, I am not...but I will ask ye again, are ye afraid? Because if ye are, I willna do it."

Speak now or forever hold your peace. Oh, God, how she adored him...

And with that, the choice had been made.

"I'm not afraid of you, James Fraser." She leaned up to kiss him.

Eleanor very carefully slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Jamie, who was snoring. She reached for her shift and shrugged it on and then her dressing gown. She went to the pitcher to fill some water, but realized it was empty.

Candle in hand, she went down the stairs in search of water. She found some in the dining room. She slid into the chair at the table. The house was very similar to a house she and Will stayed in with the children. She almost felt like it could have been the same one. The house they had stayed in looked similar, it was from the right century. Could it have been the very same one or was she being completely foolish?

The room transformed in her mind from a long table to several littler ones, bunched together.

"Does the bairn want another piece of toast?" the proprietor asked.

Charlotte was kicking the chair, her dolly in her hand, jam all over her face and in her curls."Yes!"

"Say please," Will instructed her. "No Harry, do not run your cars to fall off the table." Will caught her eye and smirked at her weary, embarrassed expression. "It bother us more than it bothers them, Ellie."

"Aye, he is right. It is good for the bairns to be active," The proprietor winked at her. "Keeps us all young."

Eleanor closed her eyes at the memory. She shouldn't have been embarrassed. She should have treasured the chaos, because now it was gone. Forever.

God, what was she doing? And tonight...

The desire between her and Jamie- it had been building in intensity for weeks, but tonight, it was a different Jamie. For the past five months, he had been so careful to keep in check his passion to align it to her need. But tonight...

He hadn't held back and the result was... their love making, it was raw and intense and beautiful and it made her hurt and yet healed her all at the same time.

And the thing that bothered her the most is that she probably wouldn't have let Will be that way with her. But she wanted it from Jamie in the worst way. And he knew it from the minute he caught her gaping at him sword fighting... and gave it to her...oh, boy did he give it to her. He was relentless with her. But then when they both finished, he wrapped her up in his arms and hugged her tightly, clinging to her, giving her words of assurance...easing the rawness, replacing it with a tenderness that was the perfect juxtaposition for just what happened.

Good Lord.

She took a breath as the tears began to fill and overflow, burying her head to sob into the table.

"Eleanor," John stood at the doorway, "Do you need me to get Jamie?"

She lifted her head and wiped her eyes quickly, "No, please don't. I was just searching for water and I... I probably shouldn't be out of bed."

"Don't worry yourself," John said, "I don't mind. May I sit with you?"

"Of course," Eleanor sniffled and John pulled out his handkerchief, "Here."

"Thank you," her lip trembled. "I'm sorry."

"Do not trouble yourself, I beg you," John said, reaching to put a hand on her arm. "Are you in pain?"

Truth be told, she was aching, but she couldn't rightly say.

"Does heartache count?" Eleanor laughed through her tears.

"I'd say, sometimes that pain feels the greatest of all," John said quietly.

She wiped her eyes and gripped the handkerchief. "I was married ten years. I had two children with my husband. And I loved him. He was my best friend. A good man. The best husband."

"And yet..." John's hand remained on her arm, comforting her, "you are in love with Jamie."

She sobbed, "Completely. Foolishly. God, how can I be so stupid to fall in love with him?"

"It is not stupid at all, Eleanor," John said. "Does he know?"

"I can't tell him."

"Why ever not?" John asked.

"I cannot bear to see the look upon his face when he realizes he cannot return it."

"Do you not think it can be in his heart to love two women?"

"You know Jamie well, do you think so?"

He rubbed her arm, "I did not think so, but then I met you. You have a dear soul, Eleanor. And may I say, as your friend if I can presume to call myself that..."

"I'd be honored if you called yourself my friend, Lord John."

"Thank you, Eleanor. Call me John," he chided, "As your friend and as Jamie's friend, he would not want you to be plagued over what you cannot say. He would want you to trust him enough with what is in your heart. I can tell that your marriage is being built on that trust. Do not do it harm by not honoring it. And when Jamie looks at you," John paused and Eleanor knew the rest of the words were hard for him, "it is clear that he treasures you."

She nodded, "Thank you for that, John."

"Your welcome. Now you should go to sleep. You look shattered. Things tend to look better in the morning."

She nodded, the crumpled handkerchief still in her hand. She stood, "Oh, here is your handkerchief back."

"Keep it, I have many of them."

"I cannot thank you enough for your kindness tonight."

"Think nothing of it. I am glad I found you when I did. I hate to see you so distressed."

She smiled at him, weakly, "As you said, I am sure things will seem brighter in the morn." She reached for the candle and turned to leave, but then suddenly stopped when she heard the brief exhale from Lord John.

She turned back and said very gently, "John, do you see yourself in me any?"

John stiffened but then relaxed when he realized she meant no harm or judgement. "You are remarkably perceptive, Eleanor."

"I do not wish you pain."

"Of course, you do not, my dear. It is a fair question."

"But one I have no right to ask."

John laughed briefly, "I think you have more right than any." He closed his eyes, "I will only say that I find you to be a kindred spirit...and I have felt that since they day we first met."

"I told Jamie tonight that I think Isobel is lucky to have you."

"You do not know what you say."

"But I do," Eleanor said, quietly. "We have a saying where I come from- you are one of the good ones."

John swallowed hard, "Then I am delighted and humbled by your assessment of my character."

She smiled at him, "You will not say anything to James, will you?"

"Not a word," he assured her. "It's will remain between you and I." He pointed to his chest. "Locked in here. Quite safe, I assure you."

She had turned again, but this time John was the one that stopped her, "Eleanor."

"Yes."

"If," John stood, "you should ever be in need, I hope you know that you can rely on me." He did not know what compelled him to say those words, but he sensed they were important.

She smiled at him, "Sleep well, my Lord."

"Goodnight, Madam Fraser."

She stood there another moment, her eyes drawn to John's. And years later, the two of them would remember this encounter and John's words to her as a moment of foreshadowing what was to come.

A/N: I played with the timetables a bit from cannon to make Jamie leave Hellwater sooner. And...the infamous Fraser Prophecy. I stuck closer to the book on that one, not the version of Season 3. And there was quite a bit of Lord John in here, but I love his character. Hopefully I am doing his justice...A long chapter, please let me know what you think. :)