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[A nod from Claire as she looks to Jamie.]

Right. You can tell him... everything but that, really. Leave out technology and anything like television, but he's never been to America. You can tell him about your schooling, and growing up there, and that... it took me some time to tell you about Jamie properly.

I think I can handle that.

[ She actually isn't flippant about it, nodding in understanding. ]

We could meet you back at the print shop when we're done, or here. And I promise I won't wander off or go anywhere without Fergus.

[ Bree figures it should be said, just to reassure them both after this morning. ]

The shop will be best. I dinna ken if Fergus will be accompanying us to Lallybroch, but if I can't track down Geordie, he may have to join us later.

[He looks to Claire. She'll remember him and his dramatics.]

[Oh, she does remember. She's still a little sore from earlier, but she does give Bree a small smile.]

I'd hope not. Fergus takes his duties very seriously--or at least he did, before. He never wanted to disappoint Jamie. He'll take being your escort as his life's mission.

[ So, a babysitter, then. But Brianna keeps that comment to herself not only to keep the peace but because this Fergus sounds interesting. ]

I just need to pin up my hair again before we leave, it's coming loose. It's always coming loose.

[ Then, she pauses. ]

Unless pinning isn't actually required?

[Jamie lifts his brows but leaves this to Claire. He politely fills his mouth with bread.]

Well, you're a little past the age where it'd be acceptable for you to wear your hair loose in public. I'll show you how to pin it properly, but it will take some practice.

[Just like when she was a child and Claire would help tie her hair up--of course, Bree always favored her hair loose. Another thing to adjust to here for her.]

At home, around family, it's all right to wear it down. You'll figure it out.

[ She doesn't understand what the point is. ]

People in the 18th century do realize it's just hair, right?

[ But she puts her hands up in a placating gesture, knowing better than to argue about something like her hair. It's not her mother's rule, she knows that, too. ]

If you show me a few more times, I think I'll be able to do it on my own, it's just the back that's hard.

[ When she finishes eating, she excuses herself to the washroom, and when she comes out again, her hair is down and she sits to brush it out as she looks at Jamie. ]

Will I have my own horse to ride to Lallybroch?

[Whatever had been quietly discussed as Bree stepped away has a smile on Jamie's face, and it grows a bit more fond at Bree's question.]

Aye, unless ye'd prefer to ride with me or ye mother.

[He doubts that.]

[Claire's hand is beneath Jamie's on the table. Evident when she stands and gently pulls it away, a touch to his shoulders before she moves to sit behind Bree and holds out her hand for the brush.]

It's up to you, darling.

[ God, they're so cute, and when she sees things like that, the quiet touches, it makes her happier that she encouraged her mother to come back. Sitting with a little smile on her lips, she already knows her answer. ]

I'd like my own if it isn't too much trouble. I miss riding, we haven't been in a long time. And I can help you take care of them, too.

[ This, she says as she looks at Jamie. It might be a ploy to be able to spend more time with him just talking, imagining it already: the two of them in the stables as they trade stories back and forth. ]

Edited 2018-01-15 06:27 (UTC)

Really?

[He looked surprised. Clearly, it's not something a young lady would do, but he knows better than to say as such. The surprise melts into something happier, and he nods. He's hardly a stablehand these days but he might find himself in the stables more often if she has interest.]

Aye. Aye, Brianna, that would be... very nice.

[Claire combs Bree's hair back over her shoulders before taking the brush to it, an expert at not pulling too hard.]

You can have all the time with the horses--and Jamie--that you'd like.

[She says it in a whisper, amused, but not so low that Jamie can't hear.]

[ Of course Claire read between the lines, and Bree ducks her head a bit, smiling softly. But the hand Jamie can't see lightly squeezes her mother's arm in gratitude, apparent earlier annoyance about being on her own forgotten. Then, she speaks to Jamie again. ]

I like being outside more than indoors. There's so much out there, even exploring close to home. I used to find all kind of animal to bring home. Mostly bunnies, didn't I mama?

[Idly, Jamie wonders if Willie has such similar interests. Did he bring home strays? God only knows.]

Aye, well, you'll find a lot of rabbits near Lallybroch.

[He knows. They're for hunting.]

I never could figure out how you managed to catch them. You were so small, the must not have seen you as a threat.

[She smiles at the memory. Even Frank had found amusement in Bree's love of rabbits.]

Though I knew whenever I couldn't find you, you were likely outside with the dog.

Smoky.

[ Bree smiles softly, then looks at Jamie. ]

We used to go everywhere together, but I loved sleeping against him. He was huge and so loveable. Did you ever have a dog?

[Not too hard to imagine. Another thing Jamie missed, but he smiles to keep anything reflecting that thought off his face.]

Aye. Well, the dogs belonged to the family. When I was young, my brother Willie--ye uncle--and I would take them out into the fields and have them chase us. My mother caught us sleeping in the hay with them more than once, and she wasn't pleased at all about it.

[Claire doesn't remember hearing that one. She's not terribly surprised, though.]

Frasers and their animals.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

[ It's the first time she's been called 'Fraser' and it makes her hesitate, only for a half-heartbeat, maybe noticeable by her mother, but Brianna recovers quickly. ]

Should we go to the print shop now?

Aye. Let ye mother make ye presentable and we'll be on our way.

[There's a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. He might not care about a lady's hair and such behind closed doors, but no need to make a scene.]

If I knew all this thick hair would be my problem, I'd have you thin it out before we left Boston.

[Claire's own teasing, even as she quickly fixes up Bree's hair. At least the curls haven't sprang out in full force... yet.]

We're going to need to purchase more pins and ribbons.

I'll get a part-time job to help pay for everything.

[ She smiles and turns to face her parents. ]

Only joking. I have some idea at least of what I can and can't do.

[ Granted, she didn't realize 'going off alone' would be one of those things, but still. She's learning. But it's clear she's ready to go, to be somewhere outside of this room so she can see things as she rocks on her feet a little. ]

[A joke, maybe, but Jamie makes a thoughtful noise.]

I imagine ye'll need something to keep occupied. Ye mother, too. [A glance to her.] Luckily, there's a always a need for a healer. A surgeon, now.

[And maybe Bree will be a surgeon's assistant.]

One step at a time.

[A warning to the both of them. No ideas, when she's hardly got an idea of what's coming tomorrow. But, with a gentle tug, she thinks she has Bree's hair in something resembling a bun that won't fall out when she moves her head.]

There. That should hold for now.

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givingback - 2018-02-08 04:01 (UTC) - Expand