#outlander fanfiv

[renee-writer]

Loved Her First Chapter 93

AO3

A Year Earlier

 

“I worry about Mercy, mama.” Claire lays her sewing aside and gives her full attention to her eldest. “She is so smart. I am trying to teach her all I can, as is Ian. Even Odina has her learning under her, as you do Storm, but, I fear it isn’t enough.”

 

Claire pats the seat beside her, urging Faith to get off her pacing feet. She stops and does and her mama takes her hands.  “You are right. My granddaughter has a great mind. There is a lot of wisdom here but, you think she needs more?” Faith nods as she chews on her bottom lip.

 

“I know what is expected, that she will marry and have children, being content to teach them. Us Fraser/ Murray women have minds of our own though.”

 

“Yes, your baby sister is still refusing every suitor that comes calling. Your papa worries but I told him when the right one comes, she will know.”

 

“I am glad Ainslie is being so picky. Real love is worth waiting for.” She glances across the room and into the fireplace. She smiles, “I want my sister and daughters to have what you have with papa and I with Ian.” Her eyes clear and she turns back to Claire, “Which is why I don’t want Mercy settling.”

 

“I understand, nor do I. “ She frowns, her fingers moving, seemingly without will, to the bejeweled box that sits on the small table by her. She lifts it into her lap. “There may be a way to help her. It is a big thing,” she opens it up and lifts out the small ruby that was cradled inside. Faith gets it and let’s out a strangled gasp, “Indeed, the one place she can get the education she needs is…”

 

“In the future.” Her daughter whispers.”

 

“If she can hear the call, there is no guarantee…”

 

“Mama, I…” She presses the precious stone into her hands.

 

“Talk it over with Ian and Mercy. I will do the same with your papa.”

 

The lasses are all in their room laughing together when Faith hands Ian the ruby. “What is this?”

 

“A possible way for Mercy to get the education she deserves.” She then goes over all she and Claire talked about.

 

“You wish to send her to your time?” Jamie questions as he sits on the edge of the bed beside his wife.

 

“No, farther forward. My time wouldn’t be far enough. I want to send her to a time where she won’t be looked at as an interloper in a university class. Where she can really learn.”

 

“Not even a known time.” His fingers are bouncing on his bare thigh.

 

“I know. It is scary but so is that brilliant mind of hers not being challenged.”

 

Ian is stunned. He doesn’t say a word as the clock chimes the next hour. Then he raises and walks towards his daughters room. His wife quickly follows. “Ian?”

 

He enters and walks over to Mercy. He hands her the ruby. “Can you hear it’s call?” He asks as all his lasses look at him.

 

Mercy looks down and then up with a smile. “Aye, I can.”

 

He smiles though his eyes are full of tears. “That is good.”