House hunting

[dearg_amadan]

The events of the past few weeks had left Jamie uneasy; an uneasiness compounded by his knowledge that these events had happened to many. So much about this place was strange to him, as strange as when Claire had first told him of her own journey through time and of the future. It was not a feeling that he liked, especially not when they had a babe on the way.

At the stables there had been talk about a farmhouse that the owner had seemingly abandoned, along with the animals. Jamie queried the men that he worked with, discovering what he could about the house. It was outside of the city and large enough for a family. But getting to and fro would not be any great task, alleviating one worry. He did not want to alienate his wife, nor leave her without friends nor occupation. But as she grew larger Jamie worried more about his ability to protect her in this place, especially living so stacked upon one another.

He broached the topic with her before making an appointment with the agent, pleased that he had not done so in the other order. Assuming things about Claire oft led to arguments, and in this he wanted her agreement and not simply acquiescence. The house was available, yes, and whilst the rents for it were more than the rooms they lived in now, it was an expense they both thought they could afford. He had told the agent not to worry about the goats and chickens that lived in the yard, as he knew their value and was comforted by the familiar presence of the animals.

“Do you care for it?” He stood between the kitchen and the front rooms, looking down at the worn wood floors. They needed polish but were good floors; solid and handsome. The structure was a strong one, and though he preferred stone to wood, he could find little, if any, fault. “If no’, we can try and find another.”

Comments

[monigheandonn]

Do I care for it?

I didn't think we would so quickly find ourselves in a position to own a home -- a proper home -- so soon, but I can see why this appeals so much. It's a lovely little farm, and it would be nice to have a few animals to tend to again. I do wonder what happened to the previous owner, but I can see no fault in the property other than how far it is from the city.

The last feels as though it's a plus. We've been here for some time, but I still miss the quiet of the Scottish countryside. Even the hustle and bustle of Paris had never been so loud. Being out here in the country feels serene in a way.

Yes, even the braying goat is comforting.

"Jamie, it's wonderful."

[dearg_amadan]

There was little that made him as happy as pleasing his wife; no matter the manner. It was something he realised not long after they were wed, and it was something that had not changed in this place. Jamie was proud, too, and having her like the house that he'd found was satisfying in another manner. For the first time since coming to this strange place he had no doubt he would be able to care for her, and for their child.

"Aye?" He smiled, his mouth crooked as he looked at her. The sun came through a window and lit the hairs that always managed to curl this way and that, and it made it seem for a moment she was an angel.

"We'd not have much to make changes, not at first." In fact, the house would take near every cent he made, leaving their allowance from the city to live on, but they had both made do with worse. "But I could dig you a garden, should you wish, for some herbs, or other things?"

[monigheandonn]

I slip my shoes off, just to feel the cool wood beneath my feet as I walk through the living area and stop near the main window looking out onto the yard. The house as a whole is a good size, not too small but not too big for the two of us -- soon to be the three of us.

With the small farm behind it and the yard in front, there's plenty of room for a garden and a play area. I don't know how long we'll find ourselves here, but for now, I'm willing to call it home.

"A small herb garden would be perfect. We can plant other crops, too."

[dearg_amadan]

There had been a time when Jamie had imagined this sort of life for them; only he had thought of it at Lallybroch as Laird of the Estate, both before and after their time in Paris. Now, this seems a poor comparison, yet better than anything else they could have here.

"Then what shall we call it?" The house needed a name, and that would make it more their home. "You cannot simply be Lady of the old wooden house past the edge of town."

[monigheandonn]

"And what if I want to be the Lady of the old wooden house past the edge of town?" I ask, turning back to Jamie playfully. "That sounds like a very lofty title to me."

[dearg_amadan]

"Does it now?" He's pleased, smiling widely at her as he stepped across the kitchen. Jamie cupped her cheek and drew his fingers along behind her ear. She was beautiful any day, and now as she carried their child in a house that could very well be their home, he found her stunning. "Then you can be the Lady of that, or anything else that you please."

[monigheandonn]

I return his smile easily, always happy to see it given so freely. We've been plagued with so much worry over the years that I can't help but admit that I want to be happy here, to build a home and to raise a family with no fear of jail or revolution or death.

"I think I shall like to be the Lady of Mo dhachaigh." I say the Gaelic carefully; I know it only means My Home and there is nothing so grand in the name, but I like the way it feels.

This is the first home that is truly ours and ours alone.

[dearg_amadan]

She said it well enough, and hearing her use the Gàidhlig phrase made Jamie smile. He tucked a wild lock of her hair back, knowing another would come loose in its place. Home was something he had given up hoping for on that field where he'd thought himself dead. Having it here was more than he thought he might bear, some days. "My home. Aye, I suppose that you can be that, Mo Nighean Donn."

[monigheandonn]

I turn my head to kiss Jamie's palm even as the curl he's brushed back springs free again. His name for me still warms my heart, and I feel that warmth spread, my cheeks flush and bright with happiness for the moment we're sharing.

Our first home. A proper home, with our own yard, a farm, a garden, even animals to tend. It's a little slice of the life we used to know in Scotland, and while I know Jamie is acclimating well, I make a promise to do whatever I can to bring little touches of the Highlands back to him.

My parritch experiment hasn't borne fruit yet, so I'll have to come up with other ideas.

"Come on," I say, taking his hand to lead us out of the living area and toward the back of the house. "Show me more of our home. And I want to see the land in the back, as well."

[dearg_amadan]

Her hand was warm in his, wrapping his fingers about hers - except for the one that still wouldn't bend quite as he wanted it. It was the least of his worries, one finger that caused him pain some of the time. Especially here and with Claire.

"There's an upstairs, with bedrooms and one of the indoor privies. It can come furnished, they said, should we want. Perhaps until we can afford something of our own, we might make do?" He still found the shops that sold nearly everything in such great quantities disturbing. More, he wondered what was wrong with the furniture people disposed of on the sides of the road.