An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
In a small town, anyone new stands out. The town of County Cork is no exception. The rolling green hills covered with the white fluffy sheep have always been welcoming.
When the tall red headed Scot arrived with the small curly headed French boy, the town started buzzing. Eh, a fellow Celtic isn't unusual but a single man with an adopted French child, that was more than a bit queer.
Claire Beauchamp, the Irish lass, with the French surname, raised all over the world by her uncle, is a bit more open. She meets the stranger when he opens an agency by her herb shop.
She first meets his son first. He comes into the shop, his mop of dark hair leading the way.
“Bonjour madame.” His French is flawless with the emphasis on the proper places.
“Bonjour. May I help you?”
“Ouí madame. Mí papa and I are moving in next door. We just…”
The extremely tall man walks in. He places his arm around the lad.
“Good morning,” he addresses her before turning to the lad,” dinna I ask you to wait for me?”
“Ouí papa. She has a French name.” As if that explains everything.
He laughs. “Hello. I am Jamie Fraser and this is my son, Fergus.”
“Claire Beauchamp,” she offers her hand, “you are the ones leasing the building next door?”
“Aye. Our investigative agency will be on the bottom floor and we will be living on the top.”
Claire nods. She does the same.
“It is a good building for it. These old buildings have character.”
“Fergus wished to meet the neighbor but…”
“Safety first. You don't know me.”
He nods, happy she isn't offended.
She pushes her unruly curls back, tightening her ponytail.
“Me owning a herb shop doesn't help.” She continues as she smooths her long skirt down.
“In truth, aye. I am fairly open but…”
“I have studied plants ever since I could walk practically. Becoming a naturalist healer was an easy path.”
“Forgive me lass for presuming.”
Fergus is watching this interplay with wide dark eyes. He has seen his Papa with ladies before but there is something different here.
“Forgiven,” they both seem to let breath out, “so, what type of investigations will you be doing?”
“All types. I am a retired police officer. After adopting Fergus, a year ago, I wanted a less dangerous profession. I figured investigating affairs and the like would work.”
“Oh, does your wife agree?” Subtle Claire, she thinks.
“He doesn't have a wife or a girlfriend either.” Fergus knows what direction the wind is blowing. He may only be six but has more of an adult history.
Jamie blushes. “He is right. It is just us.”
“Convenient, ah I mean for making decisions.” Now they are both blushing.
“Right. I promised him bangers and mash. Ah, it was nice to meet you Miss Beauchamp?” He raises his eyes.
“Yes. You may call me Claire. We will be neighbors after all.”
“It was nice to meet you too Jamie and Fergus.” She smiles down at the little boy.
“Very nice to meet you, Madame.”
She smiles at his manners as they walk out.
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