Outlander Series discussion

I'm on my second read of Dragonfly In Amber, and I ran across something that has me questioning the circumstances surrounding Ellen MacKenzie's death. I was under the impression that she died in childbirth along with the baby. But, on page 696 (mass market paperback version) or Chapter 37 if you prefer, Colum is talking to Jamie and Claire about Ellen and mentions that Willie and the baby died from the pox and Ellen had it too and was dead by Christmas. So, which is it--death from childbirth or from pox? Thanks!

I believe that they were relatively close to each other and so she may have still been weak from childbirth when the pox hit...but not sure

Kimberly wrote: "I'm on my second read of Dragonfly In Amber, and I ran across something that has me questioning the circumstances surrounding Ellen MacKenzie's death. I was under the impression that she died in c..."

Kimberly, you and I are on the same wavelength here! I had the same question as I was rereading the book this week (for the second time also). Curious to see what others have to say about this.

I'm even more confused now! On page 319 (mass market) of Outlander or Chapter 17, Claire concludes that Ellen died in childbirth and the baby was left behind (until he/she also died). Hmmm, maybe it's like Dee said and Ellen actually survived childbirth only to succumb to the pox not long after. I know for a fact that's what killed Willie. Help!

lol...its been too long since I read or listened to this one...maybe check out diana's page and ask the question...who knows, she may answer

Good suggestion, Dee. I posted the question to Diana's Compuserve folder so hopefully I'll get an answer soon! :)

Okay, the definitive answer it seems is that it is in fact an error in the books. The Compuserve group was unanimous that it's just an inconsistency, and an unimportant one at that. The real story is probably that she did die in childbirth along with the baby, because Jamie tells Claire about burying Ellen with the baby in Fiery Cross. So, it seems what Colum said should be forgotten.

I ended up feeling mildly silly for asking the question since everyone said it didn't matter. Oh well. I'm curious to a fault and I couldn't let that one go until I found a definitive answer. Y'all probably think I'm a nut for even worrying about it! ;)

Don't feel silly - I was wondering about it too. It's fine if it's just an inconsistency. I just always assume there's something else going on that I'm missing, and that's why I ask those questions!

yeah...its not silly...the fact that you found that detail...i've read these books like 6 times and never picked up on that!

Okay, my post was premature. I just got another message from someone in the group and this is her explanation:

"Dear Kimberly,

In OUTLANDER, that scene is not referring to any infant left behind; Jamie was the child Ellen left behind at age eight years.

As for the chapter in DIA, Colum said Ellen never answered his letter because she had been ill, she'd lost a child, as well as having the pox. This is referring to Willie, Jamie's older brother, not an infant.

Colum then goes on to say that perhaps she meant to reply to him, but by Christmas twelve-month, she was dead. This was when she and the baby died during the birth process.

No mistakes.

Tess"

THAT makes sense! Boy do I feel dumb now :-P

yeah, but i don't think of an 8 year old (Jamie) as a baby, so I can see why you would be confused...

True. It didn't even occur to me that it could have been Willie he was referring to.

Just to let you all know, Diana herself has confirmed that Tess's explanation is correct :-)

There seems to be a problem with Tess's explanation. As my friend Nikki pointed out, Colum says, "When your brother AND the babe died of pox" (pg. 695 mass market). What does everyone think? I know Diana confirmed Tess's explanation, but I don't understand why Colum would say "and the babe"...

Willie dies of pox as a young child, and then Ellen & the infant caught it and die of the pox shortly after the baby's birth (not due to complications of childbirth).... That is my interpretation after reading the thread, but that was also how I understood it after reading the book and the Companion.

Hmmm...Tess said, "This was when she and the baby died during the birth process" and Diana confirmed her answer so that's why I'm confused. I just re-read it yet again and my interpretation was the same as yours Eva. It seriously reads as thought Willie dies, then the baby, then Ellen and all from pox.

I don't think this will be truly resolved unless Diana explains it to us. Although she agreed with Tess, to me Tess' explanation is incorrect or at least has to be considering the wording in the book! Ellen not dying in childbirth is in the companion too? Weird, this seems like an important part of Jamie's childhood and you would think it would be perfectly clear. Instead I am left confused, again lol.

I'm not sure where it is mentioned in the OC, but after reading it I was left with the impression that I mentioned.

I'm going to get out my OC tonight and see what I can find! :)