59 pages 1 hour read

Diana Gabaldon

Dragonfly in Amber

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992

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Part 3Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3: “Malchance”

Part 3, Chapter 18 Summary: “Rape in Paris”

Content Warning: Part 3 Summary and Analysis sections contain references to rape and sexual assault, which are discussed in the source text.

There is an explosion at the Royal Armory and the overflow of patients is brought to L’Hôpital des Anges. Claire and Mary work late helping to settle the patients. When they leave, Murtagh and Fergus are there to escort them home. As they walk down an alley, they are attacked by a small group of men. Murtagh is immediately subdued, and the women are molested. Mary is raped. However, the man attacking Claire sees the crystal around her neck and calls her a La Dame Blanche, the idea so frightening, he gathers his men and leaves. Moments later, Alexander Randall arrives, Jamie close behind.

Claire and Jamie have a dinner party that was planned in advance and cannot be canceled. Mary has been given a sleep potion and is upstairs with Alexander guarding her door. The party goes well except for the announcement that Charles Stuart is starting a wine importing business with the Comte St. Germain. Before Jamie and Claire can respond to this news, Mary comes screaming down the stairs. Alexander is behind her, attempting to drag her back upstairs.