regshoe

I love how this time around Keith is not blazingly angry and hasn't lost his judgment when he confronts a superior officer on an issue concerning Ewen. I mean, it was definitely very satisfying to see him that way with Lord Loudoun, but it's equally satisfying to see him sacrifice his chances of advancement with full deliberation and knowing exactly what he's doing and what it's costing him. Especially when it has been set up from the beginning that military ambition is what he has left to care about...but then, he has something else to care about now. ♥

And we talked last time about how he still doesn't fully realize his feelings, and once he's removed from Ewen it's all a mystery to him once again. But actually he doesn't completely let go of it this time. Saving Ewen Cameron’s life he did not for an instant regret; he would have done the same again without a moment’s hesitation, nor did he regret his return to the shieling in the guise of the Good Samaritan; but to have dashed in that manner back to Fort Augustus while carrying a despatch, still more to have thrust himself into Lord Loudoun’s presence and almost to have brawled there—was it any wonder that he had found himself under arrest?

He seems to retain a fair amount of his feelings about saving Ewen's life and nursing him at the shieling. But he's all "OMG what was I thinking?" about his behavior with Loudoun. Which, no wonder! He could have achieved more for Ewen if he had kept his head, after all. But then he doesn't write to Ewen--his care for his military career still weighs heavier. Which actually makes it all the more effective when he sacrifices that in the next chapter! And does it without being in Ewen's presence, too.

tgarnsl had a great theory on a previous post about the use of "womanish" to refer to Greening, and that it could reflect Keith's projection of his doubts about his own masculinity when he is so overwhelmed by feeling about Ewen. I very much like this theory, especially because it shows Keith's awareness at some level of the nature of his feelings! Unfortunately it might be somewhat undermined by the fact that Greening is described that way in this week's Ewen chapter, as well. But I think I will choose to interpret it that way anyway! : )

Oops, I mostly commented on Keith's chapter--well, I'll come back to comment on Ewen's tomorrow. I have no research reading written up this week; instead I've been sewing an 18th century men's shirt! : D It's not completely done, but maybe I'll put up some photos tomorrow of what I've got so far.

regshoe: I'm sorry you're feeling stressed! I hope things calm down soon. <3