The seventh season of the hit Starz historical drama, , has recently wrapped up, leaving fans in a state of melancholy. The season, which was extended to 16 episodes, was based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels A Breath of Snow and Ashes and An Echo in the Bone.
One of the significant plot developments this season was the introduction of an adult William Ransom, played by Charles Vandervaart, who is now serving in the British army in America. With the dramatic end to season seven, where Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe) questioned if her and Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) firstborn daughter Faith was still alive, there are now questions surrounding William’s parentage.
Here’s a recap on the backstory of his mother, Geneva Dunsany, portrayed by Hannah James, and the circumstances of William’s conception. After being released from Ardsmuir Prison for his involvement in the Jacobite Rebellion, Jamie became an indentured servant at the English estate of Helwater, known as Alexander MacKenzie or Mac the groom, serving the Dunsany family while hiding his true identity.
Despite keeping a low profile, Jamie caught the eye of the eldest Dunsany daughter, Geneva, who blackmailed him into sleeping with her before her marriage to a much older man. She threatened to reveal Jamie as a Jacobite if he refused, which would lead to his dismissal from Helwater and potential return to prison.
Jamie acquiesced to Geneva’s demands, only to later find out she was pregnant with their child, despite his insistence on precautions. By the time Geneva was ready to give birth, she was wedded to Lord Ellesmere (James Cameron Stewart), who furiously declared the baby illegitimate, aware of his own impotence, reports the .
Geneva Dunsany gave birth to Jamie Fraser’s child (Image: STARZ)
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Sadly, Geneva passed away due to haemorrhage after childbirth, and her parents arrived with intentions to take their grandson. However, Lord Ellesmere, despite labelling their daughter as dishonourable, wished to keep the child as his successor.
A conflict broke out between Lord Ellesmere and the Dunsanys over the infant, with the nobleman threatening to throw the baby out of the window if Geneva’s parents didn’t retreat. Jamie stepped in before his son could be harmed, shooting Lord Ellesmere dead and catching William.
The Ellesmere family then took the child to be raised at Helwater, with Jamie keeping a close eye on the boy until the resemblance between them became too apparent. Jamie departed from Helwater with a heavy heart but reassured that his good friend Lord John Grey (David Berry) would look after William like his own son after becoming the child’s step-father.
A man in a maroon jacket stands next to a Redcoat soldier (Image: STARZ)
Jamie briefly spent some time with William when he visited Fraser’s Ridge with Lord John for a hunting trip.
The encounter brought both joy and sorrow to the Highlander, as he knew he could never reveal the truth to William for fear his son would lose his title and wealth.
Fans saw William uncover the truth about his biological father, Jamie, in season seven.
Jamie Fraser encountered Geneva Dunsany at Helwater in Outlander (Image: STARZ)
Both Brianna MacKenzie, played by Sophie Skelton, and her mother Claire are privy to William’s real lineage, with Ian Murray, portrayed by John Bell, also harbouring suspicions. Outlander actress Skelton has expressed her perspective on Claire’s sentiments regarding Jamie’s unsanctioned son, remarking: “Regarding William, again I think this is something that pains Claire to this day and it wasn’t really Brianna’s secret to know.”
She went on to say: “Wishes on deathbeds were made and she was told when the time was right. I think she can respect both the value of a promise and the value of timing.”
Skelton also gave insights into how Brianna grappled with learning about William, noting: “At first, and at the young and complicated age she was when she found it, it wasn’t an easy one for her.”
Outlander is streaming on MGM+ now