This post will concentrate mostly on the Comte St. Germain. Few hours after the rape of Mary Hawkins and the attempt on Claire’s life, Jamie is holding a dinner and the guests include not only friends but also enemies. The unfriendly guests include Silas Hawkins, the Duke of Sandringham and St. Germain. The following comment is a reference to “Les Disciples du Mal.”
“And I have heard that some of these roving bands are composed not of rabble, as you would expect, but of some of the younger members of the nobility!” General d’ Arbanville puffed out his lips at the monstrousness of the idea. “They do it for sport – sport! As though the robbery of decent men and the outraging of ladies were nothing more than a cockfight!” (ch. 18)
Sandringham, who is eventually revealed to be the mastermind behind the attack against Claire, is indifferent to the comment made by General d’Arbanville. St. Germain is relaxed. There is no clue about them being involved.
After the rape of Mary is revealed to the guests and the subsequent arrest of Jamie, Claire muses about the possibility of St. Germain participating in the attack.
. . . I found it almost impossible to believe that the Comte could have taken part in such an attack, and then sat calmly across the table from me two hours later, sipping soup (ch. 19).
The logic behind Claire’s line of thought is related to the fact that St. Germain does not hide his emotions. Subsequently, readers realize that the Duke excels in concealing his feelings. During the dinner scene, when Silas reminds St. Germain about the destruction of the Patagonia, the Comte’s face reveals his anger about it.
. . . A hot flush had risen from his lacy stock, and he glared at Mr. Hawkins with open dislike. Jamie was right; not a man to hide his emotions (ch. 18).
Even though St. Germain is or seems to be associated with “Les Disciples de Mal,” he is not the one involved in the attack. It seems he is not even aware of it at all. Furthermore, when the guests hear Mary’s scream, St. Germain’s reaction is unexpected.
“Mon Dieu,” said the Comte St. Germain, into the silence. ‘What – ” (ch. 18).
It is hard to believe that somebody associated with Satanic rituals, at least, based on gossip, would say, “Oh, my God.” The author has even emphasized the expression by italicizing it. It seems that the Comte is not as mean as he is portrayed or described. However, he is not an example of morality or virtue neither. He has a quick temper for sure.
Sources
Gabaldon, Diana. Dragonfly in Amber. New York: Bantam Dell, 1993. Print.