Charles Fentiman is a physician in Cross Creek.
Personal History[]
He is a trained doctor with a strong faith in leeches and lye. He has a house in Cross Creek, and often visits River Run to treat Jocasta or other inhabitants.
He is a heavy drinker who generally smells of a mix of tobacco, alcohol, and dried blood. He also has a macabre interest in unusual or deformed body parts.
Outlander series[]
Drums of Autumn[]
When Brianna is heavily pregnant, Lord John suggests sending for Dr. Fentiman. Brianna, having met the doctor, quickly declines. After Lord John Grey's head injury, Dr. Fentiman visits River Run to trephine his skull.
The Fiery Cross[]
Dr. Fentiman attends Jocasta Cameron and Duncan Innes's wedding in Cross Creek. When one of the River Run slaves, Betty, accidentally drinks laudanum, he lets her blood and administers an emetic. Though Claire is repulsed by the blood-letting, she is inwardly impressed by Doctor Fentiman's attentiveness. However, Dr. Fentiman becomes annoyed at her questions and her suggestions that leave the "nursing" to her in favor of the party downstairs. He throws Claire out of the room, infuriating her.
Later, however, Betty's condition rapidly declines. Claire finds Dr. Fentiman in a state of disarray, vainly trying to keep her alive. He is surprised to see her, and even more surprised when she offers professional words of comfort and sympathy. He tells her Claire that she has "a remarkably sympathetic understanding" and defends Claire's honor when Phillip Wylie insults her a moment later.
Later, Dr. Fentiman is in Cross Creek when Roger purchases his sword, and offers to duel him for practice.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes[]
At Flora MacDonald's barbecue, Flora tells Claire that Dr. Fentiman spoke very highly of her abilities.
Claire later visits Dr. Fentiman at his home in Cross Creek. He is thrilled to see her. He shows her his ghoulish collection of preserved body parts and deformities. He tells Claire of his interest in preserving Steven Bonnet's damaged testicle, not knowing Claire's own connection to the man.
An Echo in the Bone[]
In the spring of 1777, Claire calls upon Dr. Fentiman when in Cross Creek, and obtains several new instruments and tools from him.
Personality[]
Though often misguided and "a terrible drunkard", he is a dedicated physician who genuinely cares for his patients.
Physical Appearance[]
Dr. Fentiman is a short fat with ruddy cheeks. Brianna remarks that he looks like a "goblin."[1] He often wears an ill-fitting wig.
Name[]
Trivia[]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Drums of Autumn, Chapter 47