While serving as a groomsman at Helwater, Jamie is pulled into the intrigue British family. In 1968, Claire, Brianna and Roger struggle to trace Jamie’s whereabouts, leaving Claire to wonder if they will ever find him.
Of Lost Things opens in Scotland 1968; Brianna, Roger and Claire are putting together a timeline of Jamie’s life after Culloden. Roger believes that since Claire lived three years in the past and came back to three years having passed in the future that time flows at the same rate. They need to find Jamie 20 years from Culloden. Brianna announces that she cannot find Jamie in the prisoner roles she’s looking in but Claire finds him in Ardsmuir each year he was there. They also learn the prisoners were transported.
In Helwater, England in 1756; the Dunsanys return to their estate where they have a new groom. MacKenzie is summoned to his new lord’s study where Dunsany tells him he knows he’s a Jacobite. Dunsany tells Jamie about his son who died at Prestonpans. Jamie tells him that many good men were lost there and tells Dunsany he lost two children. Dunsany seems to sympathize. Dunsany plans to tell his wife Alexander MacKenzie is a servant who is highly recommended by Lord John Grey rather than the truth. Jamie will receive a stipend even though he is a prisoner.
In 1968, Brianna is teasing Roger about Fiona’s attentions and tells him she thought maybe they were involved. Roger is flustered but let’s Brianna know he’s single. Roger has no idea what is wrong with the car and Brianna steps in to tighten the distributor cap.
In 1756, the groomsmen of Helwater are drawing straws to see who has to ride out with Geneva Dunsany. Isobel overhears Jamie tell another groomsman that Geneva needs a boot in the rump but doesn’t think it will help. Isobel isn’t a rider but she loves horses though she hates seeing them caged. Isobel is curious how long Alex worked for Lord John. Isobel is clearly smitten with Lord John but Jamie tells her he is a soldier at heart rather than tell her he prefers men. Isobel is not deterred as his loyalty is also attractive.
In 1968, Claire gets a phone call from Joe in Boston about a surgery. Joe wonders when they’ll return but Claire isn’t sure when as there is still things to do in Scotland.
Back in 1756, the Earl of Ellesmere is leaving Helwater excited to have his new bride soon namely Geneva who isn’t happy about it at all. Jamie is seeing to the Earl’s horse while the Earl tells Dunsany he’d drown a child of his if it were to be born with red hair. Geneva takes better notice of Jamie much to his discomfort.
Again the grooms draw straws but Geneva wants MacKenzie to accompany her. As they ride out Geneva wants to know MacKenzie’s opinion of the Earl. She thinks his most attractive quality is his money. Jamie wants to turn back but Geneva reminds him he has to do her bidding and then rides off. When Jamie catches up he discovers Geneva sprawled on the ground. Believing she’s hurt he picks her up only to discover it was a ruse. He then dumps her in a mud puddle where she laughs.
Later; Geneva, Isobel and Lord Melton come across Lord John and Jamie playing chess. Geneva tells Hal (Lord Melton) he must remember MacKenzie and Hal plays along though he clearly remembers him and Jamie Fraser. Geneva notices Melton’s discomfort and later discovers Jamie’s true identity. She comes to Jamie to tell him she doesn’t want to give her virginity to Ellesmere and wishes him to take it. He refuses but she tells him she knows who he is and she could have soldiers sent to Broch Turach. Jamie realizes that Geneva could hurt his family and the stipend he sends back home and gives in to Geneva.
That night, Jamie sneaks into the house and Geneva’s bedroom. Geneva is waiting and tells Jamie to take off his clothing. He doesn’t want her to use the name his family does. He tells her to call him Alex. While Jamie is undressing Geneva looks away and then is caught watching him. He gives her permission to watch him. Jamie asks if she wishes to change her mind but she wants this. Jamie makes love to Geneva and after she tells him she loves him but Jamie explains it is just the feelings he’s roused in her.
Months later, Geneva returns to Helwater with Ellesmere for a visit looking very pregnant. Jamie is more than a little stunned.
In 1968, Fiona gives Claire the pearls Jamie gave her which Claire gave to Mrs. Graham when she left Scotland. Brianna informs Claire that they have a lead on information on transported prisoners.
Roger and Bree are sitting in the study and Brianna tells Roger that she doesn’t want Claire to leave and she feels like a terrible person. Roger tells her it is understandable but Brianna worries something might happen to Claire. Roger tells Brianna that he must be a terrible person too because when they find Jamie Brianna will leave and go back to Boston. Bree kisses him.
In 1756 (57), Isobel summons Jamie and tells him Geneva is giving birth and all is not well. The Dunsany’s rush to Ellesmere Manor where they learn that Geneva had a healthy boy and Geneva is doing well at first; however, during the night things take a turn for the worse and Geneva dies. Jamie finds Isobel crying in the corridor and asks if she’s okay. Isobel lashes out at Jamie and tells him she knows he is the father of the baby and that Geneva was in love with him.
A servant summons Isobel and Jamie where Ellesmere and Dunsany are having words. Ellesmere is accusing Geneva of being a whore d Dunsany pulls a pistol on him. Jamie steps in and talks Dunsany down. Ellesmere pulls a knife on the baby and Jamie shoots him, killing him and saving the child.
Later, Jamie comes across Isobel pushing a carriage with the child in it. Jamie asks about the child and Isobel tells him they’ve named him William after her father but she calls him Willie. She then apologizes for lashing out at him. She know Geneva was a difficult woman and he was kind to her. Lady Dunsany approaches as Jamie looks down on Willie. She tells him the corner’s court determined Ellesmere killed himself because he was distraught over his wife. She also tells him she knows he’s a Jacobite. She tells him her husband and Lord John could make it so Jamie could return to Scotland and his home he need only ask. Jamie considers it but as he looks down on Willie he tells her not yet. She’s stunned but he tells her the stipend he earns can go to his family who need it.
Years later, Jamie is teaching Willie to ride his pony when a visitor comments on what a good rider Willie is. Lady Dunsany says they sometimes joke that Willie spends so much time with MacKenzie he’s starting to look like him.
Jamie is cleaning the carriage with a Willie who is starting to look like him. Jamie realizes he can’t stay long.
In 1968 at the National Archives of Scotland; Bree, Roger and Claire set down to look at ship manifests but realize they are 100 years off. They’ve hit a dead end. They go to a bar where they experience more misogyny. Roger and Bree reassure Claire they will find Jamie. Claire tells Bree Mrs. Graham warned her about spending her life chasing a ghost. Claire toasts to all of those they have lost and then gives up her search. She tells Bree it is time to go home.
In the 1700s, Jamie is telling Willie it is time for him to go home. Willie tells Jamie he has to stay because he has to do his bidding. Jamie tells him that he better get used to hearing no. Willie has a tantrum and Jamie spanks him who then tells Jamie he hates him. Jamie tells him he’s not that fond of him at that moment, “you wee bastard.” Willie gets upset saying he’s not a bastard and Jamie apologizes. Jamie and Willie hug.
Isobel and John are in the stables and John wants a moment with MacKenzie. John comments on Willie being upset with MacKenzie for leaving. John tells Jamie he is wrong to go because it is obvious Willie is his. Jamie then asks John to look after Willie and in return Jamie will give himself to John. John is stunned but says he’ll not take payment for looking after Willie. He also informs Jamie that he’ll be marrying Isobel and will make her an adequate husband. Jamie realizes John is doing everything to watch over Jamie’s child. Jamie tells John he will always have his friendship.
Later Jamie is saying a prayer when Willie comes in and realizes Jamie is a Papist. Jamie explains he lights the candles and says a prayer for those he loves which include his wife. Willie tells him he doesn’t have a wife but Jamie says he did once. Willie decides he wants to be a Papist and Jamie baptizes him William James. Willie then learns James is Mackenzie’s own name. Willie promises not to tell his grandmother. Jamie then gives Willie a carved snake with his name on it to remember him by but Jamie assures Willie he will remember him.
In 1968, Claire is taking down the timeline board.
In the 1700s, Jamie is saying goodbye to Willie, Isobel and John.
In 1968, Brianna is leaving the manse.
In the 1700s, Jamie is riding away and Willie chases him pleading with him to return but John stops him.
In 1968, Roger is sitting with his childhood airplane missing Brianna. Meanwhile, Claire and Brianna are on a plane back to Boston.
The episode closes with Jamie’s tears as he rides away from his son.
