Phaedre is Jocasta Innes's maid and body slave at River Run.
Personal History
Phaedre was born to a slave named Betty of River Run. Unknown to her was that her father was the Master of the plantation, Hector Cameron. Knowing the girl's true paternity, Jocasta chose to not treat her like any ordinary slave, keeping her instead at the house as a body slave – a constant reminder to Hector that Jocasta knew about his affair.
Phaedre tells Claire that her grandmother was taken from Africa, and practiced her native customs.
Events of the Novels
Drums of Autumn
In July 1767, Phaedre acts as seamstress and hairdresser for Claire to ready her for Jocasta's dinner held in honor of Jamie and his family's arrival.
The Fiery Cross
In March 1771 during the party for Jocasta and Duncan Innes's wedding Phaedre's mother, Betty, is found drunk under the bushes by Brianna MacKenzie and Jamie. However further investigation they discover she was drugged with lidocaine. Betty is found dead later.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
In July 1773, while watching Jeremiah MacKenzie Phaedre noticed a tall, blond Irishman who took an inordinate interest in the boy. Later she let's Roger MacKenzie know of the event.
In November 1774, Phaedre sends a cryptic note to Claire Fraser. When Claire and Jamie travel to River Run to see what's to do, only to discover that Phaedre has disappeared. Jocasta reveals that Phaedre's father was her late husband, Hector Cameron.
In 1775, Brianna discovers Phaedre working in the kitchens of Bonnet's house. Phaedre tells Brianna that is was Ulysses who'd gotten rid of her, because she threatened to expose his affair with Jocasta if he spoke a word about her affair with Duncan.
As she is considered a free slave the Frasers were able to find her work in Wilmington.
An Echo in the Bone
In April 1777, Phaedre is still working in Wilmington when the Frasers come through looking for passage to Scotland.
Personality
Phaedre is soft-spoken and kind.
Physical Appearance
A beautiful young woman, Phaedre has cinnamon-brown skin and thick dark hair that she wears long, though it is usually covered by a headcloth.
Relationships
- Jocasta Innes: Phaedre attends to Jocasta's every need, and they have a close relationship – or as close a one as is appropriate between a slave and her mistress.
- Duncan Innes: Phaedre begins an affair with Jocasta's husband, Duncan, who had previously believed himself impotent.
Name
- Phaedre is an alternate spelling of Phaedra, from the Greek Φαιδρα (Phaidra), derived from φαιδρος (phaidros) meaning "bright".[3]
Trivia
References
- ↑ Age by the end of Written in My Own Heart's Blood.
- ↑ A Breath of Snow and Ashes, revealed by Jocasta in November 1774
- ↑ Behind the Name: Phaedra. Accessed 20 May 2016