A character called Percy Beauchamp was introduced in Outlander season 7, episode 14, and it’s pretty clear that he has an intimate connection with Lord John Grey. The man serves as an aide de camp for the Marquis de Lafayette and was, therefore, present at the dinner hosted by Jamie and Claire for George Washington. At first, Percy seemed to be of minimal importance, but the significance of his character shifted when he appeared later in Outlander season 7, episode 14, to warn Lord John Grey that his son William was in danger. Their private moment together clearly indicated a history.
The Outlander TV show may never dive into the entire history of Lord John Grey and Percy Beauchamp. However, audiences can find answers in author Diana Gabaldon’s spinoff Lord John book series. Lord John’s story comprises eight novellas detailing his adventures not part of the central Outlander series. The earliest stories stretch back to Lord John’s days as a young man, long before he fell in love with Jamie Fraser. It’s then that he meets Percy Beauchamp, who is called Perseverance Wainwright at the time.
Percy Beauchamp Is A Former Lover Of Lord John Grey
Percy’s Story Is Explored In The Lord John Book Series
In Outlander season 7, episode 14, it quickly became apparent that Percy and Lord John had once been lovers. However, John introduced the man as a former stepbrother. Ultimately, the Lord John book series confirms that both are true. Percy grew up in poverty after his father was killed, but his beautiful mother managed to improve their standing when she married a man named General Stanley. Percy’s mother later passed away, but his stepfather continued to care for him. Eventually, General Stanley remarried, and the woman of his selection happened to be Benedicta Grey—Lord John’s mother.
…Percy was locked away in prison to await his own likely execution.
Lord John and Percy had already met by the time their parents were married since Percy had been working as a prostitute at a gentleman’s club attended by a young Lord John. Still, they hadn’t begun a true romance until the union of their families. Percy even followed Lord John into the British army. However, things fell apart between them when Percy was caught in the act of making love with a German soldier. His lover was immediately shot and killed, and Percy was locked away in prison to await his own likely execution. Thankfully, Lord John jumped in to save the day.
Lord John Grey Helped Percy Escape From Prison
Percy Was Nearly Executed For Homosexuality
Percy Beauchamp mentioned that Lord John had once done him a favor in Outlander season 7, and his efforts to save William were meant to repay this. He was referring to this history in the Lord John series. John knew that Percy would likely be killed for his homosexuality after he was caught with the German soldier, and he couldn’t stand to let this happen. So, he heroically helped Percy escape from prison. It seems that this is the last they really saw of one another. Following his escape, Percy settled in France, where he married a Beauchamp woman and took her name as a cover.
Why Things Are So Tense Between Lord John & Percy In Outlander Season 7
Percy & Lord John Have Some Major Differences
Despite their romantic past, things are pretty tense between Lord John Grey and Percy Beauchamp in Outlander season 7, episode 14. When Percy tried to caress Lord John’s face, the latter man wouldn’t have it. John pushed Percy’s hand away and mentioned that the person who had injured his eye had actually deserved to touch him. This animosity comes down to several factors. First, Percy was never loyal to Lord John. His sexual relationship with the German soldier proves this, and though John didn’t want to see Percy hanged, he still felt betrayed by his long-time lover.
Additionally, Percy supports the Continental Army in Outlander season 7, under which Lord John is a captive. While Lord John has consistently felt love and kinship with rebels like the Frasers, Hunters, and Mercy Woodcock, he continues to look down on their plight for independence. Still, it can’t be denied that Percy’s information about William’s capture at the order of Captain Richardson will surely save the boy’s life. In the end, Lord John and Percy Beauchamp greatly owe each other. Still, unless Outlander spins off into a Lord John series, audiences may never know the full extent.