The Bairn of Brianag

My question was answered a few days later. I was walking back to the cabin from the pond and wandered off the path to look more closely at a muscadine vine which was high in a pine tree. As I walked, I saw another, much smaller path which led down the side of the mountain away from the pond, in the opposite direction of the house. Out of plain curiosity I followed it a short distance, looking down at the ground where the sunlight speckled the red-brown carpet of pine straw and leaves. But my head lifted and my breath stopped when I heard voices.

I looked up to see a man and woman talking together; I stared as I realized that the man was Robbie. I knew the back of his neck as I knew the back of my hand; I knew every wave of his hair, the exact breadth of his shoulders; and I recognized his coat. I recognized, also, the Indian woman, and I saw her hold out the baby to him, the one with the red-gold hair. Robbie took him and held him up, laughing.

My vision clouded and I felt myself about to faint. I had not fainted throughout my entire pregnancy except for the day Nurse had examined me; but now I was very, very near to a swoon, and I knew that I must not, for a fall might injure my son. I sank to my knees, lowering my head, and my senses steadied. After a few moments I looked up. I could not see the path from where I sat; I pushed myself to my feet again, and Robbie and the woman were gone.

I felt my blood turn cold, and the sweat on my neck and bosom trickled in icy rivulets. Had I imagined I had seen them? Was it a fancy brought on by my condition? I thought not. I made my way back to the cabin, my mind in turmoil, my heart thrumming unevenly. I could not sit still. The day went on interminably. If I had not had the bairn in me I would have gone on horseback looking for Robbie. As it was, I could only wait to see him at supper.

Was the child Robbie's? The idea was too much for me to take in; but had I not just days ago made the assumption that the child belonged to one of the clan? Was Robbie not one of them? I was by turns enraged and bewildered.

At the supper table I spoke to him beneath the usual hubbub.

"Robbie. I must speak with you," I said.