The Bairn of Brianag

I could not eat, but drank a little beer, and milk. After a short time, we were again rushing down the road.

We stayed at Fort Christopher that first night; I heard much talk of the outlaws and petitions to Charleston; Rabbit and I slept in a tiny room until we were awakened by Pete's knocking upon the door long before dawn.

We did not stop again except to change horses and have a brief meal; even in the night we traveled. I lost all sense of time; at last I roused to motionlessness and the sound of many voices speaking, then I was lifted in arms, carried up stairs, placed upon a bed. The scent of the house was a balm to my weary senses. My clothes were stripped away, women's soft voices spoke, gentle hands washed me and wrapped me in warm blankets. I heard Rabbit say, "She sleeps; let us leave her be," and I slipped into restful slumber.

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I woke knowing that I was home at last. The smells of Brianag surrounded me; lavender from the linen upon which I lay, woodsmoke from the fireplace, the polish which was used to clean the furniture. I could also smell roses, which, I realized dimly, seemed strange to me. I did not want to open my eyes; I lay very still, hoping to prolong the sensation of quiet peace which engulfed me.

I heard a tiny voice whimper; my heart stood still. There was a bairn in the room.

I opened my eyes. I was in Catherine's bedroom. The sun slanted through the air; it was late afternoon. The curtains on the bed, the high windows, the marble fireplace mantle, all were dearly familiar to my heart, so long bereft. I raised myself onto my elbows. There were indeed roses everywhere in the room; on the mantle, on the tables. I saw Catherine sitting on the chaise, her feet raised, her breast bare, suckling her son. Susan sat nearby, sewing. She looked up.

"Why, madam, you have awakened at last!" she said, laying her work aside and rising. "I shall bring your tea. Shall I tell your husband that you are awake?"

I could not speak. Susan went out. I was looking at Catherine; she smiled at me, her beautiful face aglow.

"How have the roses come to be here?" I said.

A young servant girl took the baby, and Cathy covered her breast. "I brought them from Grant's Hill today," she said as she came toward the bed. "The cool weather has brought so many new blooms. Oh, Jessie, dear! I am so happy that you have come home safely!"