The Bairn of Brianag

"We shall all receive together; my aunt and uncle, John and Cathy, and you and I," he said, holding out his arm to me.

I took it without a word and followed him toward the door.

After a time I began to feel that perhaps Mrs. Randall had not been so far off the mark; as the innumerable guests arrived and we greeted them all, I grew quite weary.

Robbie did not look at me; he was laughing and joking as always, and turned aside comments about our elopement with ease.

"When I realized what a treasure Jessamine had become, I felt I must marry her at once, before some other realized it, as well!" he said, more than once. I curtsied and smiled.

When no one else was arriving, we entered the drawing room; the musicians were already playing. "Pardon me, Jessie," said Robbie; "I see Mr. Shinner. I wish to speak to him about the situation in the Wateree." He bowed. "Your servant, madam," he said, and walked away.

I found a chair and sat in it; someone brought me a glass, and I drank from it. Several asked me to dance, but I begged to wait until the next number. I sat and watched the dancers as they went back and forth; and after a time I felt better, and my spirits lifted. The Harvest ball at Brianag was one of the district's most anticipated events. I looked around at the familiar faces, and those not so familiar, and felt again that I was anchored in the foundations of Brianag. When the dance ended, I rose to my feet to join the next.

The evening progressed pleasurably. I was laughing delightedly with others at what one of the guests had said when Robbie spoke from behind me. "Madam," he said; "perhaps you would favor your husband with a waltz."

I turned to him, curtseying deeply. "It will be my pleasure, sir," I said.

I gave him my hand; he led me onto the floor and turned me into his arm. The touch of his hand on my waist caused my heart to flutter. I did not look into his face.

"I am glad to see you well again," he said, as we moved with the music.

I did not answer him. I had no words. After a few more turns, he said, "Jessie, are you quite happy here at Brianag?" he said. "Are you quite recovered?"

"Yes, Robbie; I am content," I said, my voice faint, and I thought, If only you would not treat me as though I were still a child.