Mrs. Randall reluctantly released James to his father, kissing his little sleeping face once more. We stood on the porch waving to them until we could no longer see them.
Mrs. Randall went upstairs to rest; I went into the empty drawing room. I did not feel like resting. The weather was chilly and wet; I could not go for a walk or a ride; I could not play the pianoforte or I would disturb Mrs. Randall. I wandered up the stairs to the deserted sewing room and then into the bedroom, but when Rabbit came to take off my gown, I restrained her. "I do not wish to lie down," I said; "leave me, Rabbit."
I took a book and sat on the chaise. At last the days of celebration began to tell upon me; I awoke from a doze to hear horses' hooves clattering in the drive. I went to the window; there were at least six, and I did not recognize any of them. I went through the bedroom onto the balcony and heard the knocking on the door. Polo shuffled toward it. I waited, looking down.
"Is Mr. Randall at home?" said one of the voices, his brogue pronounced; and I recognized it at once. It was Charles McDonald.
I hurried down the stairs.
"Mr. McDonald!" I said. "How do you do, sir! Happy Christmas! How have you come to be here? Is all well? Is the clan well?"
"Jessamine!" he took my hand. "It is you that I seek, lass."
"I? Why, sir, do come in! Please, come into the drawing room and let us offer you refreshment. Polo, please tell Mr. Randall that we have guests, Mr. Charles McDonald from the Wateree, and company."
"Master not at home, Miss Jessie."
"Then please tell Mrs. Randall, Polo." I turned to Charles again. "Please, do come in."
With Charles were Bobby and Sean and Charlie, Colin and Roddy. They all followed me into the drawing room and I sat down. They stood somewhat awkwardly; but for Charles who came to sit beside me.
"Jessie, lass" he said, "trouble has come to Barraigh."
I looked at him. "Oh, dear! I am sorry to hear it! Is everyone well? Are all safe?"
"We have lost two of ours," he said; "we buried them a fortnight ago."
My breath left me. "Oh, Charles, no!" I didn't want to ask but I had to: "Who, Charles?"