I took off my hat. The house seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for something; and I knew all at once that, without Robbie, Brianag was nothing to me but a pile of bricks and stones. I sank down onto the bench by the door; I knew that all I had come through, all I had endured counted for nothing if Robbie did not live; that if Robbie was dead, then I would have no life. Without Robbie in it, the whole world would be as empty as Brianag was now. There would be no reason for me to live. Not even Brianag could save me, if Robbie was dead.
I finally raised myself and went slowly up the stairs. Rabbit helped me to change into a linen gown; I went into the sewing room and picked up my thread and needle with determination, and began to pray.
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The next few days were almost unbearable with unease. Mrs. Randall did not come out of her room, and I felt anxious for her. Mr. Randall stayed away from the house except at dinnertime; and after barely speaking to me throughout the meal, he went into his library and closed the door, leaving me alone. Kevin and Papa did not come. On the third night after Charles had come I was sitting by the fire alone when one of the servants came to me.
"Miss Jessie," she said, "a Injun here. Say he looking for the wife of Robbie."
My heart leapt, and I stood up.
"What? What is it?" I demanded. "Tell me at once!"
"I do not know, madam. He say you come. He won't come into the house."
I hurried after her toward the kitchens and through to the outer door. I stepped out into the freezing evening. An Indian boy was there. He stared at me.
"What has happened? What is it? Does my husband live?" I demanded.
"Old Creek Woman say, you come," he said.
I was bewildered. I stared up at him and drew a breath. "Does my husband live?" I said, speaking clearly and carefully.
"Old Creek Woman say, Robbie-Jessie come."
A distant bell of memory sounded in me, but then my eagerness obscured it. I said, "Why does the old Creek woman say I must come?"
A voice spoke from the darkness. "Old Creek Woman has sent us to bring you to our village," he said, and a tall Indian stepped into the light. "Your husband, Robert Stewart, calls for you."