The Bairn of Brianag

When I returned to the house the old woman stood outside. "Snow comes," she said.

"Snow!" I said. I could not tell if I was happy or distressed. We seldom saw snow in the lowcountry, and so it was an exciting novelty; but now, I did not want snow to stop me from taking Robbie to Barraigh as soon as possible, where he could be cared for properly and in comfort. I looked up at the sky; the clouds seemed to be growing darker and lower.

The air was very still. I looked at the old woman; she was gazing at the clouds and sniffing. I could not help staring at her and in my amazement I momentarily forgot Robbie.

"Madam," I said, "why do they call you Old Creek Woman? You are not Creek."

She turned her brilliant eyes upon me. "I am Old Creek Woman," she said. "I have good medicine."

"Oh," I said. I could think of nothing else. If she was deranged, then there was nothing else to say. I only hoped that the McDonalds' faith in her medicine was justified.

"Snow soon," she said. "Much cold."

I said, "Please, Old Creek Woman. Let me take him home to Barraigh."

"Snow comes," she said, and walked away from me.

I stared after her, and she disappeared around one of the houses.

Kevin spoke behind me. "How does he fare, Sister?" he said.

I turned toward him gratefully. "He is resting peacefully," is said. "His fever has broken." I lifted the curtain. "Come inside and see."

We went in, and I waited for my eyes to adjust before stepping toward Robbie.

When I knelt beside him, his eyes were open. In the low light they were like translucent black pools in his white face. I took his hand.

"Robbie," I said.

He looked up at me and his breath shook. "Jessie. It is . . . you."

"Yes, Robbie. It is I. I have come to take you home. As soon as you are strong enough."

"Jessie." He took another shaky breath and let it out slowly. "Are you here . . . in the Creek camp?"

Anxiety pounded my heart. "Yes, Robbie, it is I, Jessamine, your wife. I have come to fetch you home."

"Oh, Jessie, lass," he whispered, his eyes on mine. "Lass."

My heart thudded with hope and desire at the sound of his words. Tears sprang to my eyes and I kissed his hand. "Yes, my love."