The Bairn of Brianag

I wandered into the garden, smelling the fragrance of Cathy's early blooming roses.

As I paused to inhale the sweetness, Robbie appeared silently beside me. I gasped.

"Robbie!"

He took one of my hands and led me swiftly through the garden, beyond the greenhouse. There he stopped, pushing me against the wall, and took my face in his hands, kissing me hotly, his body pressing against mine.

"Jessie, you witch! What have you done to me? I cannot sleep at night for wanting you! I cannot eat! I cannot think!"

"Robbie, I love you," I whispered. "I love you."

He continued kissing me, pulling up my petticoat; he unbuttoned his breeches without moving his mouth from mine. The sharp odor of his wetness mingled with the scent of the roses, and I felt my own moisture flow. In only a moment we were together again, he holding me up against the greenhouse, me clinging to his head, his hips thrusting against mine, our breaths scorching one another's faces.

I cried out softly; Robbie moaned against my mouth, shuddering, and slowly lowered me to the ground. My legs were quivering; I could barely stand. I wrapped my arms around him, not wanting to separate from him.

"Ah, Jessie, Jessie," he whispered. "What am I to do with you?"

"Marry me, Robbie. It is the only thing to do," I said.

"Ah, lass," he said, still breathing hard, kissing my face, my lips. "Lass."

"How long shall you stay, truly?" I said, my cheek against his breast, his heart thudding against it.

"I shall go tomorrow," he said.

"When shall I see you, then?" I asked.

"I will return in a few days," he said.

"You will go to Gillean and speak to my father?" I said.

He did not answer. His arms held me close, his hand cradling my head against him, waiting for our hearts to slow.

"Robbie?"

His head went up. "Stay here!" he hissed, and disappeared.

I heard footsteps; I pressed close against the wall, adjusting my skirts. Then I heard Robbie yell from the front of the house; Kevin answered him from the back terrace.

When I was sure that they were inside again, I went back through the garden slowly, stopping to pull off a rose blossom to bring into the house with me. August was still in the drawing room; I could only hope my face did not betray me. How could she not notice my perturbation? Kevin and Robbie were not there; they must have gone onto the front porch to smoke.