"There has been some trouble in the Wateree district," he said. "One of the McDonalds came down to Brianag and asked for help. Robbie went back with him."
"Trouble?" I felt myself blanch. "Do you mean Indian trouble?"
"I'm sure it is only the clan fighting amongst themselves," he said. "You know how wild those back country people are."
I did not really know; I had only heard Robbie's stories.
"When will he return?" I asked.
He drew on the cigar again, exhaled slowly. "Jessie," he said. "You must give up this infatuation. You are on the road to a great disappointment."
"You do not know everything, Kevin Maclaine," I said. "For all you know, Robbie could love me."
He looked up at me again. "I assure you, Jessie, Robbie is not for you. I said it before and I am saying it again. He is not for you."
I felt a pulling of emotions in me one against another. On the one hand I wished that I could blurt out the truth about Robbie and me; on the other, I wanted to keep the secret tightly to myself. After a moment I said, "I am sure that you are right, brother. I shall do my best to follow your guidance."
He smiled, and reached for my hand. "It's lovin' you I am, lass," he said. "I do not hanker to see my sister with a broken heart."
I made a face at him. "I can take care of my own heart, thank you!" I said, and went into the house.
Now that I knew where Robbie was gone and why, my spirits lifted somewhat, and I was more inclined to take part in the work that August and Cathy enjoyed so much; I held Cathy's yarn as she wound it into hanks, and tried to make lace for the bonnet that had been embroidered for the child. The week went pleasantly by, and soon it was time for us to go home.
Cathy wept. "Do not stay away too long, I beg!" she said. "I shall be needing company again before the child arrives."
"We shall be back within a month!" I promised. "Only a flood will stop us."
We exchanged hugs and kisses, and then Kevin helped August and me into the carriage. We watched her beautiful form grow smaller as we waved to her until a curve in the road hid her from us.