The Bairn of Brianag

"How lovely you look, Jessie!" he said, smiling at me.

"Why, thank you, sir!" I said. "It is a most lovely and enjoyable occasion."

"Indeed."

"Though I do wish for Sean and Cathy to be here," I said.

"Indeed, they are sorely missed," he said. "I had hoped that Sean would be able to come for the ball."

"He is in Barbados, I believe," I said.

"Yes, that is what your father mentioned."

"And how did you find your relatives in the back country?"

"Ah, the McDonald clan! They are all well and hardy," he said.

"I am happy to hear it."

We did not speak for a few measures of the number.

"And you, Jessie?" he said softly. "How do you fare?"

I stared up at him, and my heart swelled painfully. "I am quite well," I said.

He looked into my eyes for another moment, then glanced around the room again. "I am happy to hear it," he said.

The dance would end shortly. "I must speak with you, Robbie, I must," I whispered.

He did not answer.

"Please, Robbie! You must speak to me! You cannot pretend that nothing has changed between us!"

His lips tightened. "Very well. I will meet you by the gate at the bottom of the lawn," he said. "After breakfast."

The dance ended, he bowed to me. A man I did not know claimed me for the next dance.

The evening wore on. I did my best to continue the charade of merry-making. At last breakfast was announced, and the dancing was over. I did not know where August was. I managed at last to slip out of the house, and ran across the lawn to the gate which led to the garden.

Dawn was lightening the sky as I lifted the latch and slipped inside. I could smell the herbs in the dew; I looked around quickly but no one was there. I went to the center of the garden where there was a bench, and sat down to wait.

The sound of the gate opening brought me to my feet; I saw a shadow enter. As it moved toward me I saw that it was Robbie; his bright hair glowed in the faint light. I clasped my hands together at my bosom as he approached, pressing them against my heart, which was thudding against my stays. The blood was roaring in my ears.