The Bairn of Brianag

"Tell me what happened, lass," he said.

"My mother beat me when she learned of my condition," I said.

"How did she learn of it?" he said.

"She had Nurse examine me," I said and my head swam at the memory. I swallowed, willing my quaking insides to be still. "My maid Lily spied on me. She told my mother ofshe spied on me at Grant's Hill. She knew that I did not bleed. My mother made Nurse examine me."

I saw his throat move; it was a moment before he spoke again. "Are you hurt elsewhere?" he asked, looking at the welt on my face.

"Yes," I said. "Let Rabbit help me to undress, and you shall see."

"Yes." He sat beside me, waiting, holding my hand. I reached out to touch his cheek, wishing he would kiss me, longing for his arms to hold me. We said nothing else until Rabbit and Polo returned with a pitcher and basin. Robbie stood and walked toward the door.

"If you speak of this, I will have you both whipped," he said to them in a low voice.

"Sir," Rabbit said. "I keep quiet."

"No sir," said Polo, "No sir, Master Robbie. I not say nothing."

Robbie went out of the room, and Polo followed.

Rabbit led me closer to the window, where a candle was not needed, and took off my gown. I heard her gasp as it came away from my arms. "Miss Jessie!"

"There is more," I said.

By the time my stays were off, I could hear her sniffling back tears. I wished she would stop. I pushed the chemise to my waist so she could bathe my shoulders and back, and did my best not to flinch as she applied the ointment. She did not miss any of the marks, but tended each one, including the ones on my legs. I pulled my chemise back up and gathered it in the front with my hand. "Thank you, Rabbit. Please tell Mr. Robbie that he may come in."

He walked slowly toward me and when he reached me, touched my collarbone with his finger. I let go the linen and it fell off one of my shoulders. He went around me to see where the light shined onto my back. For a long moment he said nothing; then he pulled the chemise back gently to cover my shoulder. I felt his breath on my neck as he kissed me behind my ear-the only place not red and raised-and then took my hand and led me back to the chair.