The Bairn of Brianag

"You must be tired," he said. "Riding from Gillean in this condition."

"I walked," I said. "I was afraid to take a horse."

He stared at me. "You walked!"

"I could not stay there another moment!" I cried. "My father was going to take me to the mountains! He was going to give your child away!" I broke into sobs again.

"You walked here?" he said again. "From Gillean?"

"Yes, Robbie, I walked here! From Gillean! Have you never heard anything that I have said to you? I love you! I would walk from here to Charles Town for you! From here to-to New York! I would swim to London for you!" I dashed at the tears again, wincing as my fingers touched the mark on my face.

"Oh, lass, lass," he said, and his voice broke. "Oh, Jessie." He knelt beside me again, holding my hands.

I leaned forward, kissing his hair, drawing his head to my breast. "I love you, Robbie," I said. "I have always loved you. I shall always love you."

He sat for a little while, his head bowed against me; then he got to his feet. "You must lie down," he said. "You must rest." He went to the bed and turned down the coverlet, and came back to me. "Come. Do you wish me to carry you?" He held out his hand.

"No, I don't believe you can carry me now," I said. "I do not want to be touched very much."

"No, certainly not, indeed," he said, and walked with me to the bed.

I lay on my side, facing the center of the bed, and he drew the sheet over me. The night was pleasantly cool. I drew a deep breath into my chest and sighed.

Robbie walked around to the other side of the bed and lay down with me, taking my hand, his head close to mine. I sighed again, and closed my eyes.

"I'm sorry, Jessie," he said at length; "I am so very, very sorry."

I smiled. "You need not feel sorry," I said. "I will mend. Our child is safe."

He kissed my fingers. "Yes," he said. After another long pause, he said, "Sleep now, Jessie."

I opened my eyes. "Please, do not leave me, Robbie!"

"I will not leave you, lass. I will stay with you while you sleep."