The Bairn of Brianag

The pain of the stripes on my shoulders returned sharply under his hands. I shook him off and reached deep into myself for strength, breathing slowly to control the nausea.

For a long while neither of us spoke.

"When must we go?" I said.

"Straight away," he said. "In two days time. You are almost healed, your womb is holding the child safely. We must be away when the announcement of the marriage is printed."

"Announcement?" I said.

"My uncle shall announce our marriage and say to all that we are gone into the mountains for our honeymoon," he said. "The fever is rampant in Charles Town; it will be best for you in any case. Even Brianag is not safe from the fever."

Robbie leaned back in the swing, pushing it to and fro with his booted feet. "Gawd, Jessie, it's an awfu' mischanter we have made, aye? Is this how you imagined marriage with me to be? Is this what you wanted when you accosted me in the lane at Gillean?"

Rage surged through me. "You did not fight against me," I said, my teeth clenched.

"You know you wanted me as much as I wanted you, Robbie Stewart."

"Ach, aye, madam, yes indeed! There is no denying that!" he said.

The swing swayed with our movement. My anger flooded away as swiftly as it had come. This was the Robbie I loved, the Robbie I had always known, had fought with and played with for all of my life. I reached for his hand, and he folded mine into his, stroking it with the other. All would be well. I would go anywhere, do anything, to be with Robbie. We were meant to be.

___________________

Mrs. Randall came to my room the next morning after I'd taken my breakfast of broth and buttermilk, which had all stayed down. Rabbit was helping me to dress.

"How are you this morning, Jessie dear?" she said.

"I am quite well, thank you, madam," I said.

"I am preparing a trunk for you," she said. "A trousseau, you might say! I fear that it is a simple one; the items you will require in the back country will of course be quite different from those required here."

I looked at her. Her face was serene, her eyes as kind as ever. "Thank you indeed," I said.

"I have had several more of Catherine's gowns altered for you, and have given you stuff for bed gowns, to make when you are ready for them," she said. "Later I will send things for the bairn, as you will lie in during the winter. You will need warm clothing for the child." She paused, and looked toward Rabbit. "Rabbit shall go to the back country with you."