The Bairn of Brianag

I sipped the wine. "Of course. I feel much better now. Only the dancing, it was overtaxing to me."

He cleared his throat. "I meant, would you stay for a few more days. The Johnsons have offered their hospitality."

"Oh!" I felt a rush of elation. "How lovely! Oh, yes, Robbie. Please tell them, yes, we would be so much obliged!"

He adjusted his cravat. "It would be only yourself staying," he said.

My heart dropped. "Only-only myself?" I said. "What do you mean, Robbie?"

"I fear that the wagon is too rough for you, Jessie. I was wrong to think that you are well enough to travel by such means. I shall continue on with the wagon, and return for you with a carriage."

Indignation welled up. "You would leave me here-alone? On my honeymoon?" I said.

He leaned back in the chair, and gave a low laugh. "Ah, Jessie, lass," he said. "It's because we took the pleasures of a honeymoon already that I must leave you behind now. It is what is best for you-and the bairn."

I wanted to cry, You are what is best for me, Robbie! You! I cannot bear you to leave me behind! But I said nothing, tears filling my eyes.

"The Johnsons insist that we not return to the inn," he said. "They wish us to send for your things and stay here tonight. I have sent word for Rabbit to gather a few things; Pete shall fetch her directly. I shall stay at the inn tonight that I may settle in the morning.

Do you find this arrangement quite agreeable?"

I sighed a little sigh. "Quite," I said. To not return to the inn would be a wonderful relief.

"Very well, then; I shall explain to Mrs. Johnson that you are quite spent and wish to retire now," he said. He stood and walked toward the door; then turned and came back, taking my hand and bowing over it, pressing his lips to the back of it.

I stared up at him in the darkness, waiting for him to speak; but he released my hand and went inside without a word.

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I did not see Robbie again that night; and the next day I stayed in bed throughout the morning. Kevin, who was also to stay with the Johnsons until Robbie returned, told me that Robbie had departed very early. The following days passed quite pleasantly, though I longed for Robbie every moment; and with rest and comfort my illness began to decrease somewhat. Mrs. Johnson was most obliging, and tempted me with every sort of delicacy, and with hearty food as well. I stayed in the same room where Cathy and I had been last summer.