I stared at Eco, my body suddenly tingling all over, my heart again loud in my breast.
Eco turned as soon as she stopped speaking, and went down the steps. I saw her pick up something and hitch it onto her back; it was her child in his cradleboard. He looked up at me and from where I stood on the porch looking down his dark eyes met mine and he stared at me unblinkingly; I could not move my eyes away. Eco walked away from the cabin and the bairn and I stared at each other until distance broke our gaze.
Old Creek Woman spoke. "Robbie-Jessie has heard the story now."
I nodded wordlessly, joy and relief flooding me. I turned and ran down the steps and hurried up the path to the house. If only they were right, and Robbie did love me. Had he not called for me in his sickness? Surely they were right. Surely now, Robbie would be ready to be a husband to me.
I entered the house breathlessly, closing the door quietly, and dropped my cloak onto a chair. The door to the sickroom was open; I went softly inside. Robbie lay very still; I thought he was asleep, but as I approached he turned toward me.
He was extremely thin, although some color had returned to his face. Pete had shaved him; the hollows in his cheeks were deep shadows, and his eyes were still sunken. I stepped to the bedside.
"How are you today, Robbie, my love?" I asked softly, stroking his bony hand.
"I feel a great deal better," he said, and smiled at me, but the smile did not reach his eyes.
My heart gave a lurch. Only in the past two or three days had he been able to communicate with us; I had not spoken to him very much as he was always surrounded by clan members, though I sat with him in the mornings and evenings while he napped, and spooned broth and tea into him when he roused. I sank onto a chair close to the bed and kissed his hand, my throat choked with emotion.
"Robbie-"
"How is the weather today?" he said.
I swallowed. "Quite warm," I said, "and dry."
"It will not hold for long," he said. "You must start home to Brianag tomorrow."
"I-" I stammered. "Home-to Brianag?"
"Of course you must go, lass," he said, and looked away from me, out of the window.
"Surely Kevin wishes to return as well. I shall speak with him. If you make haste, perhaps you can arrive there before the next rain."