The house at Brianag was very large, much larger than those of Gillean or Shannon's Loch, the O'Reilly home; built by Cathy's grandfather for her parents before their marriage, a celebration of the joining of the McDonald and Randall lands, it was a home fit for royalty-and indeed, the Randalls were among the royalty of the lowcountry district where we lived. They were not only admired and respected, but also loved for their kind and gracious hospitality and charity among the people of the county.
The house sat on a rise above a swamp and the long drive that curved in front of it was lined with oak trees that had been planted soon after the house was built. A long verandah crossed the front, with tall columns supporting the roof which covered it. Tall windows on either side of the front door welcomed all who entered; the draperies were never closed except on the coldest days of winter. Inside at the center of the house were twin staircases which led to the two upper ends of the house; there were many bedchambers for family and guests, sewing rooms for ladies to gather, balconies from which one could see past the swamp to the forest beyond. The lawn sloped from the back terrace to the swamp; it was there where as infants we had played under the watchful eyes of our nurses; it was there we played pall mall and blind man's bluff and where the boys challenged one another to foot races and fencing contests as we grew older; and where linen-covered tables loaded with food were placed on the pleasant days when there were picnics or dances.
At Brianag, I was happy. I knew that, there, I was loved.
At Brianag, I was near Robbie.
I heard horses coming, and my heart lifted as I looked toward the sound; Kevin and our father were coming from the fields. I turned and hurried down the stairs. As I reached the bottom, they entered by the front door.
I skipped forward to greet them.
"Daughter!" my father said. "Good morning to you! I trust you slept well?"
"Oh, very well, Papa, I thank you," I said, and curtsied. He turned his cheek toward me. I kissed it obligingly and turned to Kevin.
"Good morning, little sister!" said Kevin, and kissed me. His eyes searched mine for a moment; I turned to my father.
"Shall Kevin and I go to Grant's Hill today?" I asked. "I had a letter from Cathy Belden yesterday; she is so lonely for company! Perhaps Robbie will go too! We could return as soon as tomorrow."