Page 128 (1/1)

"She is not recovering as quickly as she should," she said

"It's the loss of the bairn," Granny Moira said "It's broken her heart What she needs is another planted in her"

"Nay! She is not strong enough! If only she would eat!"

The second week of October, a storh thecoolness When the rain ended I sat on the porch wrapped in ed, their vivid colors contrasting with the blue of the sky I began to think of Brianag The Harvest ball was approaching

Now that er be in exile, and I could return ho, where I would take lad to ride through the fields again I would be so happy to play pall mall on the lawn I wanted to be held in Catherine's arms, to see my brother Kevin, to breathe in the peace and co coo home

As we took our supper in the cabin, a stew that Rabbit had cooked in the fireplace, I finally spoke to Robbie

"Robbie," I said, turning o home now"

He wiped his mouth and put down the napkin "Yes, lass, I know that you do"

"I ah now, to ride," I said "We need not travel as we did before

Riding, we could be ho enough for such a journey In any case, I fear that Hamish will not allow it," he said "He wants every man here to protect the place"

"There has been no trouble of late" I took a breath "I do not require Hamish's consent I have already made up my mind If you will not take me home, I will travel with the post to Fort Christopher and request that soldiers escort me the remainder of the way"

He stared at me, speechless for the first time in my memory His face was pale He finally said, "Have you taken leave of your senses?"

I looked back at hio home"

He let out his breath; his color returned, and he leaned back slightly in his chair "So, being my as only part of what you wanted when you seduced me," he said