The Bairn of Brianag - Page 101/180

I must bear it. At least, Robbie was with me. Robbie was my husband now, as I had wanted for so long. Tonight I would sleep in his arms for the first time as his wife, and I would feel comforted. Two years would pass quickly, and then we would return home to stay forever.

I washed in the water Rabbit brought and put on a clean night dress. The bed was a great relief after the long day in the carriage. I closed my eyes.

When I opened them again, it was light, and I had not moved from the position in which I had first lain. I was alone. The pillow next to me was unmarked. Robbie had not slept with me. He had not come in at all.