Read The Highlander's Accidental Marriage (Marriage Mart Mayhem) for Free Online Page A

next several days who set her heart to pumping?
    “My mother always said a sense of humor will get you through many a difficult situation.”
    “And being in my company is so difficult, then?” His smooth voice, the slight tilt of his lips, with those deep blue eyes peering at her from behind his spectacles, was enough to spur her into action.
    She rose on unsteady legs. “I think I would like to visit the necessary before we leave.” Her face grew even warmer at his chuckle as she turned and left the room.
    Does he find me so amusing, or does he guess my thoughts?

Chapter Four
    “I will be riding Niels this afternoon since the weather is so fine. It will also give ye more room in the carriage,” Braeden said as he assisted Sarah into the vehicle.
    Both grateful and disappointed at his decision, Sarah chastised herself and pulled out a stack of pages she had written for her next book. Based on the success of Jane Austen’s novels, Sarah’s publisher seemed to think Sarah’s book would be a success as well, and was anxious for her to complete another one.
    The carriage was not conducive to writing, so it was a good time to go over what she’d written so far. It would also help get her mind off the handsome Scotsman and focus on what was important to her, and the pleasure of seeing her sister soon.
    “My lady, ’tis quite hot in the carriage. May I roll up the flaps?”
    Sarah looked up from her manuscript at her maid. “Yes, of course.” She peered closer. “Do you feel all right, Alice? You look a little peaked.”
    “I am just a bit overwarm. I think I will remove my jacket.”
    “You do seem a bit flushed. Perhaps all the excitement has overset you.”
    “Perhaps.” Alice unfastened her jacket and laid it carefully on the bench next to her. “I think a short nap might restore me.”
    “Excellent. I find naps and tea the best cure for most anything.” Sarah returned to her work and reviewed the same paragraph for the third time. No sooner had she begun to read than Braeden passed by the carriage, visible from the flap Alice had opened. The man certainly sat a horse well. The firm muscles of his thighs gripped the horse, and when he rode forward, the sight of his muscled backside had her agreeing with Alice that it was indeed warm in the carriage.
    She shook her head and returned to her work.
    Alice had been sleeping more than an hour when a loud crack sounded and the carriage began to tilt. Had they had another accident? Placing her papers aside, Sarah used both hands to grab the metal handle near the oil lamp and held on. “Alice. Alice. Wake up before you’re tossed around like a cloth doll.”
    The maid sat up, her eyes wide as she grabbed the handle right above her head. “What happened now?”
    “I’m not sure, but the carriage is coming to a halt. There was a crack, so I’m thinking perhaps one of the wheels has broken.” They continued to rock as the carriage slowed and then stopped at an odd angle.
    “My lady, this trip has been disastrous. Perhaps the good Lord is warning us to return home to England. It appears Scotland is not for us.”
    “Don’t be silly, Alice. I’m sure the good Lord has more things to take up his time and attention than worrying about our trip to see Sybil.”
    “Lasses, are ye all right?” Braeden flung open the carriage door, concern written clearly on his face.
    “Yes, we’re fine. A somewhat bumpy ride near the end, but all is well. What happened?” She released the handle and worked the muscle in her hand which ached from clasping the handgrip so tightly.
    “One of the smaller front wheels cracked. It will take some time to travel back to the last town we passed to get this one fixed or secure another one.”
    Sarah chewed on her lip. “Will we be safe sitting out here waiting? Didn’t you mention highwaymen?”
    “Dinna fash yerself, lass. This area is not known for highwaymen, but I’ll send one of the footmen with the wheel, and I’ll stay