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

here with ye both.”
    Sarah made to climb out of the carriage. “Oh, dear, I can’t help but wonder what my sister will think with all these delays.”
    Braeden helped her down, and she shook out her skirts, looking around the area. It was a heavily wooded spot. Despite his assurances, this was indeed a place where robbers would have plenty of opportunities to hide themselves and accost travelers on the road. She shivered, wondering if Alice was correct and the good Lord wanted her back in the safety of her brother’s home.
    Nonsense.
    “Alice, you might as well come out and stretch your muscles. It appears we will be here a while.”
    When the maid didn’t answer, Sarah stuck her head in the carriage. “Alice?”
    The woman’s eyes were closed again, and they popped open as Sarah leaned into the carriage and spoke. “What is the matter?”
    “Nothing, my lady. Just a bit tired from all the travel.” Alice climbed out of the carriage blinking at the sun.
    “Lass, you do look peaked. Perhaps you should sit over there, under the shade of those trees.” Braeden pointed to an area off the road that looked inviting.
    Alice reached out to grasp Sarah’s hand. She assisted the maid to the tree stump and got her settled. She returned to where Braeden was helping strap the damaged wheel to the second horse and giving the footman final instructions. She looked at the broken wheel, marveling at their bad luck thus far.
    Once the footman was on his way, Sarah said, “Please take a walk with me.”
    Braeden extended his arm and tucked hers close to his body. “What is it, lass? Ye look concerned.”
    “I’m afraid Alice is truly sick, not merely tired.” She turned her head so the maid wouldn’t hear her.
    “Why do ye say so?”
    “When I took her hand just now to walk with her to the shaded area, it was obvious to me she has a fever. A very high one, I’m afraid.”
    Braeden came to a stop and regarded her. “There are usually creeks running through the wooded areas, perhaps we can find one while we wait for the footman. Cool water on her face and neck would help the woman.”
    “Yes, I agree. My mother often submerged us in chilled water when we were children to bring down fevers. Do we have something with which to carry water?”
    “I keep a cup in my satchel when I travel. I’ll retrieve it, and we can begin our search. I’ll make sure the driver and footman stay near your maid. Why don’t ye see how she is feeling? Let her know we are doing what we can to help.”
    Sarah headed toward Alice sitting under the trees, her eyes closed once again. As she drew nearer, the maid opened her eyes. “My lady, I fear I am not well.”
    “Yes, I know, Alice. You appear to have a fever. Professor McKinnon and I are going to search for a stream or creek to collect water to cool you down at bit.”
    “I don’t wish to cause trouble, my lady.”
    “You are not to worry. Just stay here in the shade, and we will be back as soon as we are able. Professor McKinnon is instructing the driver and footman to stay nearby.”
    Alice nodded and stared blankly ahead. “Thank you.”
    Sarah joined Braeden, and they began to traipse through the wooded area. Dappled sunlight lit the way as they went farther into the damp forest. Sarah was careful not to step in any small animal holes as she followed Braeden. She also had to be aware of roots and branches sticking up as they walked.
    Truth be told, she was anxious about going so far away from the carriage but trusted he knew what he was doing. It would seem all his intelligence should help them find something as simple as a creek.
    After about ten minutes Braeden stopped. “Ah!”
    “What?”
    He closed his eyes and sniffed. “Water is nearby.”
    “How do you know?”
    “Look at the vegetation surrounding us. If ye note the color and substance of…”
    He waved his hands around and proceeded to provide her with a lengthy scientific explanation that soon had her eyes glazing