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Lachlan considered the rotund man who was quite a character but not the hardiest of folk. Nor did he know the land, unlike Lachlan, who knew almost every mountain and valley like the lines in his hands. He cleared his throat. “What if you were to leave Mary here?”

Her eyes widened. “You would not mind? Would she not be a burden to you?”

“Even if she were recovered, I would not wish to send a woman out after an illness on such a journey.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “I would rather not inflict that on her either.”

“And Mr. Johnson could look after her,” he suggested.

“Oh, but I think I need him. He—”

“You would not need him if I came with you,” he hurried out before he could change his mind.

She blinked at him for several moments. “But the farm…”

“I have already spoken to Mr. Johnson. He knows well enough what he is doing and, to be frank, he would rather tend to farm animals than hike across wilderness.” Lachlan grinned. “Those were his words.”

“Oh.” She stared at her plate for a few moments and lifted her gaze to his. “You would really accompany me?”

“Aye.”

“I think…” She gave a smile. “I think I would like that very much.”

And he would like that more than she knew.

Chapter Eight

“I really think I should…”

Minerva put a hand to Mary’s shoulder and urged her to lie back down. “You are going nowhere, Mary.”

The maid’s brow furrowed. “It is bad enough that I have been out of sorts while you have been forced to nurse me alone. Your mama shall not be happy.”

“Mama would understand, and she certainly would not want me to force a sick woman onto a horse.”

Mary sighed. “Why could this cottage not be an easy journey? I would do fine in the carriage, I think.”

“Mr. Johnson shall remain here and ensure you are well. With any luck, I shall be returned in but a day or two, and we can begin our journey home.” Minerva offered what she hoped was a reassuring smile. The truth was, she was thrilled Lachlan had offered to accompany her. Not just because he knew the area far better than any of them did but because…well…she wanted his company.

“Be safe, my lady.” Mary offered a resigned smile.

Minerva gave Mary’s hand a squeeze and left the room. She gave a little squeak when she ran into Mr. Johnson in the upstairs hallway. Their entire stay here and the man had barely left the stable accommodations. He had his cap in hand and was scrunching it in both hands.

“Mr. Johnson, whatever is the matter?”

“It’s Mr. Young—he is unwell.”

“Oh no.” She grimaced. “The same thing Mary had?”

“Yes, my lady. He was sickening for most of the night.”

“I should visit him.”

Mr. Johnson shook his head. “No, my lady. It would not do for you to sicken.”

She let her shoulders drop. “I suppose you are right. I had better go and find Lachlan—Mr. Sinclair,” she corrected. “I believe he is readying the horses.”

“You are no doubt eager to start your journey, my lady.” A strange glint entered the man’s eyes. “Maybe you should go on with Mr. Sinclair. I can take care of Young and Mary easily enough.”