Page 37 of All In Good Time

Chapter 10

Sara wokethe next morning even more determined than she had been the night before. She was going to find Rory Mackall and convince him to return with her. Aisla deserved her happily ever after and so did she and Logan. She threw her clothes on as quickly as possible, being sure to wear the pair of breeches Helene made for her. She was always freezing and Helene thought it might help if she had something to put on under her dress. In this case, they’d come in handy for horseback riding. Not wishing anyone to know what she was up to, Sara checked around the house to be sure she was alone. She found a pair of boots in Helene’s wardrobe and hoped she wouldn’t mind her borrowing them. She’d been so generous with her clothes and her home that Sara didn’t imagine she’d bat an eye. Still, it was important that Helene not become suspicious. They might send someone after her to bring her back.

Breakfast was eaten with little ceremony, and then, since no one was home to question her, she packed bread and cheese into a pouch she found hanging on a hook by the door. Her next goal was to find a horse she could borrow. When she first arrived, Helene told her that if she ever wanted to go for a ride she should go to the stable and speak with the stable boy, so that’s what she did.

She was a terribly inexperienced rider, so she asked for a horse with a sweet temperament. He obliged her and brought a beautiful white horse for her approval.

“She’s beautiful.” Sara ran her hands down the mare’s silky neck. “What’s her name?”

“Aeronwen. She’s an old girl, but she’s still got some spirit,” he said as he saddled the horse.

“Not too much spirit?” A bout of nausea overcame her at the thought of falling or getting bucked off. Suddenly this trip seemed rather frightening.

“Nae. She’ll take good care of ye.” He handed Sara a carrot when he was done. “Here ye go, lass. She’ll love ye forever.”

At the sight of the carrot, Aeronwen pricked her ears forward, her brown eyes softening as she took it from Sara and munched away.

The stable boy handed Sara the reins. “Enjoy yer ride. ’Tis a beautiful day.”

She thanked him and headed through the doors wondering how she was going to mount without help and how she was going to find Rory Mackall. She’d have to ask someone in the village. Sara didn’t wish to raise suspicion here at the castle. She knew Helene would be looking for her as soon as she realized what she’d done.

As she made her way around the corner, she ran into Hamish. “Good morn to ye, Sara. How be ye this day?” His bright green eyes twinkled with warmth.

Sara had to crane her head up to see his face. “Oh! Good morning, Hamish. I’m fine and you?”

“Disappointed.” He pouted for her benefit.

He didn’t need to say another word. She understood what he meant. “Can you help me mount my horse?” she asked, glancing quickly around to be sure Logan was nowhere in sight.

“Of course. Where are ye off to?” He took the reins from her hands and led her to a quiet corner of the courtyard.

Could she tell him? Would he keep her secret? She had to trust someone, otherwise she might never find Rory.

“Can you keep a secret?” she asked.

If he was surprised she was trusting him, he didn’t show it. “Aye,” he answered.

“Well, I’m off to search for Rory Mackall. The man you told me about last night.” She waited expectantly beside the horse for a boost.

Whatever he thought she was going to say, it wasn’t that. “Whatever for, lass?” he asked, clearly startled.

“I must find him. He’s going to help me keep a good friend from making a big mistake.” Hamish knitted his brows together and took her in. He noticed the small bag she was carrying and looked around to see what else she might have. He seemed to come to a decision and nodded his head.

“I see. Ye’ll be needing some help then,” he observed.

“No.” Sara answered quickly. “I’m fine on my own.”

Hamish smiled. “Dinnae worry. I’ll nae compromise yer virtue, lass, if that’s what yer concerned about. It became clear to me last night that there’s someone else ye’d rather be with. I’ll nae bother ye in that way again.”

Sara smiled back, “I’m sorry about that, Hamish. You’re so sweet and funny, but you’re right. There is someone else and he’s the only one for me.”

“No need to be sorry. I understand, but I dinnae believe Logan would appreciate me letting ye go off on yer own with no idea of where yer heading.”

Sara was relieved, but she wasn’t sure she should take him up on his offer. “Do you know where he is?”

“I do. I’ve been to Dunaill on Mackall land on many an occasion. Me cousin lives there.” He still made no move to help her mount her horse. Sara fidgeted a bit and realized this information didn’t really help her. She had no idea which direction to go. “I dinnae wish to see any harm come to ye, lass.” Hamish’s voice was soft. “’Tis my only motive fer joining ye, I promise.” He looked around the stables, and up into the sky, bobbing his head a bit as he thought. “I havenae seen me cousin in some time. I wouldnae mind visiting with him while ye attend to yer business.”

“Okay, I guess.” She was actually relieved that she’d have company. This might be the bravest thing she’d ever done in her life. She glanced at Hamish and he seemed confused by her words. “Yes. Please join me.”