Page 38 of All In Good Time

“Wait here lass. I’ll get me horse and some provisions.”

“Provisions. How far do we have to go?”

“’Tis three days ride from here. I can see by looking at ye that ye werenae prepared for a trip of that length.”

Sara thought she might be gone for a day, not six. This might cause a problem. She hadn’t told anyone where she was going or what her plans were. Nevertheless, she was determined to find Rory Mackall and tell him about the baby. It was the only way she could save her relationship with Logan from crumbling before her very eyes. He’d confided to her that he and Aisla would be married as soon as possible, so she didn’t have much time to spare.

Hamish retrieved his horse and saddlebags filled with food, drink and blankets.

“Are we ready to go? I don’t want anyone to see me leaving.” Sara peeked furtively around the big man to see if anyone was watching them.

“Why so secretive? Dinnae ye think Logan will be worried about ye.” Hamish adjusted the saddles one last time and then turned to her.

“Not right away. I think he’s got other business to attend to.” She was careful not to say what, as no one else knew about Logan and Aisla, or at least she thought they didn’t.

“When he came back to the barracks, he told me to stay away from ye. He’ll nae be happy I’ve accompanied ye, but if he’s nae going with ye, then I must.”

“Don’t worry about Logan. I can handle him,” she assured him.

Hamish laughed at this. “I believe ye can, lass. Shall we?”

“Oh!” Sara exclaimed as Hamish lifted her up onto Aeronwen and handed her the reins.

“Is all well with ye?” Hamish asked, concern in his voice.

“Yes. I’m just afraid of heights and I forgot how high off the ground I’d be.” She looked warily over the side of the horse. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine,” she assured him.

Hamish petted Aeronwen’s neck and whispered softly in her ear before moving over to his own horse. Sara tried to remember how to hold the reins without appearing silly, but luckily when Hamish clicked his tongue and led the way through the gates and out to the road, Aeronwen simply followed behind.

Sara was so nervous she’d be discovered leaving that she turned continuously to look behind her. No one was in sight and all was quiet as they passed Aisla’s house.

They reached the tree line and she relaxed. Hamish took his horse to a trot and Sara’s horse followed without any prompting from her. She was bouncing all over the place and held on for dear life. If this was the way the journey was going to be, she was in big trouble.

Hamish noticed she was struggling and slowed down. “Have ye nae ridden before?”

“I’ve been on a few trail rides, but we only walked,” she gasped, completely out of breath from working so hard to stay on Aeronwen. Thankfully they stopped and she was able to catch her breath.

“I see. Well, try to move with the horse. Here watch me.” Hamish took his horse up to a trot again and rode around and around her in a large circle.

Sara watched and noted that he seemed to be rising and falling in sync with his horse. She tried it and failed miserably at first, but Hamish was a good teacher and he continued to instruct her until she had it down. A wide smile broke out as she realized she was doing it.

“I’ll teach ye to canter next, but we’ll stick with the trot fer now.”

She was relieved. She couldn’t imagine going any faster without falling off. Although now that she knew what she was doing at the trot, she felt empowered. This quest was back on track.

Hamish rode beside her constantly checking on her and correcting her posture and seat when need be. He was good company and Sara was happy she had agreed to have him join her. She doubted she would have been able to stop him, though. Besides, with her lack of riding skills she wouldn’t have made it out past the gates without an accident.

They passed a few groups of people here and there on their way. Everyone exchanged greetings and continued on their journey. “Where do you suppose they’re going?” Sara asked.

“Breaghacraig. ’Tis the only place to stop along this road.”

Sara worried someone would spill the beans and let Logan or Dougall know they’d seen her. “Do you think anyone will be looking for us?”

“Aye. They will, but not for a while. They’ll nae catch up with us. We’ve a good head start.”

“Good.” She was relieved. The last thing she needed was Logan stopping her in her quest to find Rory.

“Would ye mind telling me why we’re going in search of Rory Mackall?”