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

stomach tightened at the number of homes abandoned to the elements with their clans moving to America and Canada after the Clearances. His clan was indeed lucky to hold onto their land and continue to provide a living for its members.
    “The Clearances did their damage to many clans.”
    “Ah. Yes. I remember that from my history lessons.” She shook her head, tendrils of dark curls bouncing from where they’d gotten loose from her bun. “Not something my country did that I’m proud of, I’m afraid.”
    “’Tis a comforting thought coming from a Sassenach.”
    “A what?”
    “Sassenach.”
    “I never heard that word before, but I have a feeling it’s not a compliment.”
    “It means ‘outlander’ or someone who doesn’t belong.”
    “ Hmm . I’m not sure I like that.”
    “Actually, I don’t like it, either. I think there is nowhere on this earth you would not belong, Sarah.” Once again her face flushed, and he could have bitten his tongue. Why did he insist on bantering with the lass? It would be better for his peace of mind to ride Niels alongside the carriage—as soon as the weather cleared up. Remove himself from her disturbing presence before he did something stupid.

    T he sun had burned off the clouds by the time they stopped for tea. Sarah stretched as the carriage came to a rolling stop, attempting to ease the muscles in her neck. Aside from feeling the necessity for food, her muscles needed to move. Not used to sitting for long periods of time, she was anxious to take a brisk walk before she ate.
    “I will join you in a few minutes.” She called over her shoulder as she started off in the opposite direction of the inn.
    “Lass, where are ye going?” Braeden hurried up alongside her.
    “I must walk for a bit. I am very sore from sitting so many miles.”
    “Not by yerself.” He extended his arm, his eyebrows lifted in challenge.
    “Indeed? And what manner of trouble do you suppose I would encounter right outside this inn that I need to be accompanied by a man?” She smirked and placed her fingertips on his arm.
    “Ye never ken, lass, and that little bit of holding on is good enough for yer fancy ballrooms, but the ground here is unsteady. I’ll not have ye stumbling and hurting yerself.” He took hold of her hand and tucked it securely in his arm.
    “What do you know of fancy ballrooms? Have you been to London?”
    “Aye. I have a friend I visited a few years back. He took me to a couple of yer social events. ’Twas quite an experience.”
    “In what way?”
    He gazed out at the surroundings, taking a moment to answer her question. “The lasses were sweet, but I was truly frightened by their mums.”
    Sarah burst out laughing. “It didn’t take you long to realize ton mamas are the most fierce animals in all of England. If there are young ladies to be married off, a mama’s job is to make sure she makes the best match possible for her daughter’s station.”
    “Aye. I guess ’tis true in Scotland as well. At least in Edinburgh, that is. Marriage is contracted a bit differently away from the large cities, unless yer a laird, in which case the selection of a bride is a serious business.”
    “Lady Margaret—your cousin Duncan’s bride—married a man her parents had selected. I assume Laird McKinnon had to give that a great deal of thought. I often wondered why he agreed to marry an Englishwoman.”
    “Yet yer sister married a Scotsman, as well.”
    She nodded. “And quite a surprise it was to us all.”
    They strolled for a few more minutes, each occupied with his or her own thoughts. Braeden slowly turned them so they headed toward the inn. “I don’t know about ye, lass, but my stomach could use some food.”
    “I agree. I could also use a cup of tea.”
    “Nay. A tankard of ale.”
    They grinned at each other as they made their way back to the inn.
    She was enjoying herself, and it troubled her. She found it very easy—much too easy—to talk to Braeden. The