Relaxing her muscles, he used the opportunity to spread her knees apart and enter her in one swift thrust. Her eyes jerked wide, and he rubbed the bare skin of her shoulders.
“’Tis sorry I am, lass. That couldn’t be helped.”
She smoothed the hair off his forehead, taking in several deep breaths. Soon her muscles relaxed and she said, “It was all right. It only hurt for a second. In fact, now it feels…rather nice.”
Gazing down at her, he braced himself on his elbows. She had still not caught her breath, and beads of perspiration dotted her forehead. She gazed at him, and his heart jumped. This seemed so right, having her beneath him. He would never grow tired of her or the pleasure he found in her arms.
He began the slow dance of lovers, flexing his hips and closing his eyes as he savored the feel of her warmth surrounding him. This was not like the mindless couplings he’d engaged in over the years. This was real, this felt like Sarah had claimed him completely. Mind, body, and soul. Having wanted her with such desire, he couldn’t restrain himself, and with one final thrust, he threw his head back and groaned as he poured his seed into her.
Careful not to crush her, he rolled to the side and pulled her close. The sound of their panting filled the air as his heart beat in rhythm with hers. Sarah wrapped her arm around his middle, snuggling close to his chest.
Braeden reached down and pulled the quilt up over them. “’Twill get cold in here verra soon, lass.”
She stared up at him and licked her dry lips. “That was wonderful.”
“Aye, I agree.” He looked down, her flushed face and shining eyes taunting him with things he hadn’t wanted for years. “’Tis glad I am ye think so, and honored to introduce ye to the pleasures of lovemaking.”
“Is that what we did? Lovemaking?”
What exactly is the lass asking me? And do I have an answer I’m willing to give?
Chapter Eleven
Braeden had been staring at a sleeping Sarah for over an hour. He really should awaken her, but she looked so peaceful in her sleep. Her childlike countenance belied the passion in the lass he’d uncovered the night before. He’d known there were many layers to Sarah, and he’d been fascinated to uncover a few.
Just as the scant sunlight hit her face, she winced, and her eyes fluttered open. She sucked in a deep breath, and he could tell when the memories from the night before flooded her.
“Good morning, darlin’.” Braeden pushed the hair out of her eyes and tucked it behind her ear.
“What have we done?” she whispered, fighting back tears.
“Ach, lass. Dinna fash yerself. ’Tis nothing wrong with what we’ve done.” Of course she had no way of knowing there was naught wrong. The time had definitely come to let her in on their little secret. But with her determination to not marry, he didn’t want to bring it up now and possibly cause a ruckus in their hosts’ home. Once they were on the road, he would explain it all to her.
He didn’t expect her to take the news well.
Her distress was understandable, since ladies of her station did not have sex with men to whom they were not married. Unless they were widows, or had indulgent husbands who looked the other way after an heir and a spare had been assured.
He would be no such husband.
“What I suggest we do is get dressed and be on our way. We are only several hours away from yer sister.”
She winced once more as she moved to get up.
“Are ye sore?”
The tears she’d been fighting fell, sliding down her cheeks as she nodded. “Just a bit.” Then she covered her face with her hands and sobbed. Braeden hopped off the bed and pulled on his drawers and breeches. If he attempted to soothe the lass he would blurt out what she’d done back at the inn, but he wanted her out of this cottage when that bit of news was revealed.
She needed warm water to ease the discomfort caused by the activity last night. It might even be painful for her to travel. At least today would not be a full day of riding.
“I will ask Mrs. Hanson for some warm water for ye. It will help ease the discomfort.”
She wiped her cheeks with the sheet and nodded. “Thank you.”
It unnerved him how important Sarah had become to him in such a short time. Whether because he knew she was his, or simply his attraction to her, he could not imagine the rest of his life without her. A complete turnabout from his plans up until about a week ago.
An hour later they were back on the road for the final leg of their journey. Sarah rode inside the carriage and he was on Niels. After the terrible weather yesterday, the new day was bright and sunny, the emerald green of the Highlands showing off its glory. He inhaled the air deeply, remembering, as always, how much he loved this land.
For just a moment he had a wisp of sadness at the thought of leaving Scotland behind for the two years of the expedition. He immediately shook off that feeling, since the expedition was more important to him than anything else in his life. He glanced at the vision of Sarah in the carriage attempting to read those blasted papers again. Maybe work was not the most important thing in his life anymore.
Pushing that thought aside, he reminded himself his work as a classical archeologist was how he identified himself. If that required him to live in places other than Scotland, then so be it.
What about my wife?
Dragging Sarah all over the globe for his work did present a problem. Then he excused his worry because ’twas her who had married them by declaring them thus in front of witnesses.
’Twas a problem he had been wrestling with as they grew closer to Bedlay Castle. Coward that he was, since they were so close to her sister, it seemed better to wait the extra hour or so to have Sarah with her sister when he lowered the boom.
Still deep in thought, he was startled to see Bedlay rise in front of them. They’d reached the end of their journey. Once again he glanced down at Sarah gazing out the carriage window. He waved at her and pointed. “We’re here, lass,” he mouthed.
She smiled brightly.
Aye, darlin’. We’re here and soon all hell will break loose.
Sarah was stunned at how much she would miss Braeden. In the short time she’d known him, he’d become someone she’d learned to depend upon. She would miss his lively banter, his caring, and the power of his touch. Although, given what they’d done the night before, she should be glad to see them part. She’d been praying all morning that no consequences would result from their improper behavior.
But miss him, she would. Perhaps while she was staying with her sister, they could visit back and forth. However, the letter he so desperately waited for could send him off to the expedition in Rome at any time. A disturbing thought.
For now she relegated all of that to the back of her mind. Soon she and her twin would be reunited and she practically hopped up and down on the carriage seat like a young girl.
Bedlay Castle came into view. It was much bigger than she’d thought. It still amazed her that Sybil lived in a castle. Like a fairytale—which Liam and Sybil’s story had been. He’d chased her all the way from Scotland to their home at Manchester Manor in the English countryside to convince her to marry him.
The carriage rolled to a stop and within seconds, Braeden was off his horse and helping her out of the vehicle. Her heart beat so fast in eagerness she actually felt dizzy. Finally, after all the mishaps, they were here.
“Sarah!” Sybil’s voice drew her attention to the front door of the castle. Her sister stood with a babe in her arms, which she handed to an older woman standing next to her holding another babe. Picking up her skirts, her sister raced toward the carriage.
Sarah was almost thrown off her feet when Sybil slammed into her and hugged her so tight she couldn’t breathe. Sybil pushed back, her hands anchored on Sarah’s shoulders. “Where in heaven’s name have you been? I’ve been worried sick.”
“It is such a long story. You won’t believe what we’ve been through.”
“We?” Syb
il just noticed Braeden standing behind her.
“Oh, Sybil. I’m sorry. This is Professor Braeden McKinnon.” She drew Braeden forward. “Braeden, this is my twin sister, Sybil.”
“Ach, lass, no one would have to tell me yer twins. If I wasn’t so sure I was sober, I would swear I was seeing double.”
“So the lass has finally arrived?” Liam strode up to the group. “Yer sister has been beside herself for days. ’Tis glad I am to see ye safe and sound.” He turned to his wife. “I told ye not to worry, that yer sister was fine.”
“Oh, you had no way of knowing that,” Sybil chided.
“Didn’t you receive a message that we were delayed?” Sarah asked.
Sybil shook her head.
Sarah turned to Braeden. “I told you that innkeeper wouldn’t send the message along.”
“Why are ye all standing about in the chilled air when we can be inside by the fireplace?” The older woman approached the group, the two sleeping babes still in her arms.
“Of course, Mum, we should all go inside. The sun will be gone in a little bit.” Sybil wrapped her arm around Sarah’s waist and propelled her forward. Liam took one of the babies from the older woman and led the group into the castle.
They proceeded down the corridor to a very warm, pleasant room. A fire burned brightly on the far wall in a huge stone fireplace. A chessboard was set up not too far away, with comfortable chairs and small tables scattered around the room. Two young girls advanced toward them, shy smiles on their faces.
“Let’s all sit down, and we can catch our breath. Mum, will you ring for tea for our company?” Sybil took the babe from the older woman’s arms. She looked at the baby and then up at her sister and burst into tears.
“Ach, lass. Ye surely have turned into a watering pot.” Liam sat next to her and juggled the baby in his arms so he could put his other arm around his wife’s shoulders.
“You look so much like Sybil,” the younger of the two girls said, her mouth agape as she stared at Sarah. Both girls and their mother had arranged themselves on a rose damask settee. Sybil and Liam sat side by side on another settee, each with a babe in their arms.
Sybil wiped her eyes on a handkerchief Liam handed her, then blew her nose. “All right. I feel better now. I think we should introduce everyone.
“Sarah, you know Liam. This is his mother, Lady MacBride, his sisters, Catriona and Alanna.” The older woman and two girls stood and dipped a slight curtsy.
“And here we have…” Sybil opened the blanket covering the baby she held. “Our daughter, Andrina.” Before Sarah could say anything, Sybil moved the blanket from the other baby’s face and said, “And our son, Donald.”
“Twins.” Sarah burst out laughing. “How wonderful.”
It had just occurred to her that all this time Braeden had remained silent. Of course, he was probably anxious to deposit her with her family and leave. She fought down the tears that threatened and looked over at him where he stood leaning against the door, his arms crossed.
“Liam, I would like to introduce you to Professor Braeden McKinnon.” She walked to where he stood and took his hand, bringing him closer to the gathering.
Liam’s head snapped up. “McKinnon, ye say?”
“Aye,” Braeden answered.
“Braeden?” Liam’s eyes narrowed. “Aren’t ye the genius lad?”
Braeden grinned. “I’m afraid ’tis me.”
Liam handed his son to Sybil and stood to shake Braeden’s hand. He turned to Sybil. “The lad here is cousin to Laird Duncan McKinnon.”
“Oh, how nice to meet you.” Sybil smiled at him. “My close friend, Lady Margaret, married your cousin about a year ago, now.”
“Yes, I ken. I was detained at university and couldn’t make the wedding.”
Liam slapped Braeden on the back. “So how is it ye arrived with Sarah?”
Sarah shook her head. “You would not believe all the trouble we’ve had.” She began counting off on her fingers. “First our carriage crashed, killing the driver and footman accompanying me.”
“Oh, no!” Sybil gasped. “Who?”
“Not one of ours. Drake hired them for the trip. It was very sad, though. I felt horrible.” She paused for a moment. “Then Braeden happened by and accompanied me and my lady’s maid, Alice, to a nearby inn.”
“That was verra nice of ye, lad.” Liam nodded his approval.
Sarah continued. “Braeden hired a new carriage and driver for us and we continued on. After only a day or so Alice became very ill with typhus.”
“My goodness, how awful for her. Is she recovered yet?” Sybil said.
“No. The healer who attended her said she needed to stay in bed for a couple of weeks. So Braeden and I continued on. I told Alice we would send a carriage back for her when we arrived here.”
Liam moved to a large wooden desk in the center of the room and leaned his hip against it, his arms crossed. “So just ye and the lad here traveled alone?” He gestured with his chin toward Braeden.
“Yes, but it turned out fine. Well, except when we were held up by highwaymen.”
Sybil’s eyes grew wide. “You certainly did have quite a troubled journey. Did anything else happen?”
“No, thank goodness. Aside from a cracked wheel that needed replacing and bad weather that forced us to stay with a lovely couple for the night, we finally made it here.”
“Ach, lass. Ye left out one important event on our trip.” Braeden sat alongside her and took her hand in his.
Sarah gave him a questioning look. “What?”
“We got married.”
Chapter Twelve
The silence from the group in the room was deafening. Sarah stared at Braeden openmouthed while he only grinned.
“My lady, here is your tea.” A tall, balding man entered the room, carrying a large tray with tea. Behind him followed an older woman with a younger girl, both of them carrying trays of sandwiches and cakes.
“Just put it over there, please,” Lady MacBride said, waving in the direction of a long, narrow table against the wall.
Once the door closed on the servants, Sarah yanked her hand from Braeden’s. “What are you talking about?”
He stood and paced, running his fingers through his hair. “Ye married us at the inn we stayed at that was crowded with the guests on their way to the wedding.”
“I did no such thing.” Her heart pounded as if it planned to jump from her throat and run around the room screaming and pulling its hair out. Married? Was he suffering from a brain fever?
Liam spoke from where he stood by the desk. “Lad, I think ye better explain yerself.”
Braeden took a deep breath. “When we arrived at the inn, ’twas crowded with travelers on the way to a wedding. There was only one room left. Sarah announced to the innkeeper and anyone nearby that one room would be fine because we were husband and wife.”
“You said that?” Sybil looked aghast.
“Well, something like it. The innkeeper assumed we were married, and I didn’t correct him. If we didn’t take the room we would have had nowhere to sleep. It was late, and the next inn was hours away.”
Braeden went down on one knee and took her hand. “Lass, according to Scottish law, if ye declare yerself married in front of two witnesses, ’tis a valid marriage.”
“That’s ridiculous. It can’t possibly be that easy to marry.” She pulled her hand away. “And it doesn’t matter, because I don’t know the innkeeper, and he would have no reason to remember me or what I said.”
“But the innkeeper kenned me. Do ye remember?” Braeden said. “Also the innkeeper referred to ye as my wife when I was speaking with a member of that wedding party who knows me and my family. And last night we stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Hanson in their cottage. We shared a bed, lass. ’Tis considered a consummated marriage.”
“Catriona and Alanna, leave the room,” Liam growled.
At the sound of their brother’s voice the girls hurried to the
door, giggling between them. “Mum, please take the bairns upstairs to their nurse. It appears we have something to settle here.”
Sarah was in shock. Married? No. It could not be that easy to marry someone. Furthermore, she had her life planned, and it did not include a husband. And most of all, not Braeden McKinnon who had plans of his own that would most definitely clash with hers. Perspiration dotted her forehead, while her hands felt clammy. Perhaps she was getting sick, after all.
“Lass, I think ye should put yer head between yer knees. Ye look pale,” Braeden said.
Liam moved to stand in front of Sarah and Braeden. “If ye declare yerself married and stayed together in a room, yer married, lass. That’s the way of it.”
“No.” Sarah hopped up. “I don’t want to be married. I am not married. I refuse to be married.” She plopped right back down when dizziness threatened to overcome her.
As if he sensed her delicate state, Braeden wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “We are married, Sarah, ’tis done and nothing can undo it.”
She rounded on him, her heart pounding. “It’s your fault. You should have stopped me when I told the innkeeper we were married.”
“Stop you? You kicked me when I asked ye to repeat yerself.”
“What sort of a man are you that a little bit of a kick would keep you from saving us from this disaster?”
“Disaster!” he growled. “Is that what ye think?”
“Well this is certainly not something you or I wanted.”
“Whether we wanted it or not, ’tis done!”
“By the saints!” Liam shouted. “Ye are both brawling like a couple of bairns.” He turned to Sarah. “I hate to come down so hard on ye, since we are barely acquainted, but not only are ye married, I will be bringing Father O’Reilly to Bedlay as soon as possible to bless the marriage.”
Sarah gaped at him. “What? Why would you do that?”
“Because I am yer laird and head of yer family here. Ye spent time alone on the road with McKinnon, and according to him, shared a bed. I have no interest to ken what happened in that bed, but ’tis enough for me to demand ye marry properly so there will be no doubt.”
The Highlander's Accidental Marriage (Marriage Mart Mayhem) Page 11