My heart beats fast.

"Well, I think it is pretty much decided." Gemma spoke up, "Lara, and we would be travelling together in one carriage if it's alright with you."

One could blame it on her old thinking that a girl could not travel in a company of men but Gemma had done the work. By being the only elder present in the company she had effectively announced that she was not agreeing with anyone a fast travelling alone with the man.

"That would not be an issue," we heard someone and has turned around to see a woman younger than Gemma walking towards us and Lara moved towards her with a happy smile on her face. "But five of us cannot fit into a carriage comfortably so one would have to—"

"Ah!" Lara twisted her ankle on the stone embedded into the ground where Vaughn stood and immediately held her. "Mum!" She cried out.

Mum? That young woman was a mum?

"Are you alright?" I watched as Tristan marched towards his sister in a hurry and held her foot in his hands. "We must apply herbs on it otherwise it would pain you on the journey." His forehead creased in worry as he looked at her foot.

A tear slipped Lara's eyes as she looked at her mother. The woman patted her head and cooed, "It will be alright baby. In no time, I will be."

"Don't worry child. I have a small container of salve with me." Gemma patted her shoulder in comfort.

The woman looked up, "I think we need to start travelling. Four of us can easily fit in a carriage but," she looked at me, "I think you would have to sit with Tristan."

"What?" Why is she looking at me only?

"No," Gemma said her eyes glanced at me, "Layla is a young unmarried girl. She cannot be in a carriage alone with a man without supervision."

"Allan would be in charge of the horses and he would hear—"

"Miss, I meant adult supervision." Gemma cleared her point.

Lara sniffed and our attention went to her.

"Gemma," the woman held her daughter tighter, "you must understand that it is you who has the herbs and we need you with us, in the carriage. It comes to you to decide which one of your daughter's with be sitting with Tristan."

Gemma looked torn. She had taken responsibility for both Marilyn and me and she could not throw any of us into a problem.

"I'll go," I said before Merylin could. "I can ride in the same carriage as him if that is right with you." Earlier, it was Merylin who had struggled and now it should me.

"Well?" The woman probed, "I think our problem is solved then, is it not?" She looked hopeful.

Gemma nodded, her eyes at Lara who looked in pain. "Come on Child. I shall bring the herbs."

Vaughn who had first caught her picked her up again and I saw Tristan watching them with an averted eye. It seemed like he didn't want Vaughn to pick her but also could not object.

But was Vaughn not his friend?

Gemma had opened her bundle and took a small container from it. The smell of herbs immediately wafted in as it was opened.

She applied it right after they all sat inside and when it was all done, I heard him, "She has been treated. Let's get going on our journey."

He ignored to look at me and I felt my heartbeat fast as he held out his hand. "Come, Layla."