The Bride Found by Tracey Jane Jackson Page B

but I had to make sure you were al right. I cannot apologize enough for what Richard did. If there was a way to take it back I would.”
    “Clayton. I’m fine. Please sit down.” Emma waved to the chair facing the sofa. “Did you get your brother to the jail?”
    Clayton took the seat and nodded. “Yes. I told Joe not to let him out or give him anything to drink. He’s not going to be happy, but there isn’t an alternative.” Clayton ran his hands through his hair. “Emma, I’m so sorry.”
    Emma sighed. “You have nothing to be sorry about. Real y.”
    Clayton smiled. “How is your ankle?”
    “It hurts, but I think I’l live.”

    Clayton rose to his feet. “I brought something that might help” He stepped out of the room briefly and returned carrying what looked like crutches. “I cut the bottoms off, so I hope they’l be the right height.”
    Emma pushed to her feet. “Oh, Clayton, this is so thoughtful.” She slid the crutches under her arms and tested them out. “They work great.”
    “That doesn’t mean you should be on your feet,” Clayton said as he helped her back into her chair. “But they’l at least give you some mobility.”
    “They are perfect. Thank you. Would you like to stay for a little while?”
    “It’s late, Emma. I should real y take my leave.”
    Emma frowned. “Oh. I’l walk you out.”
    “No, please don’t.” Clayton stood. “Would the afternoon be acceptable for our buggy ride tomorrow? Jamie and I are meeting in the morning.”
    Emma nodded. “Yes. Are you sure you’re stil up to it?”
    “Most definitely.” He grinned as he lifted her hand to his lips. “Why don’t I pick you up after lunch? Say, two?”
    “That’s fine.”

    He reached out and gently ran his finger down her cheek.
    “I’l see you tomorrow.”
    Emma shivered. “Good night.”

    * * *

    The next day, Emma woke up in agony. She could barely open her eyes and the nausea threatened her ability to breathe. She was in the middle of one of the worst migraines she could remember. Hearing a knock at the door, she groaned when Jamie poked his head in. “Squirt, it’s time to wake up.”
    “I need a bowl.”
    Jamie grabbed the bowl from under the pitcher and handed it to her. “Migraine?”
    “Bad migraine,” she grumbled.
    “Do you have anything for it in your purse?”
    “I have some of my migraine tabs in there somewhere, but I couldn’t tel you where.”
    “I’l find them.” Jamie rifled through her bag and found one of the foil packs. He handed it to her with a glass of water.

    “Thanks. I think I just need to sleep for a little while, okay?”
    “I’l let the staff know not to disturb you.”
    Emma took the medicine and gingerly lay back onto the pil ows. “Can you also let Clayton know I can’t go for a ride today?”
    “Sure.”
    “Thanks.” She pul ed her comforter up and over her head and sank into the mattress.

    * * *

    Jamie closed the door and went back to his bedroom to find Sophie sitting in the bed, reading a book. “Weren’t you on that page when I left?”
    Sophie slammed the book shut. “Don’t start. I’m bored Jamie. Bored! I cannot stand this another minute. Do you hear me? Not another minute.”
    “Ooh, the melodrama.” He kissed her cheek.
    “Did you wake Em?”
    Jamie shook his head. “She’s got a migraine, so she’s going back to sleep. It looks like a bad one.”
    “Oh, no. When do you have to meet Clayton?”
    He poured Sophie a glass of water and handed it to her.
    “He’l be here at nine.”
    “And how long wil you be gone?” Sophie asked, her voice lilting suspiciously.
    Jamie chuckled. “Don’t even think about it, baby. Betty and the rest of the household staff know you’re not to get out of bed, and you are most certainly not al owed to go out to the barn.” She threw the book at his head, but missed. Jamie bent to pick up the book with a grin. “Ten-Cow, is that a respectful way to treat a literary