So I went through whiterun, got who I believe was lydia? She only survived about 10 minutes, lost my horse in the same fight (best 1000 gold I ever spent, ha) and now every time I want to get a new companion like the bare knuckle brawling lady in whiterun she says i've already got someone with me.

What am I missing? Did I do something wrong? Is it a known giltch?

Any help would be appreciated, I need the carrying capacity, I left about 3000 gold worth of trinkets in Mulfzt and want to go back for it.

Thanks and happy questing.