Forever Knight: Thornton Brothers Time Travel (A Thornton Brothers Time Travel Romance Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

healer.”
    He inclined his head to her. “I will send men to escort you home. They will wait while you pack and bring you back here.” He let out a breath. “With Connor here, ’tis not safe for any of us. If you prefer to wait until he is gone…”
    “Nay, Robert Thornton. There will be interesting doings here at Highworth. I would not miss them.”
    “You are under my protection, such as it may be, Mistress Adeline.” Watching her go, Robert thought about her words. There was always a war. What difference did it make if it was a year or a hundred years? He no longer cared. And if things got any more interesting, he’d take to his bed with a cask and not come forth until spring.
    Janet tried to force the healer’s brew down Connor’s throat. He knocked the cup away and mumbled in his sleep. The young girl looked ready to weep.
    “I will hold him down whilst you make him drink.” Robert caught a whiff of the brew and wrinkled his nose. “Smells foul.”
    The young girl pointed to Connor’s mouth.  
    “Aye. He’ll drink.” Robert took hold of the Scot’s shoulders, holding him firm while the girl tilted his head up, pouring the brew down his throat. Robert pinched Connor’s nose closed, forcing him to swallow.
    After dinner, a messenger appeared in the hall with a missive from Robert’s brother, Edward.
    “Show him to the kitchens and see that he is fed.” A servant led the messenger away. Robert would compose a reply and send the man back with it in the morn.
    Rabbie trailed along behind him. “What does it say? Are your brothers coming to visit? I should like to see John.”
    “You have an unhealthy curiosity for a lad.” Robert made his way to his solar, the boy on his heels. As he entered, Robert turned. “You might as well come in or you’ll plague me the rest of the day, won’t you?”
    Rabbie’s face brightened. “Aye, my lord.”
    Robert read through the letter. He scratched out a reply informing Edward he had friends arriving who would remain for a sen’night. Then Robert told him he needs repair his hall and one of the chambers, so he had no time to see to his brothers, nor did he wish them to eat through his meager larder. Would it be enough to keep them away?
    He added a line saying he would make the journey once the repairs were done. Avail himself of Edward’s hospitality. Visit each brother and enjoy their fine wenches. Once Connor was gone, it would be safe for his family to visit, but not until then.
    It was bad enough his friends were arriving. He could not send them back at this late notice; there would be too many questions. Suspicions raised. One of the men arriving, Lord Radford, spent a great deal of time at court and was a terrible gossip. ’Twas all Robert needed. He knew the risk was great, but he saw no other way.
    The boy fidgeted, wandering around the room. Robert sealed the letter with his ring and handed it to the boy. “Take this to the messenger.”
    The boy’s face fell and Robert suppressed a chuckle. “Nay, they are not coming to visit until the repairs are complete. We have other guests, remember?”
    The boy grimaced, “One of them lords was sniffing around Joan.”
    Robert arched a brow, waiting.
    “Joan works in the laundry. I’m going to marry her in a few years.”
    Everyone was interested in getting married. Everyone but Robert.

Chapter Seven

    The next two weeks passed in a blur as Elizabeth worked overtime to finish up odds and ends and train her replacement at work. Before she knew it, she was packed and driving Lulabell and the camper to Darla’s horse farm. Sunshine would be there as well. So her last few days in the States would be spent with her best friends.  
    Darla’s husband already had the horses saddled when Elizabeth woke the next morning. After a big breakfast, the three of them headed out for a morning ride. The smell of hot chocolate filled the wintry air. Elizabeth’s horse was chestnut brown with a white spot on his