Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

Anna couldn’t believe her eyes. She was looking at another Hollywood hunk. He looked younger than John. He didn’t have the same worries etched across his face. She would’ve known them as brothers anywhere.

John sheathed his blades and went to his brother, who promptly punched him in the face. Knowing when to get out of the way, Anna sat on the edge of the table as John and his brother exchanged blows. Soon they were rolling around on the floor, cursing at each other. At least, she assumed they were cursing. The words sounded sort of like French. What was it with men and fighting? Maybe it was like women meeting and sizing up each other’s appearances.

John brushed the dust from his tunic, blood running down the side of his face. He held out a hand to his brother.

The guy slapped the proffered hand away. “I am not an infirm lad.”

He straightened his clothing and made her a bow.

“Who is this vision of loveliness? A fairy residing in this ruin? Seeing her in your ruin of a hall, I can almost forgive you for letting me think you dead these past ten years.”

Heaven help her. He was just as charming as John, if not more so. Though there was something to be said for a man who took his responsibilities seriously. Not that she was falling for John; it was just an observation. His brother looked like what her favorite Regency romance novels would call a rake.

“I’m Anna. Anna Waters.”

“Robert Thornton, at your service, lady.”

“I can tell you are brothers.”

“Yes. I am the more handsome one, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Whatever.” She laughed at the fake hurt look on Robert’s face. John took another swipe at his brother. Then his face turned serious.

“I am sorry, Rob. I wanted to keep all of you safe.”

“We will have time to talk later, brother. I am famished.”

“There likely isn’t enough for your enormous appetite.”

“Dolt.”

“Whoreson.” John waved a hand around the hall. “As you can see, there’s a great deal of work to be done.”

“’Tis fortunate I am here. Your lady and I would starve otherwise.” Robert winked at her and she grinned. He was trouble. “I have brought provisions.” Like a magician conjuring a rabbit out of a hat, Anna watched as people streamed through the doors.

“I have brought servants and food. And furniture.” Robert looked at his brother as if waiting for him to notice something.

Anna saw the moment it hit John. “My furnishings.”

“I cleared out Blackmoor after…” He tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. “I’m sorry I didn’t keep the place up.”

John clapped his brother on the back.

“Nay, Robert. I am grateful for all you have done. You should not have brought all this. I will not be here long enough. The king’s men will come. They will take me back to the tower. And then where will everyone go? ”

“You worry overmuch,” Robert said softly to his brother.

Anna wanted to leave the hall, leaving them to have a private conversation. She started to inch away but John turned that all-seeing gaze upon her.

“Anna, stay with us.”

Robert placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“It will not come to that, John. But if it should, everyone will come back with me. We have all agreed to keep your servants safe. What is family if not to help when there is need?”

“You were so young when our family lost everything. I will not have such a thing on my conscience again.”

“’Tis no longer your choice. We will aid you. The old king is dead. Letitia was a silly girl. Lord Denby is a bastard who will get what he deserves. The Thorntons stand together. Edward is seeking an audience with the king. He will ask him to pardon you.”

At this Robert grinned. “After all, he is the best of us all at keeping his temper.”

The love John and his brother had for one another…Anna yearned to know the feeling. The knowledge you had another in the world that cared for you. A brother or sister who would help you whenever you needed them.

As an only child, she longed for a big, boisterous family. Her first boyfriend after high school came from a family of six brothers. She stayed with him for too long because she loved his family—as it turned out, much more than she cared for him.

She leaned against the wall, sipping a cup of water, content to listen to them talk. Something Robert said made her pay attention.

“We have sent messengers across the land. They report seeing you in York. Others tell the king’s soldiers you were spotted in London, and others swear they spoke with you near the border of Scotland.” He grinned. “’Twas James’ idea.”

“He is aiding us?”

“Aye. As is William Brandon.”

John’s brother filled the room with his presence. She or John didn’t have a prayer of getting a word in. Robert practically hopped around the kitchen with glee. Anna couldn’t help smiling at the younger version of John. He must give the women around England fits.

“A small band of soldiers came to Falconburg. The Red Knight told them to do something I rather thought was impossible. He learned the saying from his wife, Melinda.”

Robert turned to Anna. “You remind me of her. Something about the way you speak.”

Weird. She didn’t think much of the comment until she saw the look on John’s face. He was as pale as the moon. Who on earth was Melinda? A spark of jealously flared. Anna hoped she wasn’t an old girlfriend. She didn’t want to interrupt, so as soon as she had John alone, she would ask.

“Do not forget, brother, we’re at war. The king is in need of gold and men. The years have been good to the Thorntons and to the bandit, from what I hear. We have plenty of both and would offer it gladly to keep you safe and back among us.”

John quickly wiped his sleeve across his eyes. “The servants are stirring up dust. I have a bit in my eye.”

Robert snorted. “As you will, brother.” He looked around the hall, hands on his hips. “Tomorrow we will drink and feast.”