Read Online Enduringly Yours by Olivia Stocum - Free Book Online Page A

see you.”
    “It is good to see you as well.”
    He gave her hand a squeeze before letting go.
    “How is it to be home?” she asked.
    “Well enough, I suppose.”
    “You suppose?”
    “Do you have any idea what it took for me to get a day away?” He bowed with a dramatic sweep of his hand. “The lord is in residence.” He straightened, sighing and brushing his hair out of his face. “Half the countryside is seeking an audience with me.”
    “I can imagine.” She nodded toward the field. “Do you know what this is about?”
    “Peter told me of his daring rescue yesterday.”
    “Aye, that. It was not so daring.”
    “I know.” He winked. “At dawn we received an invitation for an impromptu competition.”
    “Sir Gilburn means to assuage his pride, I think.”
    “I should say so. Peter could not be more satisfied with the misery it is causing him.”
    She scanned the field again, spotting Peter on his warhorse. The sight of him in full armor made her skin warm.
    “Any hope for something to drink?” John asked.
    “Of course.” She tore her gaze away. “There should be a cask out.” She found it by the pavilion, then filled a wooden mug and handed it over.
    “Thank you, my lady.”
    “Do me a favor and take Sir Gilburn for ransom. He is being an annoyance and could use the blow to his ego.”
    John lowered his mug. “More than an annoyance, I should think. But I dare not. Your cohort would like the privilege.”
    “My cohort.” She eyed John.
    “My brother, I meant.”
    “I knew what you meant, and I am not his cohort.”
    He smiled. “You always were before.”
    She felt her skin warm all over again, and shook her head, but John’s smile only widened into a crooked grin.
    “Do me a favor and marry him,” he said. “His chamber is next to mine and I do not sleep anymore.”
    Was she surrounded by matchmakers? “Perhaps you should move to another room.”
    His chin lifted. “I have occupied the same chamber since I was a boy.”
    “Then perhaps it is time you moved into the master bedchamber?”
    His face drained of color. Zipporah wanted to take back her words. Peter and John’s mother had passed away while they were at war. 
    “I’m sorry, John. Please forgive me.”
    “I know you did not mean it.” His tone of voice told her otherwise. He was hurt. Johnny always had been more sensitive than he let on to. “I am not ready to occupy my parents’ old chamber.”
    “Of course you aren’t.”
    He finished his ale and handed her the mug. “I told Peter he should duel Gilburn for you and be done with it.”
    “It is not that easy.”
    “Why isn’t it?” She knew John had a different way of viewing the obstacles of life—and it usually involved his sword. He rubbed his chin. “You aren’t interested in that fool Gilburn, are you?”
    “Of course not. I have to keep him happy though.”
    “Refuse his control. My brother can defend you from him.”
    “And my mother?”
    “Bring her too.”
    “Bring her?”
    “To Ravenmore.”
    “Oh, John . . .” His linear thinking could break a woman’s heart.
    “Do not cry about it.” He shifted, chainmail grating.
    “Thank you for your offer to shelter the both of us.” She pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve. The lack of sleep and food was getting to her, and now she was going to embarrass herself. “But my mother and I cannot leave my father.”
    “I understand. My offer stands, though.”
    “Thank you.”
    John glanced over his shoulder. She looked around him as Peter came under the pavilion; his helmet tucked under one arm. His hair was tied back. “Save your tears for him please,” John said.
    “Oh, do not worry. I soaked his tunic sleeve just yesterday.”
    Peter was an impressive sight in his armor. Dressed thusly, he always commanded attention. He smiled, then his expression changed when he got a closer look at her. “What is wrong?
    “Nothing.” Zipporah cleared the emotion from her throat and tucked her