Read Online The Thornless Rose by Morgan O'Neill - Free Book Online

that won’t happen because I’m leaving. Please, enough of this, Grandma. May I make the call now?”
    “Yes, quite. You should go home. But, just in case, try on the cape. Indulge an old woman’s worries.”
    Resigned, Anne studied the garment. The deep, forest green of the fine wool was offset by the shimmering, dark rose hue of the silk lining. She swept it around her back, amazed by its weight as she brought it to settle on her shoulders. Across the front, heavy, black, brocade clasps held it together, while intricate embroidery in black silk thread traced a wide border around the ample hood and hemline.
    “Anne, remember the portraits at Hampton Court? You’ll need to have something close at hand if you do go vanishing on me, to cover your modern clothing. I’m sure Jonnie would have passed well enough—trousers are trousers, after all, although I’m sure his uniform looked quite out of place. But you mustn’t wear jeans, or anything short-short, until you’re back in Virginia. You’ll have to find something passably appropriate for the 1500s.”
    Another knock on the door. Trudy poked her head in, her gaze traveling to the cape. “Weel now, Anne, are ye goin’ t’ a masked ball, then?”
    “Trudy, Grandma doesn’t believe Dr. Brandon was murdered.”
    “Anne, please,” Catherine cautioned. She turned to Trudy. “What is it?”
    “I forgot t’ ask if ye minded if I hoovered this afternoon, Mrs. Howard. Will it disturb ye?”
    “It will not. Now, please, leave us.”
    “No, Grandma. She should stay. She deserves to hear this.” Anne saw Trudy’s questioning gaze. “My grandmother thinks Jonathan Brandon went back in time, and she thinks I’m going back, too.” There, she’d said it out loud. Now everyone would laugh at the absurdity of it all.
    “Christ defend us!” Trudy sank into the nearest chair.
    Her reaction made Anne feel queasy.
    Catherine sighed and left the room, muttering, “I can see that Mrs. Leach will need her own cup.”
    Ignoring her grandmother’s disapproval, Anne set the cape aside and sat on the sofa. She told Trudy what happened with the monks at Westminster Abbey and everything at Hampton Court.
    Still muttering, Catherine returned and poured Trudy some tea.
    “The veil between two worlds,” Trudy said after she took a gulp. “Aye, that would explain it. The Druids spoke o’ this in the olden days.”
    “Druids now?” Anne said, exasperated. “I’ve known you my whole life, and I know you love paranormal stuff, but come on. This is real life, my life. Don’t you understand why I’m upset? It’s like a death sentence. You’re both saying I could disappear forever!” She choked back a little sob. “I’ve got to leave London as soon as I can.”
    Catherine reached out to comfort her, but drew back when Anne shook her head and rose.
    Trudy clucked her tongue. “Aye, that would be for the best, Anne dear. Ye canna stay. All o’ England—and Scotland, too—are filled with places where the veil is thin, and the past and present come together.”
    Anne rolled her eyes and then picked up the phone. “I’m okay, really. I wish I could stay longer, but I can’t. I’m changing my flight and going home.”
    After several minutes of being put on hold and dealing with a grumpy airline agent, Anne put down the phone. “There’s nothing for four days,” she said.
    Trudy placed her teacup on the table. “That’ll work, dear. Just stay close t’ the new places. Keep yerself apart from the old an’ ghosty spots.”
    Anne gave an ironic laugh. “And that way I won’t time travel?”
    “Aye. The Druids worshiped at sacred springs and old groves ’round London. Those places are long gone, but many o’ the spots have churches on them now. Stay away from them, and ye’ll be fine.”
    “I didn’t see any Druids.”
    “The Druids had power, Anne, and it’s their places o’ worship that hold power still.”
    “This is insane,” Anne said.
    “I