Written in the Stars by Patricia Rosemoor, Sherrill Bodine Read Free Book Online

the maid away. Taking her place, Elizabeth held Laurel’s
     shoulders and head up so Will’s grandfather could slowly carefully spoon the thin
     liquid between her pale lips.
    “Yes. That shall do.” He sighed, placing the bottle back into his box. “Now we must
     let her rest.”
    His face ashen, the duke ran into the chamber and fell to his knees beside the bed.
     “Laurel, my dear. I am here with you.” He grasped one of her small hands between his
     wide palms.
    Torn between giving the duke and Laurel privacy and her burning desire to stay in
     this room to help in any way she could, Elizabeth waited for a sign to tell her what
     to do.
    She felt Will’s power and heat before he placed a goblet of wine on the table beside
     her.
    “Here, Elizabeth. Drink this for strength. You are pale and trembling. I sense you
     wish to stay.”
    “As you will stay,” she said softly, lifting the goblet still warm from his hands
     to her lips.
    Elizabeth ached at the firm set of Will’s jaw and the anguish in his eyes as he watched
     the duke bending his head over Laurel, kissing her bruised brow.
    “Yes,” Will said, “I will stay.”
    “Then we shall stay together.” Their eyes met and again she saw the forbidden desire
     which quickened her heart beat.
    Yes, Will. I too feel a need to steal these moments together which frightens us both.
    “Yes, Elizabeth, we will stay here together. For Laurel.”
    He took a stance before the door as if to fight off everything or anyone who might
     enter this safe, loving haven they were creating.
    His grandfather turned away from the bed. “Will, it shall be a long day and even longer
     night. You have other duties to perform for the duke.”
    His gaze sweeping over the room, lingering on her face, Will hesitated for three painful
     beats of her heart. She caught her breath when, with a curt nod, he turned, stalking
     out.
    “You must also take your leave, Lady Elizabeth.” Charles Grey lifted her hand, urging
     her from the chair.
    Shaking her head, she glanced at the duke kneeling beside the bed.
    “We will help both Laurel and his Grace by giving them privacy. Rest and return later
     with your strength and kindness.”
    Fatigue, fear, and confusion warring within her, Elizabeth gazed into Charles Grey’s
     eyes. His steadiness gave her strength and she nodded. “Yes. I understand what you
     need from me, and I shall do as you ask.”

Dunham Castle, 1601
    I have begun a journey beyond any I could have deemed possible.
    I am only now beginning to understand the power of my birthmark and what lives within
     me. My old nurse, Cybil, told me false. I must be a witch, for in my hands, my celestial
     girdle has the power to heal. Yet I am not all powerful, for I cannot awaken Laurel
     from her sleep.
    I pray to learn how to use these magical powers I have been given. And I yearn to
     understand how I can control my desires to be one with Will Grey instead of with my
     betrothed, Carlyle.
    I feel as if I am wandering through a waking nightmare where I do not know which way
     to turn to awaken. I pray soon the way shall become clear for all of us.

Chapter Four
    In silence, Alice helped Elizabeth bathe in scented water, gently washing away the
     blood and filth of her ill-fated ride. Nothing could cleanse her feverish thoughts.
    “What can I do to help you?” Alice asked quietly, her spirit seemingly subdued by
     the tragedy.
    “I don’t know what to do,” Elizabeth whispered, her gaze studying the celestial girdle
     and the mark of magic on her wrist.
    What powers do you possess which I must yet learn? How might I still help Laurel?
    “I know you wish Granny Cybil was here.” Alice sighed, her gaze on Elizabeth’s birthmark.
     “She has the eye to see what’s to be done. All I can do is make you ready for whatever
     might come and remind you that Granny Cybil says magic has its price.”
    Alice’s words ringing through her head, Elizabeth allowed her long hair to be