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

reasoning. Now her intoxicating scent filled his senses and her strength, spirit,
     and kindness made him long for the impossible. He knew he needed to quicken his stride,
     needed to return her safely back to where she belonged, but he could not when she
     strolled so slowly, her eyes searching his face.
    “We are both bound by our honor. I wonder if there is not more to bind us all. Something
     more powerful.”
    At the door of her chamber she turned to him and slowly removed his cloak from her
     body. She held it out to him, but when he reached to take it, she held fast, staring
     into his eyes.
    “I will remain with Laurel throughout this night. Let us pray the dawn brings answers
     for us all.”
    Motionless, his cloak in his hands, he watched her close her chamber door.
    Love for family demanded he watch over Laurel. Honor demanded he resist his own desires.
    Yes, Elizabeth, I have seen what is more powerful than honor and it brought much heartache.
     I can and shall spare you such pain.
    …
    Elizabeth sat beside Laurel and, as Charles Grey had foretold, the night stretched
     long as they kept vigil in the quiet warm bedchamber.
    The candles had been replaced many times, as had the logs in the fireplace, when Will’s
     grandfather clasped the duke’s shoulder. “Laurel will awaken at dawn. Do not let her
     open her eyes upon your haggard face lest she worry. Rest. Word will be brought to
     you when all is well.”
    The two older men locked gazes. “Charles, you told me when you could not save our
     beloved Maude. And you spoke true when we lost Will’s bride. I believe you now, my
     old friend.”
    Charles Grey stroked Elizabeth’s hair. “You should also rest, child.”
    She smiled and shook her head.
    Not until Will rests.
    Charles Grey hesitated, as if to speak, before he looked to his grandson who was clasping
     the duke’s shoulder. “As Will is determined to stay.” He nodded. “Come, your Grace,
     a few hours of slumber will serve us both well.”
    Once the two men were gone, Will sent away the servant and turned to her.
    “Elizabeth, my grandfather is right. You should retire to your own chamber. Sleep
     and when you awaken, it shall be as my grandfather promised.”
    They were the first words he had spoken to her since their fraught walk back to her
     chamber and the strange occurrence in the courtyard when she realized she had not
     heard him call to her with her ears, but with her mind. Then, as now, it seemed as
     if the very air they breathed was alive with feeling.
    She clasped her arms around her body to stop shaking. “I shall rest when you do. I
     want to stay. Laurel is also my friend.”
    Please don’t make me leave you. I must soon enough. Let us have these few hours.
    As if he could hear her thoughts as she had his, his mouth curled slightly. “I understand.
     You have become dear to Laurel’s heart.”
    Cherishing these moments, she helped Will cradle Laurel higher on the pillows as he
     gently spooned more liquid between her lips and smoothed her fair hair back from her
     forehead.
    The faintest blush of dawn brought with it a strong, chilly breeze. Elizabeth shivered
     and again he gazed into her eyes. “Elizabeth, please rest.”
    Stubborn, determined to steal time, she shook her head. “I shall rest when you do,
     Will.”
    Their eyes met and here in this quiet, darkened room, where Fate had led them, Elizabeth
     did not need a sign to guide her. At last she knew what she must do.
    She slid closer to him on the edge of Laurel’s bed. “I know you are the duke’s son.
     Yet I also know there is more to your story. Laurel said you might one day share the
     truth.”
    Will glanced lovingly at Laurel and back to stare unflinchingly into Elizabeth’s eyes.
     “Even with so short an acquaintance, both my son and Laurel trust you. As I choose
     to do.”
    Barely breathing, Elizabeth was mesmerized by Will’s strong profile in the flickering
     flames from the deep