Written in the Stars by Patricia Rosemoor, Sherrill Bodine Page B
Authors: Patricia Rosemoor, Sherrill Bodine
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Elizabeth’s spell.” Carlyle laughed. “I am forced
to share much with you, brother. Not her. I have special plans for the beautiful Elizabeth.”
Although Will had always held his suspicions close and mourned the loss of the bond
he had once shared with Carlyle, the time had come when he could no longer ignore
the festerings of jealousy and cruelty which lured beneath his brother’s charming
exterior. Now finely attuned to Elizabeth with a fierce desire to protect her, he
could no longer silence his fears or assuage his guilt that he had played a part in
placing her in possible danger.
“Carlyle, there are rumors stirring of dark practices in the area. An altar has been
discovered with evidence of sacrifices. If true, it could harm us all at Dunham Castle.
I will not allow those I love to be placed in danger.”
Carlyle’s eyes widened and his mouth twisted in a smirk of contempt. “Do you believe
I have knowledge of such a place or of those who worship the old gods? Big brother,
you have always been too full of pride and love of our father to tell him or others
of my boyhood fascination with the old ways. Why would you now speak of it to me?
As before, we both know you would never betray your blood.”
Will did not stop Carlyle from walking away nor did he warn him.
Do not give me reason to betray my blood, brother. For I swear to protect Elizabeth
I shall defy all in my way.
Even his own blood.
Dunham Castle, 1601
Here in my new home, my world continues to take on new shape, new color, filling me
with emotions I can no longer contain. I am confused and frightened by the power my
golden celestial girdle granted me to heal Laurel’s wound. I know my gift is not all
powerful, but what can be its scope? And what might be its price? How may it help
me reach my heart’s desire with Will?
His grandfather is the one who caused Laurel to awaken, recovered except for a weakness
in her limbs. Even this Charles promises to mend.
In the long, dark hours, as Will and I sat beside Laurel’s bed, my world changed forever
when he told me his true story.
Told me of the great love his mother Maude—Charles Grey’s only child—and the duke
pledged before God.
Told me of the tragedy of pride and duty which kept them apart yet never destroyed
their love for one another.
In the eyes of God, then, Will is the duke’s firstborn son. In my heart and soul I
know I belong with Will.
Yet, in our world, it is Carlyle to whom I am betrothed.
Is it my destiny to right this injustice?
Do I follow my heart which yearns for Will in all ways a woman can love?
Or do I honor my father, the pride in his bloodline, and perform my duty as I have
promised? I confess to you that I begin to dare to defy the teachings of my lifetime
to carve out my own destiny.
In this, you shall judge me.
Chapter Five
The following two days, Will dutifully supported his father and attended Laurel in
her chambers when she wanted him by her side.
And always beside her sat Elizabeth.
Elizabeth with the silky hair which always invited his touch. Elizabeth with the green
eyes which seemed to look through his flesh and bones into his heart. Elizabeth, whose
scent intoxicated the air he breathed.
Anguish grew with every moment when Carlyle made his daily visit and stood too close
to Elizabeth, touching her.
Then Will would leave, driven by his desire to challenge his own brother. To challenge
the dictates of his own conscience and his very honor.
On the third day, he entered Laurel’s chamber to find her standing on her feet, supported
by Elizabeth, her nightgown hanging in spreading folds to the ground. Squinting, his
grandfather nodded. “Yes, my salve is helping.”
“Look, Will! I showed my lord but an hour past. Now I must show you. Your grandfather’s
magic has brought life back to my numb legs.” Tears in her eyes, Laurel gently eased
away from Elizabeth and took three
to share much with you, brother. Not her. I have special plans for the beautiful Elizabeth.”
Although Will had always held his suspicions close and mourned the loss of the bond
he had once shared with Carlyle, the time had come when he could no longer ignore
the festerings of jealousy and cruelty which lured beneath his brother’s charming
exterior. Now finely attuned to Elizabeth with a fierce desire to protect her, he
could no longer silence his fears or assuage his guilt that he had played a part in
placing her in possible danger.
“Carlyle, there are rumors stirring of dark practices in the area. An altar has been
discovered with evidence of sacrifices. If true, it could harm us all at Dunham Castle.
I will not allow those I love to be placed in danger.”
Carlyle’s eyes widened and his mouth twisted in a smirk of contempt. “Do you believe
I have knowledge of such a place or of those who worship the old gods? Big brother,
you have always been too full of pride and love of our father to tell him or others
of my boyhood fascination with the old ways. Why would you now speak of it to me?
As before, we both know you would never betray your blood.”
Will did not stop Carlyle from walking away nor did he warn him.
Do not give me reason to betray my blood, brother. For I swear to protect Elizabeth
I shall defy all in my way.
Even his own blood.
Dunham Castle, 1601
Here in my new home, my world continues to take on new shape, new color, filling me
with emotions I can no longer contain. I am confused and frightened by the power my
golden celestial girdle granted me to heal Laurel’s wound. I know my gift is not all
powerful, but what can be its scope? And what might be its price? How may it help
me reach my heart’s desire with Will?
His grandfather is the one who caused Laurel to awaken, recovered except for a weakness
in her limbs. Even this Charles promises to mend.
In the long, dark hours, as Will and I sat beside Laurel’s bed, my world changed forever
when he told me his true story.
Told me of the great love his mother Maude—Charles Grey’s only child—and the duke
pledged before God.
Told me of the tragedy of pride and duty which kept them apart yet never destroyed
their love for one another.
In the eyes of God, then, Will is the duke’s firstborn son. In my heart and soul I
know I belong with Will.
Yet, in our world, it is Carlyle to whom I am betrothed.
Is it my destiny to right this injustice?
Do I follow my heart which yearns for Will in all ways a woman can love?
Or do I honor my father, the pride in his bloodline, and perform my duty as I have
promised? I confess to you that I begin to dare to defy the teachings of my lifetime
to carve out my own destiny.
In this, you shall judge me.
Chapter Five
The following two days, Will dutifully supported his father and attended Laurel in
her chambers when she wanted him by her side.
And always beside her sat Elizabeth.
Elizabeth with the silky hair which always invited his touch. Elizabeth with the green
eyes which seemed to look through his flesh and bones into his heart. Elizabeth, whose
scent intoxicated the air he breathed.
Anguish grew with every moment when Carlyle made his daily visit and stood too close
to Elizabeth, touching her.
Then Will would leave, driven by his desire to challenge his own brother. To challenge
the dictates of his own conscience and his very honor.
On the third day, he entered Laurel’s chamber to find her standing on her feet, supported
by Elizabeth, her nightgown hanging in spreading folds to the ground. Squinting, his
grandfather nodded. “Yes, my salve is helping.”
“Look, Will! I showed my lord but an hour past. Now I must show you. Your grandfather’s
magic has brought life back to my numb legs.” Tears in her eyes, Laurel gently eased
away from Elizabeth and took three
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