Written in the Stars Read Online Free

deep breath. “Carlyle and
     I have a bond in both losing our mothers at too tender an age.”
    “There is more you need to know,” Alice insisted. “The duke did not seek another bride.
     Then in the plague epidemic of ’93, his old friend Sir George Douglas of Wyndham fell
     ill. He sent his daughter, Laurel, here for safety. The duke dispatched Charles Grey
     to Sir George’s side, yet he could not save him. But he bore back to the duke from
     Sir George a last letter requesting his old friend to marry his beloved Laurel. And
     he bequeathed to him monies and small parcels of land to the south.”
    Alice took a large gulp of air to continue. “They say Lady Laurel and her father often
     visited here and she had long held the duke in high admiration. All believe it is
     a gentle, caring match for them both.”
    Such compassion touched Elizabeth. Her eyes misted and she blinked to clear them.
     “I sense great kindness in the duke.”
    “His Grace is much beloved by all. As is that handsome captain of the guard. It is
     plain the blood of the duke runs in Will Grey. All know it is a great privilege and
     show of trust for the duke to bestow such a title upon him. There’s a story there
     but none seems to know the truth of it.” A determined gleam lit Alice’s dark eyes.
     “I shall unearth the truth before I return to Wharton Keep after your wedding.”
    “No!” Elizabeth rose, stricken by the sure sense it was a betrayal of her feelings
     toward Will to discuss his secrets.
    “No,” she said more gently, embracing Alice. “Do not waste your time here on others.
     Enjoy yourself. I know it was difficult for you to leave your life and family at Wharton
     Keep, even for so brief a time.”
    “Aye, I long to return to them all, yet it was Granny Cybil who told me it was my
     destiny to come with you. None argue with her.”
    Again, Alice’s sharp gaze traveled over Elizabeth’s hair, now held high by ribbons.
     Nodding, she gave one last tug on the folds of Elizabeth’s jade satin gown. “There
     now, you look more your beautiful self. I’ve been told you are to visit with Lady
     Laurel. Off with you. I shall make ready your bath and all you need for tonight’s
     festivities.”
    Feeling more settled with trusted Alice by her side, Elizabeth hurried along the cool
     corridor to Laurel’s chambers.
    She swayed to a halt, her heart thumping against her ribs, meeting Carlyle helping
     an elderly woman who carried a bouquet of yellow field flowers. She was dressed as
     a servant but the indulgence plain on Carlyle’s face proclaimed her much more.
    “Ah, Lady Elizabeth, you have caught us,” he said winsomely, slight color flushing
     his cheeks. “My old nurse, Florea, has picked these flowers for Laurel. Would you
     present the blossoms to her?”
    Bowing, Carlyle’s old nurse held the bouquet out. When Elizabeth took it she caught
     a milky glance from eyes no longer sharp to view the world around her.
    “Florea is a beautiful name. Made of flowers,” she said softly.
    “Ah, Elizabeth, you understand why my pet name for my nurse has indeed always been
     My Flower.”
    Florea’s pale lips twitched into the semblance of a smile.
    Witnessing Carlyle’s kindness to his old nurse—mirroring Elizabeth’s feelings toward
     her own Cybil—lessened her unease with him.
    Yet another bond I share with Carlyle.
    “Forgive me, Elizabeth,” he said, with apology in his eyes. “I must leave you to lead
     Florea back to her chamber.”
    She stepped aside, watching him gently guild his old nurse away.
    I must remember this kindness when I falter and think of naught but Will…
    Feminine laughter and tiny giggles coming from Laurel’s chamber brought Elizabeth
     back to this moment she had dreaded. Lifting her chin, she slowly entered the room
     which was hung with tapestries of gold and scarlet. Thick, ruby-colored carpets were
     strewn across the stone floor.
    Still in her black silk night robe, Laurel