Written in the Stars Read Online Free PDF

disappointed?”
    Elizabeth shook her head. “You are indeed a master of the dance,” she said, speaking
     the truth.
    He laughed, torchlight in his dark eyes. “We shall discover your feelings after the
     lively galliard, which usually follows and complements the pavane.”
    Laurel clapped her hands. “The Lavolta!” she commanded.
    A breath of surprise whispered through the crowd.
    Flicking Elizabeth an amused glance, Carlyle leaned closer. “Our Laurel is in high
     spirits this night.”
    Truth to tell, Elizabeth felt a jolt of surprise at sweet Laurel commanding a dance
     that had never completely been dignified since good Queen Bess performed it with the
     Earl of Leicester years ago.
    The duke raised one eyebrow. “I grant you all indulgences. If you must perform the
     Lavolta, it needs be with the most accomplished dancer at court.”
    Elizabeth glimpsed the slightest hesitation before Laurel nodded. “You are right in
     all, my lord. My love of dance allows me to forgive your defection. Indeed, Carlyle
     is the finest dancer at court. Then who shall partner Lady Elizabeth?”
    “Will,” the duke commanded, motioning toward him.
    The world spun blackly around her as the gods mocked her.
    Hiding her trembling hands within the folds of her gown as she had done earlier in
     her storm of feelings about this night, these men, Elizabeth watched Will, his face
     utterly without expression, bow before the duke.
    “Your Grace, I obey you in all ways. Yet I fear my talent is not for dancing. Lady
     Elizabeth’s disappointment is assured.”
    Yes, Will, I pray you stop this madness! Why are the gods playing with us?
    Laughing, the duke clasped Will’s shoulder. “I fear for neither of you.” With a wave
     of his large hand, the music began.
    His eyes dark and his mouth a straight line, Carlyle gazed down at her. “I surrender
     you but this one time, Elizabeth,” he murmured before taking Laurel’s hand.
    With no excuse possible, Elizabeth stood before Will to begin the most suggestive
     of all court dances.
    Why have the gods decreed I shall soon be in his arms?
    The thought of how she might feel, how she might falter, drove the blood from her
     heart.
    Avoiding his eyes during the lively steps of the galliard, always the beginning of
     the Lavolta, gave her a moment to draw breath into her searing lungs.
    Then Will’s hand was on her back and she placed hers on his shoulder. They faced one
     another, both still refusing to make eye contact, as they turned slightly from side
     to side.
    The inevitable moment came as she knew it must. Breathless, she sprang into the air
     and Will caught her, lifting her slowly up his body.
    At last their eyes met and tears burned behind her lids.
    This is as close as we shall ever be.
    The feel of his hands on her body, his thigh against her thigh, made her softly sob
     with longing. She gasped, praying he had not heard.
    “Do not be afraid, Elizabeth.” His voice was strong, sure, and honeyed with kindness.
     “Here at Dunham Castle you will find friends who know your worth. Long have your loving
     ways to all at Wharton Keep been known to us.”
    Lost in the brilliance of his cornflower-blue gaze as he placed her gently back on
     the stone floor, she whispered the words beating in her heart and soul. “I wish you
     to be my friend, Will.”
    Mercifully, the dance separated them before he answered.
    She knew not how she made it back to the table on trembling limbs, nor how she continued
     to perform her duties. She knew only gratitude that Will sat too far away for her
     to gaze at him with confusion and this fearful longing she must conquer.
    The duke watched them all with the pride she’d often seen on her father’s face. “You
     are pleased with all you find at Dunham Castle, Lady Elizabeth?”
    Elizabeth thrust up her chin. “Yes, Your Grace. Very pleased indeed.”
    “We must afford Lady Elizabeth every desire of her heart.” Carlyle smiled as he turned
     her